Aquamarine

Colour: Shades of light to medium blues (often with tinges of green) – colour of the heavens (the divine) & water (life)

Name derivation: Derived from the Latin term "Aqua” meaning water

Symbolism: Inspires sympathy, trust, harmony, spirituality & tranquillity

Gemstone family: Beryl

Anniversary: 38th wedding anniversary (Modern)

Birthstone: October (Alternative)

Hardness: Moh’s Scale 7.0 (very robust structure)

Geography: The finest come from Brazil & Mozambique

Famous Aquamarines: "Dom Pedro” weighing 26 kg, which was cut in 1992 by Idar-Oberstein gemstone artist Bernd Munsteiner

Inclusions: Generally come inclusion free due to their robust structure.

Cleaning procedure: Clean carefully using warm soapy water. Use warm water rather than hot water. Must not be cleaned ultrasonically or by steam cleaning.

Value factors: Rarity, Intensity of colour; Brilliance and “life” of stone; Size of stone