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Aquamarine jewelry buying guide @ Jewel Info 4 U
By: Theresa Smith
Aquamarine Jewelry - Few facts
Aquamarine - the very name of this
popular gemstone evokes mental
images of the ocean's splendor and
vitality. This gem - composed of the
mineral beryllium aluminum silicate
- is pale greenish blue in color. It
is said to have mystical powers and
healing properties hence it being
regarded as the universal symbol of
youth, hope and health. While stones
come in a range of colors the ideal
color of Aquamarine is a refreshing
pastel sea blue.
Color:
 Stones with a clear blue color -
without green or gray - are
generally the most valuable. Though
almost all gemstones contain some
degree of blemishes, the highest
quality Aquamarine is transparent,
with no internal flaws or external
imperfections. Aquamarine is a hard
durable stone (7.5 to 8), which
makes it a good choice for jewelry
that is worn frequently like rings;
and is readily available in larger
sizes. It is especially dramatic
when cut in a rectangular or oval
shape, with facets, many angled
sides or cut as a cabochon - a
smooth dome without facets.
Cut:
A good cut displays an Aquamarine's
depth of color and liveliness while
revealing the fewest imperfections.
Aquamarine is found mainly in
Brazil, Nigeria, Zambia, Madagascar
and Ukraine. Focus on the details
Apart from reading as much about
Aquamarine jewelry as you can, you
should also take every opportunity
to handle good jewelry. Knowing what
to look for when buying Aquamarine
jewelry will ensure that your money
is well spent. Examine the work of
well-known jewelry-craftsman and
study the different designs.
Cultivate an expert eye by examining
the piece from every perspective.
Focus on the details such as the
overall finish; check the quality of
the stones and whether the stones
have been set straight.
Damages:
Does the piece show signs that it
has been damaged or repaired? Are
the gemstones clean and free of
scratches? Closely examine the color
of the Aquamarine gemstones and the
carat weight, which are key
determining factors in assessing the
value of the piece. Be especially
critical when studying the design of
the item. Ask questions like whether
the style can be attributed to the
period in which it was made, is the
design balanced and proportioned,
does it have eye appeal; and is it
wearable? It may be beneficial to
acquire some background knowledge
from books to identify typical style
trademarks, for example, Art
Nouveau.
It is also a good idea to wear the
piece of jewelry before buying it to
ensure it hangs right and is
comfortable to wear. Bear in mind
the 'demand value' of a jewelry
piece if you are a collector. While
identifying a piece that is highly
sought or rare certainly affects its
value, it is wise to be thoroughly
acquainted with the market before
investing in unusual jewelry pieces.
Though the size of Aquamarine
jewelry is dictated by fashion
trends, collectors generally favor
larger items. Albeit, buyer
guidelines should at times be
dismissed in favor of purchasing
jewelry purely because the piece
appeals to personal taste and
passion.
Aquamarine jewelry caring tips:
To protect Aquamarine jewelry from
damage and the risk of it losing
color if left in direct sunlight, it
is essential that the gemstone be
cleaned at regular intervals and
stored safely in a dark place when
not worn. The clarity of the stone
is maintained by immersing it in
ultrasonic jewelry cleaner or
lukewarm soapy water and cleaned
with a soft bristle brush. Special
care should be taken not to subject
the jewelry to extreme temperature
changes, or situation where it can
get scratched or knocked. Storage in
a jewelry case is recommended.
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