This treatment is permanent and enhances the blueness of the stone without damaging it. Many aquamarine stones are more of a “sea-foam” color than a true blue color before they are heated. Heated aquamarines with a strong blue-green hue cost around $180 per carat.
Small aquamarines look nice in delicate pieces, but large aquamarines can make a striking statement. Since aquamarine is fairly common, you can usually find large carat stones for affordable prices. For most gemstones, the price per carat rises considerably with more carats, but the price per carat for a 30 carat aquamarine is only ⅓ percent higher than the price per carat of a 1 carat aquamarine.
No matter which color you are buying, look for an even color distribution throughout the gemstone. The most expensive unheated stones are medium to strong sky blue, and they can cost up to $600 per carat.
It is becoming fashionable lately to wear aquamarine jewelry that has inclusions in the stones. You can purchase aquamarine with inclusions for a lesser price. Low quality to mid-range aquamarines can range from $5 to $100 per carat. Past 10 carats, mid-range aquamarines can cost between $150 and $200 per carat. High quality aquamarines are much more expensive. An unheated light blue stone can cost you around $90 per carat, while a light blue-green stone can cost you anywhere between $180 to $240 per carat.
Avoid gemstones labeled as “Brazilian Aquamarine” or “Nerchinsk Aquamarine,” since both of these actually refer to blue topaz. Also avoid “Siam Aquamarine,” which is actually blue zircon.
You can visit a few stores before making a purchase to see if you are getting the best deal.
The color of the aquamarine can show up as more vibrant in photographs than in person.
Be wary of online retailers, since they can put up fake advertisements or embellish their ads with little repercussions.
