AQUAMARINES

Aquamarine is a blue gemstone belonging to the beryl family, alongside emerald and morganite. Its colour is produced by the presence of iron in its crystal structure. The name derives from the Latin aqua marina, meaning “sea water”. With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, it is well suited to everyday jewellery.

Aquamarine and blue topaz are two distinct stones despite their visual resemblance. Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family, while blue topaz forms its own separate mineral family. Furthermore, blue topaz is almost always produced by irradiating a colourless topaz. Aquamarine, by contrast, displays a natural colour, simply enhanced by gentle heat treatment. As a result, aquamarine commands considerably greater value on the market than blue topaz.

Brazil has historically been the most reputed source, and in particular the Santa Maria shade from Minas Gerais. More recently, however, Mozambique has yielded stones of equivalent quality, known as Santa Maria Africana. Madagascar and Pakistan also produce fine-quality aquamarines. Ultimately, the most important criteria remain the intensity of the blue and the transparency of the stone, rather than its precise origin.

Yes, most aquamarines on the market undergo gentle heat treatment. This process eliminates greenish or yellowish tints to reveal a purer blue. The practice is traditional, widely accepted in the trade, and non-destructive. It must, however, be disclosed on the certificate. Bonnot Paris does not sell any aquamarine that has undergone prohibited treatments such as irradiation.

Yes, aquamarine is an excellent choice for an engagement ring. Its hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale gives it the resilience needed for daily wear. Its crystalline blue also offers a refined and less conventional alternative to the classic diamond or blue sapphire. It appeals in particular to couples seeking a stone that symbolises serenity and authenticity. Aquamarine engagement rings can be created as bespoke pieces, set in 18-carat gold or 950 platinum.

Aquamarine lends itself to every category of jewellery: rings, pendants, earrings, hoops and bracelets. Its transparency also allows for very large stones, making it ideal for striking pendants. All these pieces can be created as bespoke commissions, in yellow, rose or white 18-carat gold, or in 950 platinum. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for a personalised creation based on an existing design.