By Lauren Whitney | Updated Mar 24, 2022
Aquamarine, derived from Latin for “water” and “sea,” is a beryl variety that ranges from pale blue‑green to vivid azure. Its market value hinges on four core qualities: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. Collectors who seek display pieces rather than wearables often prioritize provenance or unique shapes, which can command premium prices.
True aquamarine displays a subtle greenish tint. A bright blue stone with no green undertone is likely blue topaz or another imitation.
Using a diamond tester, a true aquamarine will register low conductivity, unlike blue topaz. A quick, informal test is to hold the stone in your hand for a minute; genuine aquamarine will not warm noticeably.
Aquamarine’s hardness is 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, higher than glass (6). Under a jeweler’s loupe at 10× magnification, any visible scratches suggest the stone may be tinted glass.
Standard shapes (round, oval, marquise, emerald, pear) are common, but exotic cuts like Asscher or cushion can increase value. For display gems, cuts that follow the crystal’s natural geometry are most prized.
Hold the gem against a white sheet. Rich, vivid blues—reminiscent of tropical seas—command the highest prices.
Inspect the stone unaided and with a loupe. Visible inclusions or flaws significantly reduce value; microscopic inclusions may have a lesser impact.
The price per carat is determined by color, cut, and clarity. Multiply this by the gem’s weight to arrive at its final value.
Both aquamarine and glass share a refractive index of 1.52, so refractometry alone cannot confirm authenticity. Deals that appear too good to be true are usually a red flag.
