Do Aquamarines Sparkle?

Yes, aquamarines sparkle. If you’re looking to buy an aquamarine necklace or ring, there’s more to understand about an aquamarine’s sparkle before you choose this stone as your next jewellery purchase.

You should know how the sparkle of aquamarine compares to that of diamonds, how sparkly it can really get, and if that sparkle fades with time. In this guide, we’ve addressed these crucial aspects, as well as the overall benefits of aquamarine.

What Determines the Sparkle of an Aquamarine?

The cut of an aquamarine determines the brightness of its shine and sparkle. Stones with a sharp, fine cut–such as the Emerald cut or Barion cut–perform the best, because these are deep and intricate cuts. They give the stone several edges and faces, allowing it to reflect light for a long time from several angles. 

With such a cut, a light beam entering the stone can bounce around from one facet to another, giving the stone its sparkle and allowing the light to show off the colour. Thus, stones with a good sparkle also promise deeper colours. On the contrary, when light enters and leaves the stone too quickly, it doesn’t reflect enough to bring about a visible sparkle, making the colour of the stone come off as paler.

Moreover, it’s essential to note that even though gemologists have found the perfect cuts to make an aquamarine sparkle the brightest, it still won’t shine as bright as a diamond. Instead, it only exhibits white sparkles in places where the colour is saturated, and only when light hits the right angles. This is why you cannot expect an aquamarine to light up the room or come into immediate notice at a party–only those in close proximity can tell you’re carrying something extraordinary with you.

Do Aquamarines Get Cloudy?

No, aquamarines do not easily get cloudy. These stones score between 7.5 and eight on the Mohs Scale, which is why it is difficult for these stones to develop scratches. Major impact can indeed damage the stone, but everyday use won’t cause cloudiness. Just make sure you maintain your aquamarine properly–soak it in soapy water and scrub it gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush every two weeks.

If you fail to rinse and dry it thoroughly, soap scum may accumulate over the stone and give it a cloudy look–you can get rid of this simply by soaking the stone in warm water and cleaning it gently. Of course, it’s important to note that bigger aquamarine stones require greater care.

What Are Some Alternatives for Aquamarine?

If you’re looking for a stone that glistens noticeably, you might want to consider aquamarine’s alternatives. Because the best colour of aquamarine is a deep blue hue, these alternatives include blue diamonds and blue moissanite. Both of these stones sparkle brilliantly and resemble aquamarine in terms of colour. As for pricing, moissanite costs around the same as aquamarine, while blue diamond is an expensive alternative.

Blue topaz is also a popular alternative to aquamarine, but it’s only similar to aquamarine in regards to colour, and we wouldn’t recommend it if you’re looking for something with a stunning shine. 

Final Thoughts

Aquamarine is a beautiful, earthy stone. It doesn’t sparkle as much as diamond, but it does have its own charm. The clarity and cut of an aquamarine stone determine how sparkly it can be.

If you’re looking for an affordable and unique gem option, aquamarine is a great choice. If you want something with a brilliant shine, though, you might want to consider other options, such as a blue diamond or blue moissanite. Of course, our experts at Holloway Diamonds are ready to help you make the best selection for your preferences and budget.