Golden Beryl

Aquamarine is one of the most popular of all jewelry stones. Yet most people are unaware that aquamarine is only one of many colors displayed by the mineral beryl. Another attractive beryl hue is orange or yellow-orange, a lovely shade that has led to the name "heliodor" which means "gift of the sun". This gemstone is perhaps better known as golden beryl.

Golden beryl occurs in the same localities as aquamarine, and is equally rare. It is found in crystals comparable in size and transparency to aquamarine, and is just as hard and durable in jewelry. In short, the only significant difference between aquamarine and golden beryl is their color. Yet aquamarine may wholesale for more than $1,000 per carat, while the finest golden beryl wholesales for under $100 per carat.

Obviously, the reason for the difference in price is the fact that aquamarine is the birthstone for March and has been well-publicized for centuries. Golden beryl, on the other hand, is a name that is all but totally unfamiliar to the gem-buying public.

The growing rise of interest in colored gemstones and the fashion industry will create a demand for attractive, inexpensive stones for the marketplace. This will probably create a surge of demand for such gems as golden beryl that will result in steadily rising prices in the years ahead.