Hub's Aquamarine query - input appreciated

[CarbonBling]

I'm considering a sizable Aquamarine ring in its original setting. The vendor is reputable, and has willingly agreed on a lower purchase price as this piece has been in their inventory for some time (I'm reluctant to post link / pics as pieces frequently get swiped...). My husband wants to know:

1- if there is an approximate price per carat for colored stones?

2- is it standard to first have certification prior to purchase? Vendor will provide cert complimentary after purchase, but that doesn't seem standard to me. I guess I do have return policy to fall back on....

Any input appreciated. Thanks

 

[blingmeupscotty]

VERY smart not to post the link .. I do that myself. I would hate anyone to come in and snipe it. These are my rules..

1. Even if the piece is dated, look for scratches on the stone. that may indicate the piece is glass. AM is not a truly soft stone, so it's just something to look for.
2. It is not standard to have a cert on an aquamarine. Even if it's a substantial purchase with a vintage or antique piece. Have you seen a hallmark? Is there a certain claim the seller is making about the piece coming from a certain era? Unless paste or glass is popular within that time period I wouldn't worry about it.

Just make sure there is a return period. Any local jeweler [even a residential at home tester] can test it for you upon arrival. And by all means let us see it when you get it

 

[prs]

Something to beware of is a lot of Aquas have huge windows. The bigger the window, the lower the price.

1. There is an approximate price per carat for colored stones, however that price varies enormously depending on the type of gem. Then it varies depending on the carat weight of the gem, higher carat weight stones fetching higher $/ct. Also the quality of the color will have a big influence on the $/ct. In other words you need to do a lot of research to find comparable pricing for Aquas of similar size and quality to the one under consideration.

2. Certs are not standard for Aquas, but are standard for more expensive gems such as ruby, sapphire, and emerald.

 

[Snowdrop13]

For an aqua, a lot depends on the colour. I recently enquired about some aqua on IG, small stones 2-4ct, nicely cut “Santa Maria” colour- they were around $300 per carat.

 

[Bron357]

With Aquamarines the price per carat doesn’t go up as size increases.
The main price driver is colour.
The current top colour is Sante Maria, it’s a deeper blue. A few decades ago the green blue tone was preferred.
Aquamarines are generally very clean to the eye ( no visible inclusions) but are often cut in a way that creates a window. That’s seeing through the gem, looking down, and seeing your finger/ setting.
You can have a look on eBay, sold items, and see what current prices are for similar.
Generally a higher carat gold setting with diamonds adds to the price.
This is my aquamarine ring. It is huge. It has a significant window and is a green blue colour. That suits me just fine.

 

[T L]

I'm considering a sizable Aquamarine ring in its original setting. The vendor is reputable, and has willingly agreed on a lower purchase price as this piece has been in their inventory for some time (I'm reluctant to post link / pics as pieces frequently get swiped...). My husband wants to know:

1- if there is an approximate price per carat for colored stones?

2- is it standard to first have certification prior to purchase? Vendor will provide cert complimentary after purchase, but that doesn't seem standard to me. I guess I do have return policy to fall back on....

Any input appreciated. Thanks

Please get a reputable lab report before purchasing an Aqua. There are synthetics that look incredibly natural these days, and I’m guessing they’re everywhere now.

 

[CarbonBling]

VERY smart not to post the link .. I do that myself. I would hate anyone to come in and snipe it. These are my rules..

1. Even if the piece is dated, look for scratches on the stone. that may indicate the piece is glass. AM is not a truly soft stone, so it's just something to look for.
2. It is not standard to have a cert on an aquamarine. Even if it's a substantial purchase with a vintage or antique piece. Have you seen a hallmark? Is there a certain claim the seller is making about the piece coming from a certain era? Unless paste or glass is popular within that time period I wouldn't worry about it.

Just make sure there is a return period. Any local jeweler [even a residential at home tester] can test it for you upon arrival. And by all means let us see it when you get it

Thank you! I appreciate your help! xo

 

[CarbonBling]

Something to beware of is a lot of Aquas have huge windows. The bigger the window, the lower the price.

1. There is an approximate price per carat for colored stones, however that price varies enormously depending on the type of gem. Then it varies depending on the carat weight of the gem, higher carat weight stones fetching higher $/ct. Also the quality of the color will have a big influence on the $/ct. In other words you need to do a lot of research to find comparable pricing for Aquas of similar size and quality to the one under consideration.

2. Certs are not standard for Aquas, but are standard for more expensive gems such as ruby, sapphire, and emerald.

Noted. Thank you for chiming in xo

 

[CarbonBling]

For an aqua, a lot depends on the colour. I recently enquired about some aqua on IG, small stones 2-4ct, nicely cut “Santa Maria” colour- they were around $300 per carat.

Good to know. Thanks xo

 

[CarbonBling]

With Aquamarines the price per carat doesn’t go up as size increases.
The main price driver is colour.
The current top colour is Sante Maria, it’s a deeper blue. A few decades ago the green blue tone was preferred.
Aquamarines are generally very clean to the eye ( no visible inclusions) but are often cut in a way that creates a window. That’s seeing through the gem, looking down, and seeing your finger/ setting.
You can have a look on eBay, sold items, and see what current prices are for similar.
Generally a higher carat gold setting with diamonds adds to the price.
This is my aquamarine ring. It is huge. It has a significant window and is a green blue colour. That suits me just fine.

Thank you! You have such a beautiful collection. I appreciate your input xo

 

[CarbonBling]

Please get a reputable lab report before purchasing an Aqua. There are synthetics that look incredibly natural these days, and I’m guessing they’re everywhere now.

Yes, that's my primary concern. The seller is a reputable PS name, so I trust the pieces sold, but it would put me at ease. It is an older stone, 'vintage' so not sure what the older technology was able to produce. Thanks xo

 

[T L]

Yes, that's my primary concern. The seller is a reputable PS name, so I trust the pieces sold, but it would put me at ease. It is an older stone, 'vintage' so not sure what the older technology was able to produce. Thanks xo

Typically they used a simulant, synthetic blue spinel, back then, to emulate aqua. They’re very easy to spot with the trained eye.

These days, they use straight up synthetic blue beryl (aqua) and if it’s a deep blue, even if it a natural stone, it could be irradiated to intensify the saturation of blue color. That treatment is unstable and fades over time.