Aquamarine vs Turquoise: Which Blue Gemstone Is Right for You?

Designers who love blue gemstones and are searching for the perfect match for their projects, style, and budget frequently ask us: "Aquamarine vs Turquoise—which is better?" We work with both stones daily, so we're excited to walk you through how they compare in color, durability, symbolism, and performance in authentic jewelry designs.

Aquamarine is a transparent blue-green beryl gemstone with 7.5-8 Mohs hardness, ideal for elegant, durable everyday jewelry. It offers refined sparkle and costs $30-$500+ per carat, depending on clarity and color intensity.

Turquoise is an opaque sky-blue to green stone with 5-6 Mohs hardness and distinctive matrix patterns, perfect for bohemian and Southwestern designs. Premium varieties like Sleeping Beauty turquoise range from $20-$300+ per carat.

Bottom line: Choose aquamarine for durability and refined elegance; choose turquoise for bold color and artisanal character.

Aquamarine is a variety of beryl, prized for its clear, sea-blue to blue-green tones and glassy transparency, which give it a refined, watery glow. Turquoise is an opaque copper-rich gemstone, recognized instantly by its vivid sky-blue to green shades and natural matrix veining that feels earthy and artisanal.

In everyday wear, aquamarine tends to read as elegant and airy, while turquoise feels bold, grounded, and more boho or Southwestern in style.

Aquamarine's name comes from the Latin "aqua marina," meaning "sea water," and it has long been associated with sailors and travelers who believed it offered protection on journeys over water. Major aquamarine deposits today come from Brazil, Nigeria, and Madagascar, where cutters select clean crystals ideal for beads and faceted stones.

Turquoise has been treasured for thousands of years in ancient Egypt, Persia, Tibet, and Native American cultures, where it has been used for ceremonial jewelry, talismans, and adornment. Much of the most sought-after turquoise has come from Iran and the American Southwest, along with deposits in China and other regions.

Aquamarine Beads typically range from pale icy blue to deeper ocean blue, sometimes with a subtle greenish tint, and you can often see light passing through the stone. The best blue gemstone for jewelry depends on your style preference—aquamarine offers water-like clarity, while turquoise delivers saturated color.

Turquoise tends to be more saturated, with opaque sky-blue, teal, or green hues, usually patterned with dark or brownish veins that give each bead its own personality. If you like minimalist, watery colors, aquamarine will feel right at home in your designs, while turquoise stands out when you want that "statement" pop of blue-green.

Aquamarine is a beryl (beryllium aluminum silicate) with a hardness of about 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, which makes it strong enough for daily wear in bracelets, rings, and necklaces. The aquamarine durability for rings is exceptional compared to softer gemstones. It is usually transparent to translucent with a bright, glassy luster, so it works beautifully in faceted beads that catch the light.

Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, generally around 5–6 on the Mohs scale, so it is softer and more porous than aquamarine. Because of this, turquoise is often cut into nuggets, heishi, or smooth beads. Understanding natural turquoise vs stabilized options is important—stabilized turquoise has been treated with resin to enhance durability and is still considered genuine.

Aquamarine is often linked with calm, clarity, and emotional balance, and many wearers associate it with honest communication and soothing energy. It is also considered a stone of courage and protection, which makes it a popular choice for meaningful gifts and personal pieces.

Turquoise is frequently called a stone of protection, wisdom, and personal expression, and it has deep spiritual associations in many cultures. Many people feel that turquoise encourages confidence and creativity, making it a favorite for jewelry that feels personal and expressive.

If you're deciding between aquamarine and turquoise, start with how you or your customers plan to wear the piece. For fine, everyday jewelry that needs extra durability and a clear, polished look, aquamarine is a strong choice. For casual, boho, or Southwestern-inspired designs that center on saturated color and organic patterns, turquoise is hard to beat.

You should also think about your metal choices, the level of care you're willing to give your jewelry, and whether you want transparent sparkle or opaque color as the focal point. Aquamarine usually suits "dress-up or dress-down" designs, while turquoise shines in relaxed, artistic styles.

Aquamarine is the traditional birthstone for March and is also associated with 19th wedding anniversaries, which is why you see it often in meaningful gifts and keepsake designs. Its connection to water and spring makes it popular for pieces that symbolize new beginnings, clarity, and renewal.

Turquoise is a birthstone option for December and is widely used in spiritual and symbolic jewelry across many cultures. If you want to build a birthstone collection, aquamarine works beautifully for March-born clients, and turquoise gives you a rich, colorful option for December birthdays.

Proper care extends the life and beauty of both aquamarine and turquoise jewelry, especially in pieces you wear frequently. A few good habits will help your beads maintain their color and finish over time.

