Aquamarine Archives - Knox Jewelers

Gemstone Spotlight

Aqua-Earrings Unique Engagement Rings — Knox Jewelers Martini Stud Earrings

Aquamarine is the green-blue gemstone variety of the mineral beryl. This pastel toned crystal has been regarded and sought after throughout history. The beryl mineral family holds several other notable gemstones including the mysterious green emerald and delicate blush hued morganite. Small traces of iron in the crystal structure of beryl causes aquamarine’s tranquil bluish-green color. Beryl often forms in large crystals, allowing for the possibility of large faceted gemstones.

The Latin word for seawater is where aquamarine received its name. It is not hard to image why when you consider the gemstone’s greenish-blue color and exceptional clarity. Aquamarine is often associated as the birthstone of March. Here at Knox Jewelers we have created several beautiful custom jewelry pieces featuring extraordinary hand selected aquamarines.

Aquamarine, and all other beryl gemstones, are not as durable as sapphire or diamond, so if you choose to set an aquamarine into one of our custom ring settings, it would need to be worn with care and might not be suitable for everyday jewelry. However, these seawater-like gemstone pair shown here could make a stunning pair of stud earrings. This round aqua gemstone pair is currently featured on our online gemstone list, and they are just waiting to be made into a custom created masterpiece!

For the past two centuries, the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais has been a major source of aquamarine and several other beryl varieties. Aquas are often discovered in the eastern regions of the state. Another important supplier of aquamarine is the elevated mines in Pakistan. Reaching these crystal deposits requires a steep climb to cliffs reaching 13,000 or more feet. These harsh mining conditions are worth the reward, aquas from these deposits are often described clear as water.

Let us at Knox Jewelers help you design a custom created piece of jewelry holding the beautiful aquamarine pair featured here or any other available option on our gemstone list!

Aqua Unique Engagement Rings — Round Cut Aquamarine Pair

Where is Aquamarine Found?

Aqua-Map Unique Engagement Rings — GIA Aquamarine Map

Aquamarine, the blue-green variety of the mineral beryl, is the gemstone traditionally considered the birthstone of March. Beryl is a colorful family of gems, ranging from the deep green shades of emerald to the pastel hues of pink morganite and yellow heliodor. All beryl gemstones possess similar crystal formations and physical properties, but differ in chemical composition. The gemstone aquamarine forms in large six-sided crystals that are usually clean from inclusions.

Aquamarine can occur in hues from blue to slightly greenish blue, and the finest gems with have high clarity and transparency. Its exceptional transparency and luster allows aqua gemstones to really sparkle.

Aquamarine can grow in a variety of locations but it occurs mostly commonly in pegmatite bearing granite. Listed below are the locations where aquamarine naturally occurs and is mined to be transformed into beautifully faceted gemstones.

Brazil – Brazil is one of the largest producers of aquamarine, with its pegmatite mine in Minas Gerais being the country’s most productive mining area. This area is famous for yielding beautiful aquas and tourmaline.

Nigeria – Nigeria has quickly become a leading source of aquamarine due to Africa’s recent growth in production of the gemstone.

Zambia – Zambia is a source of aquamarines as well as another beryl, emerald.

Mozambique – Aquamarines found in Mozambique are known for their rare deep, rich blue color.

Madagascar – A large number of gemstones are found in Madagascar, with aquamarine being one of the most abundant.

Pakistan – Often cut into the sides of cliff faces, many of Pakistan’s beryl mines are located at high elevations.

Vietnam – In recent history, aquamarine sources have been discovered in Vietnam.

If aquamarine is your gem of choice, let us at Knox Jewelers help you custom create a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry to showcase this beautiful blue-green gemstone. The possibility are endless with a mineral available in so many sizes, shapes and hues. A Knox Jewelers custom created piece, featuring a beautiful aquamarine is the perfect way to celebrate any occasion falling within the month. Contact us today and let’s get started. We have a vast selection of aquas just waiting to be transformed!

2016 Colors of the Year

Pantone, the unrivaled expert on color and color technology, announced for the first time ever, two colors will be the Colors of the Year for 2016. Every year, the Pantone Color Institute reveals its predicted Color of the Year. This prophecy strongly influences the upcoming year in design. The hues, Rose Quartz and Serenity, should start to appear in home furnishings, fashion collections, and most importantly jewelry design. These pastel hues have already made an appearance in several of Knox Jewelers’ recent custom ring creations.

Pantone Color Institute’s Executive Director, Leatrice Eiseman, had this to say about the decision, “Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.” [1]

Rose Quartz is described as an alluring and gentle color that expresses both compassion and a sense of composure. On the other hand its compliment, Serenity, conjures feelings of weightlessness and relaxation. Both the pale pink and pale blue hues can be found in several gemstone options. Any of the gemstones featured below can be set in your one-of-a-kind creations! Fancy colored sapphire can be found in both a soft pink and blue hue, and is the only gemstone featured below that we recommend for use in engagement rings.

Pink Sapphire – Morganite

Pink Tourmaline – Rose Quartz

Blue Sapphire – Tanzanite

Chalcedony – Aquamarine

Let Knox Jewelers help you create your own custom jewelry with one or both of your favorite 2016 Pantone colors! There are so many colorful gemstone options to serve as inspiration for your next heirloom piece of jewelry. Now is your chance to create a work of art with the colors that represent the year to come.

If you are looking to design a piece that will be cherished for a lifetime by your loved one, we are here to help. Knox Jewelers specializes in unique custom jewelry designs and engagement rings. Pink and blue gemstones in any shape or size can be added to one of our custom created jewelry designs for a one-of-a-kind look!

Contact Knox Jewelers to find out more about our products or services, including our custom jewelry design. Let us help you to be on-trend with your jewelry in 2016. We look forward to hearing from you!