Aquamarine Jewelry in Bangkok

Aquamarine is the clear sea blue gemstone of March, a calm, bright stone that looks like shallow water over white sand. It is a beryl, the same mineral family as emerald, and it is hard enough to wear every day. Even pale stones sparkle, and fine aquamarine keeps its color under any light. We set natural aquamarine in 925 sterling silver and solid gold at our studio on Sukhumvit 71, Bangkok.

This page covers what aquamarine is, how it compares with other blue gems, how to wear and care for it, what makes a good stone, where it comes from, why it is the March birthstone, how to see the stones at our shop, and how to order in Bangkok or anywhere in Thailand.

What aquamarine is

Aquamarine is the blue to greenish blue variety of beryl, a beryllium aluminum silicate. The name comes from the Latin for “sea water”. Beryl is a family of gems that differ only by the trace element that colors them: green emerald from chromium or vanadium, pink morganite from manganese, yellow heliodor from iron, and aquamarine from iron as well, in a form that gives blue.

Many aquamarine crystals come out of the ground a little greenish or slightly yellowish blue. Gentle heating removes the yellow part and leaves a purer blue. This heating is the normal practice in the trade, it is permanent, and it cannot usually be detected. Some buyers prefer the untouched greenish blue, which has its own soft beauty.

Aquamarine grows in large, clean crystals, so it is one of the few gems where big, eye clean stones are easy to find. Every stone we set is natural, aquamarine included, and if a stone has had any treatment we tell you before you order.

Aquamarine facts at a glance

• Color: pale sky blue to deep sea blue, and greenish blue
• Hardness: 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale
• Family: beryl, with emerald, morganite and heliodor
• Treatment: often heated to remove a green tint, a stable and accepted practice
• Best for: rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets
• Care: warm soapy water and a soft brush
• Birthstone: March
• Price: depends on the quality and carat you choose; we quote before you order

Aquamarine and other blue gems

Blue topaz is the stone most often mistaken for aquamarine. It is a little harder at 8 and costs less. Sky blue topaz can look very close to aquamarine, but most blue topaz has a brighter, more electric color, and that color comes from treatment of colorless topaz. Aquamarine has a softer, cooler tone.

Blue sapphire is harder at 9 and usually a much deeper, richer blue. Choose sapphire for a strong royal blue and aquamarine for a light, airy one.

Tanzanite is violet blue and softer at 6 to 7, so it needs more care in a ring. Aquamarine is the easier everyday stone.

Iolite is a violet blue stone that costs less and is a little softer at 7 to 7.5. It changes color as you turn it, while aquamarine stays the same blue from every side.

How to wear and care for aquamarine

At 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine resists scratches from dust and daily wear, so it suits an everyday ring as well as earrings and pendants. Like all beryl it can chip from a sharp knock on an edge, so take a ring off for the gym, sports and heavy work.

Clean it in warm soapy water with a soft brush, then rinse and dry. Lotion and soap leave a film that makes any light stone look dull, so a quick clean brings back its sparkle. Aquamarine does not fade in sunlight. If it ever needs a polish or a check of the setting, bring it to our shop. Maintenance is free on jewelry we made.

What makes a good aquamarine

Color comes first. The most valued stones are a clear, strong blue with little or no green. Deeper blue costs more, and pale sky blue stones are more affordable and still bright and pretty.

Clarity is usually excellent. Most faceted aquamarine is clean to the eye, so you can expect a stone without visible inclusions. Some stones have fine parallel tubes inside, and a few of these are cut as cat’s eye aquamarine.

Cut matters more than with darker gems. Because aquamarine is light in color, a good cut gathers the light and makes the color look stronger. A shallow, poorly cut stone looks washed out or has a dead window in the center.

Size works in your favor. Color looks deeper in a bigger stone, and large aquamarine is easy to find, so it is a good choice when you want a bold center stone.

Where aquamarine comes from

Brazil is the most famous source, especially Minas Gerais, where the deep blue Santa Maria stones were found. Aquamarine also comes from Nigeria, Madagascar, Mozambique, Zambia, Pakistan and Afghanistan. If you want to know the origin of a particular stone, ask us: we offer certified stones, and an uncertified stone can be sent to a gem lab for a report at extra cost.

The March birthstone

Aquamarine is the modern birthstone for March, and it is a favorite gift for a March birthday. Sailors once carried it as a charm for a safe voyage, and it is still seen as a stone of calm and clear thinking. See our birthstone chart for every month.

See aquamarine at our shop in Bangkok

Color looks deeper in a bigger aquamarine, and a shallow cut can look washed out, a difference daylight shows far better than a screen. Mention aquamarine as you book and we will lay out more of it, from pale sky blue to deep sea blue and greenish blue, in several sizes.

Walk in any time we are open, or book ahead so Yaron is there to help with the stone, the design and the metal, from 925 silver and gold plating to solid 9K, 14K or 18K gold.

Aquamarine grows in large, clean crystals, so a loose stone is a fine thing to own as it is. You can buy one without having jewelry made, and we would be very happy to make a piece for you.

Not in Bangkok? Message us and we will send photos and prices of the aquamarine we have.

Aquamarine questions we get

Is your aquamarine natural?

Yes. Every gemstone we set is natural, aquamarine included. Much aquamarine is gently heated to remove a green tint, a permanent and accepted practice, and if a stone has had any treatment we tell you before you order. We are a member of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association.

Is aquamarine the same as blue topaz?

No. They can look alike, but aquamarine is a beryl and blue topaz is a different mineral. Blue topaz costs less and usually has a brighter blue that comes from treatment. Aquamarine has a softer sea blue color.

Is aquamarine good for an everyday ring?

Yes. At 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale it resists scratches well. Take it off for sports and heavy work to protect it from hard knocks.

Is aquamarine related to emerald?

Yes. Both are beryl. Iron gives aquamarine its blue and chromium or vanadium gives emerald its green. Aquamarine is usually much cleaner than emerald and is not oiled.

How much does aquamarine jewelry cost?

It depends on the quality and carat of the stone you choose, and on the metal. We give you the price before anything is made.

Can I buy just the stone?

Yes. A loose aquamarine is yours to take home with no jewelry order needed. Whenever you decide to have it set, today or some time later, we are happy to do it for you.

How long does an aquamarine piece take?

7 to 10 working days from your order, because the stones are already here in our shop, then 1 to 3 working days for delivery inside Thailand. We also ship abroad by FedEx.

Every aquamarine piece is made to order by our team in Bangkok in 925 sterling silver or solid gold, with a 3-year warranty, free maintenance and free shipping across Thailand.