30 May Blue Beryl Engagement Rings vs. Aquamarine
One beautiful gemstone that is sometimes overlooked when choosing an engagement ring is blue beryl. This gorgeous gemstone often is incorrectly identified as a synonym for aquamarine. However, blue beryl is not the same as aquamarine.
While blue beryl and aquamarine are both gemstones from the beryl family, they differ in color and some nuanced aspects of their chemical composition and formation. Blue beryl demonstrates various blue shades found in beryl stones, while aquamarine specifically refers to the greenish sea-blue variety of beryl.
At C. Blackburn Jewelers in La Jolla, we have seen increasing numbers of San Diego couples interested in blue beryl when visiting our jewelry store to discuss a custom engagement ring. So, let’s cover all of the important details about blue beryl, so that you can think about whether it is right gemstone for your perfect ring.
Why Choose Blue Beryl?
There are a number of reasons why ladies who are interested in a blue stone engagement ring choose blue beryl rather than an aquamarine, such as color preference, uniqueness, and potentially cost.
Blue beryl encompasses a wider range of blue hues compared to aquamarine, which is typically limited to lighter, sea-blue tones. As such, blue beryl allows individuals to choose a shade of blue that more closely matches their personal taste, whether it be a deeper, richer blue or a more subdued, grayish-blue.
Choosing blue beryl over aquamarine also can offer a sense of uniqueness. While aquamarine is well-known and widely used in jewelry, blue beryl is a broader category that includes less common shades and variations. This can make the gemstone feel more personalized and distinctive, allowing the wearer to have an engagement ring that stands out from more traditional choices.
In addition, blue beryl can be more cost-effective compared to high-quality aquamarine. Aquamarine with exceptional clarity and color often commands higher prices, while blue beryl with similar attributes might be more affordable. This makes blue beryl an attractive option for those looking to maximize their engagement ring budget without compromising on beauty and quality.
Moreover, some San Diego couples appreciate the symbolic or metaphysical properties attributed to blue beryl — as it often is associated with tranquility, communication, and courage.
How to Choose the Right Blue Beryl
First off, it should be noted that in addition to displaying a captivating color, blue beryl is a hard gemstone, with a 7.5 to 8 rating on the Mohs scale. So, it is durable enough to withstand daily wear, an important consideration for engagement rings meant to be worn regularly.
When choosing a blue beryl for an engagement ring, several factors should be considered to ensure the gemstone complements personal style and withstands the test of time.
First, the color is paramount. Blue beryl comes in a variety of blue shades, from light, icy blues to deeper, more intense blues with hints of gray. The choice of color largely depends on personal preference, but a vivid and evenly distributed hue is generally the most desirable. Avoid stones with overly dark or muddy colors, as these can appear dull. The right shade of blue can complement the wearer’s skin tone and make a striking visual impact.
Clarity is also important. Blue beryl should ideally be eye-clean, meaning it has no visible inclusions to the naked eye. High clarity enhances the stone’s brilliance and allows it to reflect light more effectively. When examining clarity, look for stones that are free from noticeable internal or surface blemishes, as these can detract from the gemstone’s visual appeal and structural integrity.
Now, let’s talk about the cut of a blue beryl, as this aspect is crucial in maximizing the gemstone’s brilliance and showcasing its color. Cut refers to how well the stone has been shaped and faceted, affecting its ability to reflect light. A well-cut blue beryl will have precise angles and proportions that enhance its natural sparkle and color. Popular cuts for blue beryl include the round, oval, emerald, and cushion cuts, each offering a different aesthetic. For instance, a round cut maximizes brilliance, while an emerald cut highlights the stone’s clarity and depth of color.
At C. Blackburn Jewelers (La Jolla), we will go over all of these aspects of Blue Beryl with you, showing you all available options, making sure you choose the perfect blue beryl gemstone to be set in your one-of-a-kind engagement ring.
Custom Blue Beryl Rings Accented with Diamonds
When creating a blue beryl engagement ring, San Diego couples often choose to add diamond accents to the ring. Smaller diamonds can be used to highlight the beauty of blue beryl in a custom engagement ring by creating a striking contrast and enhancing the overall brilliance of the piece.
One common approach is to use a halo setting, where a circle of tiny diamonds surrounds the central blue beryl gemstone. This not only draws attention to the blue beryl but also amplifies its size and sparkle, making the center stone appear more prominent and luminous. The diamonds act as a frame, reflecting light into the blue beryl and increasing its visual impact.
Another method is to use diamond accents on the band or in a side-stone setting. Placing smaller diamonds along the band or flanking the central blue beryl adds a touch of elegance and sophistication.
These accent diamonds can create a continuous sparkle that leads the eye towards the main gemstone, enhancing its beauty without overpowering it. The brilliance of the diamonds complements the blue hues of the beryl, making the entire ring more dynamic and appealing.
Diamonds also can be used in more intricate designs, such as pave or micro-pave settings, where the band is encrusted with small diamonds. This setting (which creates a seamless, glittering surface that enhances the overall radiance of the ring) is one that we specialize in at C. Blackburn Jewelers.
Don’t forget that your choice of metal for the ring setting plays a role in how the diamonds and blue beryl interact. White gold or platinum settings can provide a sleek, modern look that enhances the brilliance of both the diamonds and the blue beryl, while yellow or rose gold settings offer a warm contrast that can make the blue beryl stand out even more.
Lastly, do keep in mind that diamond accents are by no means required! Some San Diego ladies prefer not to add diamond accents to their dream engagement ring. They prefer the understated elegance of a solitaire blue beryl, where the focus is solely on the central gemstone. This minimalist approach can highlight the natural beauty and color of the blue beryl without any distractions, creating a clean and timeless look.
Create a Custom Blue Beryl Engagement Ring in San Diego
Contact C. Blackburn Jewelers today to schedule a meeting with our owner, Carl Blackburn, who is one of San Diego’s most prominent bridal jewelry designers. Carl’s engagement rings and fine jewelry have appeared in jewelry industry leading magazines throughout the world. He loves working with blue beryl, aquamarine, and other colored gemstones.
If you aren’t sure about a blue beryl engagement ring, Carl will discuss with you other affordable ways to create a unique custom engagement ring, including setting the ring with a gemstone like orange-pink morganite or a colored lab-grown diamond.
Leave Carl a voice message at 858-251-3006 to arrange a relaxed meeting at our La Jolla jewelry store. You also can contact us via email by using the contact form below.
