The short answer: larimar is a soft, sky blue stone with white swirls that look like sea and clouds, and it is lovely but relatively soft, so it suits pendants, earrings and careful ring wear more than a daily engagement ring.
Larimar is found in one part of the Caribbean and is loved for its calm, tropical colour. Each stone is different, so each piece feels personal.
What it looks like
Larimar has pale to vivid blue tones with white or grey patterns. Stones with a strong, even blue are the most sought after. It is usually cut as a smooth cabochon rather than a faceted gem.
Why larimar is cut as a cabochon
Larimar is not transparent like a sapphire, so facets would not add sparkle. Instead, a smooth dome shows off the colour and the pattern, and it has no sharp edges to chip. Ovals and rounds are the most common shapes, and freeform shapes can follow the pattern of the stone itself. A cabochon also feels soft and tactile on the hand.
Durability
Larimar is softer than sapphire and can scratch or chip. It can also be affected by heat, strong light over long periods and chemicals. A bezel setting gives good protection.
- Remove the ring for heavy work, swimming and cleaning.
- Clean with a soft cloth and mild soapy water.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and heat.
Where larimar works best
| Piece | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Pendant | Excellent |
| Earrings | Excellent |
| Occasional ring | Good with care |
| Daily engagement ring | Needs a lot of care |
Reading the pattern
The white swirls in larimar are part of its charm. Some stones have a clean, even blue, and others have strong white patterns that look like waves. Neither is better, but it is worth choosing a pattern you like, since you will see it every time you look at the stone. We can show you stones on video and compare the patterns.
A bezel for protection
A bezel wraps a rim of metal around the stone, so the edges are covered and less likely to chip. Because larimar is usually a smooth dome, a bezel also suits its shape. If you wear the ring every day, a low bezel with a slightly raised rim keeps the stone safer than high claws. We show the design as a CAD render so you can judge how much of the stone is covered.
A holiday keepsake
Many people first see larimar on a trip to the Caribbean and want a piece that brings back that colour. A pendant or a pair of earrings is a lovely way to keep the memory, and small diamond accents around the stone add a little sparkle without taking away from the blue. Tell us where you saw it and what you loved, and we design around that.
Metals
White metals echo the cool blue, and yellow gold gives a warm, beachy contrast.
Availability
Quality larimar varies, and we can discuss what we can source when you get in touch.
If you want blue with more durability
Consider aquamarine or sapphire. See best settings for aquamarine, and compare other softer stones in opal: beauty, fragility and daily wear.
How to choose
- Pick the blue you love.
- Choose a bezel setting.
- Decide how often you will wear it.
See the hardness chart. Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing, and our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are. Pieces start from £600.
Frequently asked questions
Is larimar a good engagement stone? It suits those who accept extra care.
Does it fade? Strong heat or prolonged light can affect it.
Is every stone different? Yes, the patterns vary.
Can larimar be a pendant? Yes, and a pendant faces fewer knocks than a ring.
Can I order a larimar piece from overseas? Yes, by video consultation, with insured, tracked FedEx delivery.