Aquamarine is relatively durable, but it still deserves gentle handling. Clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, and dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth. Avoid harsh household chemicals or extreme temperature changes, and store aquamarine pieces separately to protect against scratches from harder gems.

Turquoise needs more careful treatment because it is softer and more porous. Wipe it with a smooth, slightly damp cloth instead of soaking it in water, and never use steam or ultrasonic cleaners. Keep turquoise away from perfumes, lotions, and extended direct sunlight, and store it in a cool, dry place wrapped in a soft cloth.

This gemstone hardness comparison helps designers choose the right stone for their intended jewelry application.

Aquamarine shines in:

• Delicate beaded bracelets with faceted cuts that catch the light
  
  

• Minimalist pendant necklaces for everyday elegance
  
  

• Bridal jewelry and engagement ring accents
  
  

• Layered strand designs paired with white pearls or moonstone

Best pairings: Sterling silver, white gold, or rose gold for modern looks; yellow gold for vintage-inspired pieces.

Turquoise excels in:

• Statement necklaces with chunky nugget beads
  
  

• Southwestern-style cuff bracelets with silver accents
  
  

• Boho layered looks mixing turquoise with leather or wood
  
  

• Bold drop earrings that showcase matrix patterns

Best pairings: Oxidized sterling silver for rustic appeal; yellow gold or copper for luxe bohemian style.

Aquamarine and turquoise create stunning ocean-inspired palettes in stacked bracelets, multi-strand necklaces, and mixed-metal designs. The transparent aquamarine provides elegant contrast to turquoise's opaque vibrancy—perfect for designers who want versatility in their Gemstone Beads collection.

• Gemstone for daily wear (rings, bracelets)
  
  

• Transparent sparkle and light play
  
  

• Elegant, refined aesthetic
  
  

• March birthstone or 19th anniversary gift
  
  

• Low-maintenance cleaning

• Bold, saturated color
  
  

• Bohemian or Southwestern style
  
  

• Unique matrix patterns
  
  

• December birthstone
  
  

• Cultural and spiritual symbolism
  
  

• Budget-friendly statement pieces

• Versatile jewelry collection
  
  

• Ocean-inspired layered looks
  
  

• Options for different occasions

Yes, high-quality aquamarine is often more expensive than many commercial turquoise options because of its clarity, hardness, and the way it is cut for fine jewelry. However, certain premium turquoise varieties, such as highly prized Sleeping Beauty material, can be pretty valuable and may rival or exceed some aquamarine in price.

Yes, you can absolutely wear aquamarine and turquoise together, and many designers love this pairing. The soft, transparent aquamarine creates a layered ocean-inspired palette with turquoise's vibrant, opaque blue-green that looks great in stacked bracelets, multi-strand necklaces, and charm clusters.

Both gemstones shine with the right metals, but they create very different moods. Aquamarine pairs beautifully with sterling silver, white gold, or rose gold for a fresh, modern feel, though warm yellow gold can add rich contrast.

For turquoise, many people prefer sterling silver or oxidized silver to complement Southwestern and boho looks, while yellow gold can give turquoise a luxurious, high-end finish. Copper and brass also create a warm, earthy look with turquoise beads.

Aquamarine: Real aquamarine has consistent color, excellent clarity, and feels cool to the touch. Hold it up to the light—you should see through it. Synthetic versions often have too-perfect color or visible bubbles.

Turquoise: Authentic turquoise shows natural matrix patterns (veining) that vary from stone to stone. Real turquoise won't scratch easily with a knife, while dyed Howlite (a common fake) will. Stabilized turquoise is real turquoise that's been treated for durability—it's still genuine.

If you want aquamarine vs turquoise strands you can trust, you'll want a supplier that focuses on quality, accurate descriptions, and consistent grading. At Beads of Cambay, we specialize in premium Gemstone Beads, and our team hand-selects Aquamarine Beads and Turquoise Beads so you can shop with confidence for your next design run.

You can buy aquamarine and turquoise beads and pick your favorite out of them, whether you're creating a signature collection, stocking your jewelry business, or stringing a meaningful piece just for yourself. Our customers appreciate our clear product photos, strand descriptions, and customer support, so you always know what you are adding to your cart and how it will feel in your designs.

Choosing between turquoise and aquamarine comes down to your personal style, how you plan to wear the piece, and which meanings speak to you most. Aquamarine brings clarity and refined sparkle, while turquoise offers bold color and protective symbolism, and both can look stunning in gemstone beads for bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.

You might decide to reserve aquamarine for special occasions and use turquoise in your everyday jewelry, or blend both to create layered looks that feel personal and expressive. Whichever gemstone you choose, focusing on quality beads and thoughtful design will help your pieces feel special every time you wear them.