1st - Gold 
January 
February 
March 
April 
May 
June 
July 
August 
September 
October 
November 
December 
Capricorn - Garnet 
Aquarius - Amethyst 
Pisces - Aquamarine 
Aries - Diamond 
Taurus - Emerald 
Gemini - Pearl 
Cancer - Ruby 
Leo - Peridot 
Virgo - Blue Sapphire 
Libra - Opal 
Scorpio - Topaz 
Sagittarius - Tanzanite 
Aquamarine
Pricing Guide
Aquamarine Prices Per Carat in ZAR, USD, EUR & GBP
Aquamarine pricing guide per carat is influenced by colour intensity, clarity and origin, making it one of the most elegant and sought-after blue gemstones in the beryl family. Aquamarine is one of the most popular and widely available gemstones in the world. It is a variety of beryl known for its calming blue to blue-green colour, ranging from pale sky blue to deep ocean blue tones.
While aquamarine is generally more affordable than gemstones like sapphire or emerald, fine-quality stones with deep saturation, excellent clarity and larger sizes can still command strong international prices.
Aquamarine Price Guide: Aquamarine Prices Per Carat in ZAR, USD, EUR and GBP.
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Why Aquamarine Prices Vary
Although aquamarine is relatively abundant compared to rare gemstones, not all material is equal in value or visual appeal. The strongest pricing differences come from colour depth and clarity quality.
Key price drivers include:
- Colour intensity and saturation (most important factor)
- Clarity and transparency
- Size of the crystal
- Origin of the stone
- Cutting quality
- Market demand for fine blue gemstones
The strongest pricing premium is always driven by deep blue, Santa Maria-type colour saturation.
Aquamarine Price Per Carat
All prices below are approximate international retail ranges in ZAR, USD, EUR and GBP.
Aquamarine is a blue-to-blue-green variety of the beryl family, prized for its clean clarity and calming ocean-like colour. It is widely used in fine jewellery, especially in rings, pendants and luxury statement pieces.
Whether you are buying aquamarine for jewellery, collecting gemstones, or seeking larger display stones, understanding its pricing structure helps identify true quality and avoid overpaying for pale or low-saturation material.
| Aquamarine Gemstone Quality | ZAR | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Aquamarine | R150 – R1,200 | |||
| Good Quality Aquamarine | R1,200 – R6,000 | |||
| Fine Quality Aquamarine | R6,000 – R25,000 | |||
| TDeep Blue Premium Aquamarine | R25,000 – R120,000+ |
How Colour Affects Aquamarine Price
Colour is the most important factor in aquamarine pricing.
Colour Grades
- Pale Sky Blue: entry-level, widely available
- Light Blue: standard jewellery grade
- Medium Blue: good quality commercial market
- Deep Blue (Santa Maria-type): premium tier
The most valuable aquamarine comes from strongly saturated deep blue material with even colour distribution.
How Clarity Affects Price
Aquamarine is typically one of the cleanest gemstones in the world, but clarity still affects pricing in higher tiers.
- Eye-clean stones = higher value
- Slight inclusions = moderate value reduction
- Cloudy or heavily included stones = low value
- High transparency increases brilliance significantly
Unlike many gemstones, aquamarine value is more dependent on colour than clarity due to its naturally clean formation.
Aquamarine Origins and Price Differences
Different geographic sources produce different colour intensity and commercial desirability.
Key Origins:
- Brazil (primary global supplier, widest range of quality)
- Pakistan (noted for deeper blue tones in some material)
- Madagascar (clean material, variable saturation)
- Nigeria (commercial-grade production)
- Mozambique (smaller deposits, emerging supply)
Brazil remains the dominant source for both commercial and premium aquamarine gemstones. Large aquamarines are relatively common, but fine deep blue large stones are significantly rarer and more valuable.
Aquamarine Size Pricing Effect
| Aquamarine Size | ZAR | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - 2 Carats | R300 – R3,000 | |||
| 2 - 5 Carats | R2,500 – R12,000 | |||
| 5 - 10 Carats | R8,000 – R40,000 | |||
| 10+ Carats Premium | R25,000 – R180,000+ |
Why Aquamarine Is Still Valuable
Aquamarine is not rare in general production, but high-quality deep blue material holds strong market value due to strong demand in luxury jewellery.
Key Value Factors
- Colour Quality
Deep blue aquamarine is significantly more valuable than pale stones. - Large Clean Crystals
Aquamarine often forms large crystals, making it ideal for statement jewellery. - High Transparency
Clean stones allow maximum brilliance and visual impact. - Jewellery Demand
Widely used in engagement rings, luxury pendants and designer collections.
Why Deep Blue Aquamarine Costs More
Deep blue aquamarine commands higher prices because:
- It is less commonly found in strong saturation
- It closely resembles more expensive gemstones like sapphire
- It performs better in luxury jewellery lighting conditions
- It is more desirable in international high-end markets
Santa Maria-type aquamarine is especially valued for its rich ocean-blue tone.
Is Aquamarine a Good Investment?
Aquamarine is generally not a high-growth investment gemstone, but it is excellent for:
- Fine jewellery value retention
- Large statement gemstone pieces
- Collecting coloured gemstones
- Affordable luxury jewellery markets
- Entry-level gemstone portfolios
Top-grade deep blue aquamarine can hold value well in luxury jewellery sectors.
Buying Tips for Aquamarine
Focus on Colour First
The deeper and more saturated the blue, the higher the value.
Avoid Pale Stones
Light blue aquamarine is common and low value in commercial markets.
Check Clarity
Eye-clean stones are standard for quality aquamarine.
Look for Even Colour Distribution
Avoid stones with patchy or uneven blue zoning.
Prioritise Cut Quality
Good cutting enhances brilliance and depth of colour.
Avoid Over-Green Tones
Excess green reduces premium appeal and value.
Ask About Treatments
Some aquamarine is heat treated to improve colour consistency.
Choose Larger Stones Carefully
Large stones are common, but only premium colour large stones carry high value.
Buy With Confidence
Professionally inspected gemstones
Full transparency on treatments
Worldwide shipping
Secure checkout
Final Thoughts on AQUAMARINE PRICES
Aquamarine remains one of the most elegant and accessible blue gemstones in the world. While it does not reach the investment level of rare gemstones like ruby or emerald, high-quality deep blue aquamarine continues to perform strongly in the international jewellery market.
Understanding aquamarine price per carat, colour grading and origin differences ensures buyers can identify true value and avoid overpaying for low-saturation material.
For buyers seeking beauty, clarity and calm ocean-blue colour in a gemstone, aquamarine remains one of the best choices in both South African and global jewellery markets.
Ocean Blue
Calming Energy
Timeless Elegance
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