March is all about Aqua
The cool, pale blue of Aquamarine is the beautiful birthstone for those lucky enough to be born in March. It is also the stone to commemorate a 19th wedding anniversary.
Its name is derived from two Latin words: “aqua” meaning water and “marina” meaning the sea. It has been said to calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea.
Lisa Gatward’s Engagement Ring
Lisa, 7th generation Gatward met her husband, Graham when they were both working together on the QE2 cruise ship. It therefore is very fitting that her stunning pear-cut engagement ring which she designed herself is an aqua surrounded by a halo of pear cut diamonds.
Derived from the mineral, Beryl
Aquamarine is derived from the mineral, beryl which is the same mineral that produces Emeralds. Beryl forms large six sided crystals which means that aquamarines can be sizeable stones and are perfect for making stunning pieces of jewellery. Mostly found in Brazil, the most valuable aquamarine stones are the darker blue versions of this stunning gemstone.
Famous Aquamarine Jewellery
The most famous aquamarine in recent years is the ring worn by Megan, the Duchess of Sussex on the evening of her wedding to Prince Harry. This ring was given to her by Harry and belonged to his late mother, Princess Diana. Diana commissioned the ring herself from Aspreys in the 1990s around the time she split from Prince Charles. It is thought to be around 30 carats and is set in yellow gold, an unusual choice for aqua as it is normally set in white gold or platinum but it is thought that Diana chose the ring to match the aqua in her pearl bracelet which is also set in yellow gold.
8th Generation Aqua Ring by Andrew Geoghegan
When Charlotte Gatward joined the business as the 8th generation family member in 2018, she worked with British jewellery designer, Andrew Geoghegan to design an 8th generation ring. He came up with this striking design in a figure of 8 with 2 aquamarine stones surrounded by a halo of brilliant cut diamonds.
Aquamarine Pendant
We have also just taken delivery of this gorgeous Victorian style aquamarine and diamond pendant. It has a central emerald cut aquamarine in an etruscan setting, set with diamonds, with a diamond set bale