Aquamarine, with its captivating sea-blue hue, is a gemstone that evokes the serene beauty of the ocean. Its name, derived from the Latin words for water (“aqua”) and sea (“marina”), hints at its shimmering allure. However, even the most stunning aquamarine needs proper care and handling to maintain its sparkle. In this article, we’ll explore the properties of aquamarine, and provide you with detailed, easy-to-follow steps to ensure your aquamarine jewelry shines brilliantly.
Understanding Aquamarine: The Basics
What is Aquamarine?
Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl, which also includes emerald and morganite. Its beautiful blue to blue-green color is due to the presence of iron within the beryl structure. The most prized aquamarine stones are those with a deep blue hue, though lighter shades are also highly valued.
Physical Properties
Aquamarine ranks between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it durable enough for daily wear yet susceptible to scratching by harder materials. Its relatively good hardness means it can retain its polish well, but it still requires careful handling to maintain its luster.
Optical Properties
Aquamarine is pleochroic, meaning it can show different colors when viewed from different angles. This quality can enhance its sparkle, especially when cut properly. The gemstone is typically transparent, allowing light to pass through and create a captivating play of light within the stone.
Keeping Your Aquamarine Clean
Regular Cleaning Routine
Regular cleaning is crucial to maintain the sparkle of your aquamarine. Over time, dirt, oils, and other residues can dull its appearance.
Mild Soap and Water: The safest way to clean aquamarine is with mild soap and lukewarm water. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the stone, paying attention to the setting and any crevices where dirt may accumulate.
Rinse Thoroughly: Ensure all soap is rinsed away with clean water. Soap residue can cause a film on the gemstone, diminishing its brilliance.
Dry Carefully: Pat the jewelry dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using paper towels or tissues as they can scratch the surface.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals can damage aquamarine. Avoid using household cleaners, bleach, or acetone, which can cause irreversible harm to the stone and its setting.
Enhancing the Sparkle
Professional Cleaning
For a deeper clean, consider having your aquamarine professionally cleaned. Jewelers use ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners that can remove stubborn dirt and residues more effectively than home methods. However, this should be done sparingly, as frequent ultrasonic cleaning can loosen the setting.
Polishing
Polishing is an excellent way to restore the shine of aquamarine. A jeweler can re-polish the surface of the stone, removing minor scratches and enhancing its brilliance. Polishing should be done by a professional to avoid damage.
Protecting Your Aquamarine
Proper Storage
How you store your aquamarine jewelry can significantly impact its longevity and sparkle.
Separate Storage: Store aquamarine separately from other jewelry pieces to prevent scratching. Use a soft cloth pouch or a lined jewelry box with individual compartments.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade the color of aquamarine. Store it in a cool, dark place to preserve its vibrant hue.
Care During Wear
While aquamarine is relatively durable, certain activities can still pose a risk.
Remove During Physical Activities: Take off your aquamarine jewelry when engaging in physical activities like gardening, cleaning, or exercising. These activities can expose the stone to knocks and harsh conditions that could scratch or damage it.
Avoid Exposure to Heat: High temperatures can affect the color and clarity of aquamarine. Avoid wearing your jewelry in environments where it could be exposed to excessive heat.
Choosing the Right Setting
Settings to Enhance Sparkle
The setting of your aquamarine can greatly influence its sparkle. Certain settings allow more light to enter the stone, enhancing its brilliance.
Prong Setting: A prong setting elevates the stone, allowing maximum light to pass through. This setting is excellent for showcasing the sparkle of aquamarine.
Bezel Setting: While a bezel setting offers more protection by encircling the stone, it can limit light entry. However, a well-designed bezel can still highlight the gem’s beauty while offering added security.
Consider the Metal
The metal used in the setting can also affect the overall appearance of the aquamarine.
White Metals: Platinum or white gold can enhance the cool tones of aquamarine, making it appear more brilliant.
Yellow Gold: Yellow gold offers a striking contrast, highlighting the blue tones of the stone. It can give a warmer, more vintage look.
Enhancing Sparkle Through Cut
Importance of the Cut
The cut of an aquamarine significantly influences its sparkle. A well-cut aquamarine will reflect light beautifully, enhancing its natural brilliance.
Faceted Cuts: Faceted cuts, such as the emerald cut or round cut, are popular for aquamarine. These cuts have multiple facets that reflect light, creating a dazzling sparkle.
Step Cuts: Step cuts, like the emerald cut, have larger, more geometric facets. While they may not sparkle as intensely as brilliant cuts, they offer a sophisticated, elegant look that enhances the stone’s clarity.
Custom Cutting
For an aquamarine that truly stands out, consider a custom cut. A skilled gem cutter can tailor the cut to the specific characteristics of your stone, maximizing its sparkle and unique beauty.
Understanding Treatments and Enhancements
Heat Treatment
Most aquamarines on the market are heat-treated to enhance their color. This treatment is stable and permanent, improving the stone’s appearance without compromising its integrity.
Irradiation
In some cases, aquamarine may be irradiated to achieve a more intense blue color. This treatment is less common and should be disclosed by the seller.
Synthetic Aquamarine
Synthetic aquamarine, created in a lab, offers a cost-effective alternative to natural stones. While they share the same chemical composition, synthetic stones may lack the unique inclusions and character of natural aquamarine. However, they can still be a beautiful, sparkling choice for jewelry.
See Also: Is There Fake Aquamarine?
The Role of Light
Natural vs. Artificial Light
The type of light can affect how your aquamarine appears. Natural daylight brings out the true color and sparkle of the stone, while artificial light can sometimes make it look dull.
Natural Light: Whenever possible, view your aquamarine in natural light to appreciate its full beauty.
Artificial Light: Use LED lights with a color temperature close to daylight to best showcase your aquamarine indoors.
The Psychological Impact of Sparkling Aquamarine
Emotional Connection
The sparkle of aquamarine not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also has a psychological impact. The serene blue color is associated with tranquility, calmness, and clarity, often evoking a sense of peace and relaxation.
Symbolism
Aquamarine is often associated with the ocean, symbolizing purity, courage, and communication. Its sparkle can remind the wearer of the shimmering sea, providing a connection to nature and a sense of calm.
Conclusion
Aquamarine’s allure lies in its serene blue color and captivating sparkle. By understanding its properties and following proper care techniques, you can ensure that your aquamarine jewelry continues to dazzle for years to come. Regular cleaning, careful handling, and choosing the right setting and lighting can all contribute to maintaining and enhancing the sparkle of this beautiful gemstone. Whether worn daily or reserved for special occasions, a well-cared-for aquamarine will always shine brightly, bringing a touch of oceanic beauty to any collection.
