Many years ago I was privileged to see Princess Diana’s exquisite 30 carat emerald-cut Aquamarine and diamond ring at the Sydney fundraiser for the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. The clearest blue you could ever imagine. It’s no surprise that Harry gave this ring to his bride, Meghan Markle. Some say it was to honour his mother at their wedding reception and I just love that the ring lives on in memory of Diana.
I’m smitten by the blue! Once you’ve discovered the mystique of an Aquamarine, you’ll be smitten too. The captivating blue hues of translucent seas range from pale blue to deep blue, often with a hint of sea-green. Its name is from Latin, “aqua” meaning water and “marina” meaning sea.
Aquamarine is a type of beryl, a mineral that includes green emerald, pink morganite, and yellow heliodor. Its remarkable transparency makes it a favourite with jewellers and young gentlemen for engagement rings. Rated at 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, it has durability for everyday wear.
Naturally throughout history Aquamarine has been associated with the sea and sailors, and ancient mariners believed its powers would protect them from the perils of the ocean and ensure safe and prosperous passage across stormy seas. Aquamarine wearers were fierce and fearless.
Aquamarines are synonymous with tranquility, clarity, and harmony, and are said to lessen stress and calm the mind. It is believed to promote verbal expression and clear communication blocks.
It is a symbol of happiness in love and everlasting youth. A Roman legend: “When blessed and worn, it joins in love, and does great things” fostered belief that Aquamarine could absorb the atmosphere of young love and reawaken lost love between married couples.
Many other Aquamarines are famous. The Dom Pedro Aquamarine is the largest cut Aquamarine in the world, weighing over 10,000 carats and shaped like an obelisk. The Hirsch Aquamarine is known for its clarity and deep blue colour, weighing almost 110 carats. The Roosevelt Aquamarine is a 1,298-carat gem from Brazil given to Eleanor Roosevelt.
The pristine Aquamarine pictured is a fine example of the depth of sea blue colour. This Aquamarine and Diamond ring is handmade, set with one emerald-cut Aquamarine, weight 3.92ct and two F VS1 trapezoid cut shoulders diamonds, weight total 0.44ct, priced at $12,750 (Ring + diamonds $4,600 plus gemstone $8,150 as at March 2023.)
