Oval Aquamarine
US $.99
Aquamarine drives its name from the Latin term sea-water and one look at this elegant gem's blue hues explains why.
According to legend, Aquamarine was the treasure of mermaids and had the power to keep sailors safe at sea. It was also thought to possess a number of other mystical properties, including the ability to help couples smooth out their differences; protect against he wiles of the devil; cure headaches, insomnia and other ailments; quicken the intellect; and attract new friends. It is the symbol for youth, hope, health and fidelity.
Aquamarine is found in a range of blue shades, from pale pastel to greenish blue to deep blue. Deeper colors are unusual in smaller sizes; generally, it takes a larger stone to hold a darker shade. The most prized Aquamarines are those displaying a deeper, pure blue, with no green tints. These are rarer and therefore more valuable. But if you prefer those with a greenish hue, you should be able to get them for a bargain price.
Like with any gem that is pale, Aquamarines should be "eye clean", no inclusion visible to the naked eye, since internal flaws are more noticeable in a pastel stone. This shouldn't be much of a problem, unlike its emerald sister, Aquamarine is known for being relatively free of inclusions. This is why Aquamarines are frequently cut with large step facets to show off their flawless surfaces. The most popular cuts for Aquamarine are oval and Emerald.
Settings for Aquamarine can also safely expose more of the gemstone than is possible with Emerald. Aquamarine's tendency toward having few inclusions makes it less susceptible to nicks or cracks than many other gems. With an 8 ranking on the Mohs hardness scale, the stone is very durable and can stand up to everyday wear. Its clear, pale brilliance makes it an appropriate stone for all types of jewelry, and it combines well with all jewelry metals and is flattering to most skin tones.
Aquamarine is commonly heat treated to permanently remove green overtones. Unlike its sister stone the Emerald, Aquamarine generally is not plagued by surface fractures, which means the stone is not usually treated with filters, resin or oils. Even so, avoid mechanical cleaners. To clean Aquamarine, use warm soapy water.
The largest known Aquamarine is 243 pound stone found in Brazil in 1920. It was cut into many smaller stones and a 13 pond uncut piece resides in the American Museum of Natural History. Another noted Aquamarine is an 879.5 carats flawless, step-cut, sea green stone on display in the British Museum of Natural History.
|
|
Kenroy Homes Alexis Table Lamp with Aquamarine Finish and a White Oval Shade $172.00 "For over 50 years, the Kenroy brand has been synonymous with refined design, quality and value. Kenroy Home design and lighting professionals seek regional and global inspiration, as a prelude to the creation of innovative and custom product ideas that enhance your environment.Look to Kenroy Home for the finest in décor, performance and value. We hope that you'll enjoy reviewing our proven produ... |
|
|
Neuville Multi-crystal Pearl - Cubitas Avignon Collection (Made in France, Swarovski Crystals) $34.00 Give your hair a toss with this open and airy ponytail holder of glittering Swarovski crystals. Encrusted into the ivory-lattice finish, nearly 150 jewel-colored crystals resembling rubies, aquamarine, peridot and more work their way all over this little gem of a ponytail holder. Many more tiny silvery studs are dappled about to capture and reflect light. Attached to the oval base, a cushy, thick ... |
Tagged with: aquamarine • earrings • jewelry • oval • oval aquamarine • ring
Filed under: aquamarine
Leave a Reply