QuestionHi
I have purchased a pair of aquamarine earrings which are from the early 1900's. They were made in Chezloslavaka (sic) The total gem weight is 2.74 carets and each stone is a round 8mm to 9mm. The cut may be rose cut but they look like a brillant cut. The color is a breathtaking blue
and very clear.
My question is : are the older aquamarines of more value than todays "washed out" look. I have a suspision that the stone came from Russia becasue of the age and the locale the earrings were made. Would this make them worth more?
Is there any chance of a ballpark estimate?
Thank you for your time
Alice
Here's my question
AnswerHi Alice,
I am afraid I can't possibly give you a good answer to your question; without seeing and testing the stones, I am walking blind.
What I can tell you is that Russia is not a likely source for the stones as I don't believe Aqua is found in Russia. I would have to research a little more to put my name and reputation on it, but I am fairly certain.
Age doesn't affect the value of a gemstone, but it does have an affect on a piece of jewelry. Color does have a direct affect on the value of a colored stone. With Aquamarine it is likely to be more valuable if it retains more of the green blue, indicating that it may not have been heated. Heating is typical for aqua these days and helps to brighten the blue.
Personally I still prefer Aquamarine to retain the green color and look like it was named to look.
As far as giving you a ballpark estimate, I would need to place the value on the entire piece, not just the stones. You can easily get an idea of the value of loose aquamarine by finding a site that sells something close to the color and size of what you have. In valuing loose stones the cut, color, clarity and condition of the stones will increase or decrease the value. Without knowing any of this in regards to your stone, all I can do is give you a comparison from the Internet:
Assuming unheated the average price per carat on approx. 1.5 carat stones was $250/carat
Lisa
