Difference Between Diamond and Aquamarine Gemstones

Do you have a sparkling jewelry piece and you are confused if the gemstone attached to it is an icy, faint aquamarine or a diamond? No doubt, it’s often hard to tell the difference between aquamarine and diamond just by seeing them with a naked eye. However, there are factors that make both the dazzling gemstones differ from each other. Read this article and know about both the gemstones in detail.

How are Diamonds and Aquamarine Similar?

Everyone knows diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and one of the most highly desired gemstones. It is popular for amazing clarity, and sparkling luster that captures everyone’s attention. The same can be said for aquamarine, the glittering member of the beryl family. Like emerald (another member of beryl family) the light aquamarine gemstone is recognized for its excellent clarity and vitreous luster. Just like diamond, light aquamarine is particularly well-suited for brilliant cuts. In addition, the good hardness of aquamarine (7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale) makes it an ideal choice for jewelry.

The Differences between Diamond and Aquamarine

There are various factors that make Diamond and aquamarine gemstones differ from each other. First of all, diamond is the April birthstone and aquamarine is the birthstone for the month of March. Secondly, if both the gems are evaluated from the 4C’s grading system perspective, then:

  • Color: The best quality diamonds display a complete lack of color. They are ranked alphabetically, D through Z, with D being the purest of gemstones. However, the color of beryl family members like Espirito Santo aquamarine or Santa Maria aquamarine ranges from pale to light-blue, dark-blue, blue-green and green-blue. The value of this amazing gemstone increases with the increment in the saturation level of the color.
  • Cut: A cut determines the diamond’s brilliance and sparkle. The most prevalent cut is the brilliant cut, a facet that brings the most fire in the stone. However, just like any other member of beryl family, aquamarine is best suited for rectangular or square-cut. It is also found in common shapes, such as round, oval, cushion and pear.
  • Clarity: In terms of clarity, diamond stands second to none. Diamonds are classified per the inclusions or impurities within a stone. The aquamarine is an eye-clean and transparent gemstone. However, it carries inclusions of long, hollow rods, a trademark of the beryl family.
  • Carat Weight: Diamonds are evaluated by the carat weight, whereas aquamarine being a colored gemstone is evaluated by clarity, color, purity and size. The colored stones vary with size to weight ratio.

Diamond and Aquamarine Jewelry

Aquamarine gemstone jewelry offers a fresh and soothing appearance, and when paired with dazzling diamonds, the result is absolutely magnificent. The combination of blue aquamarine and white diamonds to embellish a center stone can be an impressive idea for a ring, as well as a pendant. For an affordable option, one can select the March birthstone as the primary stone for an engagement ring, captured in a halo of small diamonds. No doubt, diamond and aquamarine jewelry offers an affordable and attractive option for the jewelry lovers to cherish forever.

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