Acquamarine engagement rings have become increasingly popular in recent years.

The word aquamarine is Latin for seawater.  Aquamarine’s association with the sea comes from the brilliant range of hues in which it appears - from an almost transparent blue to a deep ocean azure.

Its blue colour comes predominantly from iron and, when cut, the stone is generally clear of inclusions and can occur in large sizes.  This is because aquamarine is generally found in large crystals with a flawless clarity from which large stones can be cut.

Acquamarine needs to be of considerable size to ensure a blue colour with small stones generally not exhibiting colour visible enough to be attractive.  The deeper the blue colour, the more valuable the acquamarine.

While aquamarine is found in numerous locations, Madagascar was one of the earliest known sources.  Brazil is now the major source of the stone.

Historically, this modern birthstone for March was the stone of the sea goddesses, often carried by sailors and fishermen as a protective trinket.  The anniversary gemstone for the 19th year of marriage, it also is recognised for helping renew relationships and ensure a long and happy future for couples.

This gem is a favourite of modern designers due to its versatility and the range of shapes and sizes that are readily available.  Traditionally available in emerald cuts, other cuts such as oval, cushion and princess have recently become equally popular.

Aesthetically, the selling point of the acquamarine is that it can look stunning set in either white gold or platinum.  Although not as popular, yellow gold can also be used.  Aquamarine can make dainty and elegant jewellery pieces by themselves, or beautifully compliment a diamond setting.

While blue is the most common colour of sapphires, it is found in everything from deep indigo to subtle violet, as well as pink, orange, green, brown and grey. Such derivations from the norm are called fancy sapphires; however a vivid, cornflower blue, verging on violet is considered the gem’s most valuable shade. Indeed a sapphire too dark or light in colour has a much lower value than one with more vivid tones.

Sapphire is a form of the mineral corundum - a colourless mineral formed from crystallised aluminium oxide. In fact, corundum in all colours belongs to the sapphire family except for red, which is called ruby.

Today, sapphires are mainly sourced from Thailand, Sri Lanka, Australia - the source of yellow and green varieties - Madagascar and Tanzania. Most of the fine blue sapphires on today’s market are from Sri Lanka and Madagascar. Kashmir, Burma,Thailand and Cambodia are also renowned for deep blue sapphires of limited supply.

Cut, colour intensity, consistency and purity are the deciding factors in a sapphire’s value. The finest sapphire should not contain any secondary colours or nuances because this will diminish its value and beauty.

Despite being a hard gem, rating nine on Moh’s scale, sapphire must still be treated with care. The gem is slightly brittle and can develop internal flaws and cracks if dropped on a hard surface or delivered a sharp blow.

Sapphire is the birthstone of September and the gemstone for the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries. For its striking beauty and versatility, sapphire-set jewellery remains ever-popular.