THE COMPOSITION:
Aquamarine belongs to the Beryl family. This is the same group that
provides us with Emerald, Golden Beryl, Morganite & Goshenite.
The rough is usually formed in prismatic elongated crystals often
etched or striated. For this reason, the larger the gemstone, the
more likely it will not be calibrated. Rather the piece will tend to
be elongated or, in the case of rounds, much more costly if over 8 mm.
Greenish aquamarines are due to iron. But they lose their green tones
when the iron (yellow color bearing) is burned out. Blue aquamarines
owe they're color to heat treatment of green aquamarine. Therefore,
most Aquamarines have been heat treated. If your customer should
happen to bring up the subject of treatment you can point out the
great advantage of the treatment. That is, there are gas bubbles in
some natural rough that later may explode at temperatures as low as
100 degree F. Thus, an untreated Aqua may later develop an inclusion
from exposure to heat, such as steam cleaning. However, any heat
treated rough with inclusions will have exploded and been discarded.
The end result of what you are showing your customer is a beautiful
blue, durable, gemstone suitable for everyday wear.
THE LORE:
It is axiomatic, that the longer a mineral is known, the greater
number of names it accumulates. Beryl (pronounced barrel) is one of
the oldest known minerals, and over several thousands of years it has
accumulated an enormous number of terms. However, the term Aquamarine
seems to be a relatively modern invention. While authors describe
this variety of gemstone, the specific term apparently was first used
in an important gemological work by Boetius de Boodt in his Gemmarum
et Lapidum Historia. (1647). After this appearance it quickly
established itself as an accepted varietal name.
Aquamarine through the ages has thought to confer dignity, be
symbolic of charity and purity, improve memory, impart wealth,
protect against dangers and illness while at sea, avert ambushes,
cure shortness of breath, and many other advantages. It also became
an appropriate morning gift from a bridegroom to his bride on the day
after their wedding. If held in the mouth it enables one to call upon
any elemental power and receive satisfaction for any question asked.
How to Care for Aquamarine:
The best way to clean your aquamarine jewelry is with plain, warm
soapy water (using mild liquid soap) and an old tooth brush. Once you
have washed the stone, make sure you rinse it off well with plain
water. Be careful to use warm water instead of hot water, to reduce
the dangers of thermal shock. Enzyme cleaners and detergent should be
avoided for they can cause allergic reactions. It is also not
advisable to clean aquamarine in an ultrasonic tank. Avoid sudden
temperature changes, steaming, and contact with cosmetics, hairspray,
perfume or household chemicals.
