The aquamarine gemstone has been a favourite in antique jewellery for centuries with its calming blue hues and positive symbolism of hope, health, fertility, harmony, courage, and communication. Long associated with the sea, its name is derived from the Latin ‘aqua marina’, meaning ‘sea water’.
The Romans and Greeks believed it to be the sailor’s gem and that it would ensure a safe passage through rough tides. Here we’ll be sharing 10 beautiful examples of rings from our inventory featuring the sought-after stone, spanning centuries and varying in designs.
Aquamarine’s Popularity in Antique Jewellery
Aquamarines have a rich history, as well as its protective qualities at sea, the Romans thought carving the image of a frog into them, would make enemies into friends. Also, they believed to help cure illnesses, particularly of the stomach, liver, jaw, and throat.
They were also gifted to a bride on the morning after her wedding as they were believed to “absorb the atmosphere of young love.” In the medieval period, wearing an aquamarine in battle was thought to be protective.
Popularity of aquamarines surged in the Victorian era; light green aquamarines were most commonly used then. They were seen the Art Deco and Art Nouveau periods too and in more recent times aquamarines are mostly sky blue. Princess Diana famously sported a 13-carat aquamarine cocktail ring which Meghan Markle wore years later at her and Prince Harry’s wedding reception.
1. Victorian Aquamarine Ring
The Victorian era (1837–1901) saw jewellery that featured romantic motifs such as flowers, birds and snakes which were seen as a symbol of eternity at the time. Aquamarine has been associated with harmony and reawakening love which coincides with the sentimental quality of Victorian jewellery. In the 19th Century, during Queen Victoria’s reign, the most popular aquamarines were light green and reminiscent of the ocean.
This Victorian example has been crafted in 15ct yellow gold with a scroll decoration and it holds a 2.33ct marquise cut aquamarine. It’s a calming cool tone makes it more understated but still looks sleek and elegant with its marquise shape and millegrain decoration.
2. Art Deco Aquamarine Ring
Art Deco rings were a change in style from previous eras. Geometric shapes and bold designs were the main theme in the Art Deco era (1920s–1930s), usually with a large central gemstone with diamonds used in addition. Designs were often symmetrical with sharp angles and aquamarines were commonly chosen in cluster rings and halo settings where diamonds encompass the main stone.
This platinum example incorporates classic Art Deco elements maintaining a bold look, it combines both a halo setting with a geometric design. The feature collet set 4.24ct oval faceted cut aquamarine is surrounded by twenty eight-cut diamonds and is flanked on either side by a collet set baguette cut diamond.
3. Retro Era Aquamarine Ring
Continuing with the striking pieces, in the 40s and 50s, cocktail rings made a bold statement with their oversized designs, they were bright and sparkling for all the Hollywood stars.
This large 34.22ct aquamarine is four claw set in an iconic Art Deco design, certainly an eye-catching ring to make a statement and add a pop of colour to your look. It is flanked on either side by a scrolling design, embellished with a total of thirty-two pavé set eight-cut diamonds, with extra sparkle there is nothing subtle about this piece.
4. Royal Family-Inspired Aquamarine Ring
A precious and timeless gemstone, it’s no surprise the royals are fans of aquamarine jewellery. Queen Elizabeth II had the Brazilian Aquamarine Parure which comprised of earrings, a necklace and brooch, gifted from the president and people of Brazil.
This 45.09 cushion mixed cut aquamarine set in a geometric frame, with baguette cut diamond decorated shoulders, reminds us of Princess Diana’s 13 carat aquamarine cocktail ring that Megan Markle wore in 2018 at her and Prince Harry’s wedding reception.
5. Celebrity-Inspired Aquamarine Ring
It’s not just the royals who like this stone, celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry like to wear aquamarines, specifically on red carpets. Actress Jessica Biel’s diamond engagement ring is embellished on either side with aquamarines, especially fitting as it’s her birthstone. The main stone is a 6 carat cushion cut diamond and is surrounded by a double halo setting of diamonds, further emphasising the size of the feature stone and making the ring sparkle. There are even more diamonds pavé set along the band. Blackened platinum is used in the ring, giving it a vintage effect.
This yellow gold and platinum dress ring reminds us of this combination with domed setting displaying claw set Old European round cut diamonds and either side is enhanced with channel set baguette cut aquamarines. This ring is circa 1940 but still has modern appeal, displaying a fine white colour, brilliance and presence.
Caring for Antique Aquamarine Rings
We’ve covered some stand out aquamarine examples, but these aren’t brand new – they’ve stood the test of time and still look beautiful. It’s not only about the crafting of the ring and quality of materials, but the important matter of cleaning, storing safely and handling with care.
Like all gemstone rings, aquamarine rings need regular care to maintain their timeless beauty. Avoid wearing the ring when in cleaning with chemicals and avoid contact with dirt and oils. Furthermore, remove the ring before exercising and store safety away from dust, for example in a jewellery box. You can enlist a jeweller to check the setting, and clean the ring once year. You can clean the ring more frequently yourself at home by doing the following:
• Mix warm water and mild dish soap in a bowl
• Soak the aquamarine ring in the bowl for around 30 minutes
• Gently scrub the ring with a soft bristled toothbrush
• Rinse the ring with clean water
• Carefully wipe the ring dry with a clean cloth
Across centuries aquamarine has been a sought after stunning serene stone, with a beautiful blue hue and sentimental symbolism. It’s a versatile gemstone that looks in many different designs and is available in a range of tones and cuts. You can shop all our aquamarine rings and aquamarine jewellery on our site. Consider adding a splash of colour into your jewellery collection with this precious yet durable gemstone.
