What Are the Different Shades of Aquamarine?

THE BASICS --

A stunning and ethereal gem, thoughts of aquamarine immediately evoke images of a light blue, watery shade. This jewel, however, has much more color variation than many people realize. Which of aquamarine’s luxurious shades will appeal to you most and will best match your personal style?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• How Aquamarine Gets its Color
• Colors of Aquamarines
• Ocean Blue
• Green-Blue
• Light-Blue
• Hints of Yellow
• Symbolism of Aquamarine Colors
• Your Perfect Shade of Aquamarine

How Aquamarine Gets Its Color

Aquamarine is a distinctive type of the mineral beryl, the same crystalline structure that creates emeralds and can also be found in red, gold, and pink shades. The gems called “aquamarine” however are uniquely light blue. The coloration comes from iron ions in the hexagonal crystal structure, and the more of those irons there are, the deeper and richer the color. Because of this, darker shades are rarer and considered more valuable.

The stone’s color is also a transparent shade, permitting light refraction and sparkle, rather than opaque shades that would block that internal fire. A high-quality stone will have exceptional glitter, without internal inclusions that would dull the overall brightness of the gem.

The name aquamarine is derived from Latin and literally translates as “water of the sea” – the perfect name for these refreshing stones and their liquid beauty.

Colors of Aquamarine

The different hues of aquamarine are all cool, refreshing tones that compare to different bodies of water, from the light, happy sparkle of a brook to blue-green ocean shallows to the richer shades of deeper reservoirs. Different aquamarine colors are also mined in different places.

1. Ocean Blue

The deepest, riches blues – reminiscent of the slow, ponderous depths of the most isolated ocean waters – are found in Brazil, Nigeria, and Madagascar. These captivating stones are highly prized for their intense blue color and exceptional clarity.

2. Green-Blue

Green-blue shades, on the other hand, have a distinct pale green tone or teal shades, and are found in Brazil, Pakistan, Zambia, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and the United States, depending on the overall intensity. These stones often display a unique blend of color that can range from soft, minty hues to deeper aqua tones, making them a versatile choice for a variety of jewelry styles.

3. Light Blue

The lightest blue or even nearly colorless shades without any green hints are mined in Brazil, Pakistan, Zambia, and Madagascar. These stones are prized for their pure, icy appearance, offering a crisp, elegant look in fine jewelry.

4. Hints of Yellow

Some aquamarine gems may also show hints of yellow. These stones have more impurities in their crystal structure, making them a less common but still beautiful choice for jewelry. Overall color choice is a personal preference only, however, and lighter or yellow-toned gems can be a great value for anyone who enjoys those shades the best.

It is also important to note that aquamarine colors can seem to change depending on the light source they’re viewed with. A stone may look very different when seen in bright sunlight compared to dim, yellowish indoor light, or a cloudy day may seem to create a different hue.

Symbolism of Aquamarine Colors

Regardless of the precise hue, aquamarine gems have always symbolized the sea. The refreshing colors bring peace and tranquility, and are thought to help restore harmony and balance. Different blue shades represent courage, purity, communication, and clarity, and are often linked to sailors and mermaids.

Aquamarine is the official birthstone of March as well as representative of the tropical Zodiac symbol Pisces, the two fish (February 19 to March 20). Furthermore, the ancient Greeks and Romans felt aquamarine was sacred to Poseidon (Neptune to the Romans), the king of the sea – a perfect connection from the land to the water.

Your Perfect Shade of Aquamarine

With so many lovely choices from light to dark and blue-green to rich blue, you can choose exactly the shade of aquamarine that appeals best to you. Choose which color you like best and you’ll be more likely to happily wear it, showing off its beauty and enjoying the splash of color it brings to your style.

Suzanne Sachs

Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you — your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.

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