Aquamarine is one of the most popular gemstones and ranks alongside emerald, ruby and other precious and exquisite gemstones. The wonderful color of aquamarine is one of its specialties. The intensity of the color determines the value of the gemstone. Since iron gives the gemstone its color, we find the colors ranging from pale blue to strong blue. Some aquamarines possess light green color. The clear blue color aquamarine is the most fascinating of all colors available in the gemstone. The color highlights the magnificent glow of the gemstone. While various gemstones are used in the making of jewelry, aquamarines are favored for their transparency and glow. Some of the most beautiful designs are produced in this gemstone and jewelry designers love to work on aquamarines.
Aquamarines are found in various parts of the world. However, some of these gemstones are known the world over. Let us look into some of the world famous aquamarine gemstones.
One of the most famous aquamarines is found in Brazil. It weighs around 240 pounds and is about nineteen inches in size. The most attractive feature of this gemstone is that it is green on the surface and blue color inside the gem. Its transparency allows it to be seen through the fascinating gemstone. Santa Maria, Martha Rocha and espirito Santo are other famous aquamarines available in Brazil.
Africa produces aquamarine gemstones that share similarities with Santa Maria of Brazil. These are called Santa Maria Africana and these are some of the beautiful varieties found in Africa.
The National Museum of Natural History displays an aquamarine of nine hundred carat. The gemstone owns the pride of being the largest single piece of its kind. It is a perfect blend of rich color and extraordinary clarity. Known as the Dom Pedro aquamarine, the gemstone was from the mines of Brazil. Named after the first two emperors of Brazil, the gemstone had undergone various processes that enriched it and made it exquisite. One of the leading designers of precious stones and jewelry, Munsteiner, popularly known as the ‘Father of the Fantasy Cut’ has worked on the gemstone by carving and polishing it. Worked by him, the gemstone remains unmatched for the brilliant artwork.
Hirsch Aquamarine is a unique aquamarine, as it is free of heating and color improving treatments, which is common in aquamarines. This 109.92-carat gemstone in aquatic blue color is completely natural. Made as a pendant, the gemstone is studded with 118 diamonds and is a real delight to look at.
Smithsonian Museum situated in Washington DC houses an aquamarine worth nine hundred carat.
In Hyde Park museum, an aquamarine gifted to Eleanor Roosevelt by the Brazilian government is displayed.
Pakistan and Afghanistan offer some of the world famous aquamarines in the Karakoram ranges. The size of aquamarines found here range from a few centimeters to up to 30 centimeters. They weigh anywhere between 2 grams to 250 grams.
Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Nigeria produce some of the most famous aquamarines. Even the smallest aquamarine stones preserve the deep blue color of the gemstone for which they are world famous.
Aquamarines are special and the place of origin decides the quality of these gemstones. Hence, we find that though many countries across the world produce aquamarines, Brazil aquamarines stand apart for their uniqueness.
