What is an aquamarine?

Aquamarines are light blue to greenish-blue in colour and are members of the beryl family. Thanks to their unparalleled beauty, vintage aquamarine rings and antique aquamarine rings have been treasured and many of these unique vintage pieces are still available for purchase. In particular, aquamarines were very popular in the Art Deco era, with some striking pieces being created which are highly sought after today.

What does aquamarine look like?

Aquamarine resembles crystal blue sea water, its name deriving from the latin words ‘aqua’ and ‘marina’. Large pieces of aquamarine often feature in vintage aquamarine rings and can be paired with either yellow gold or platinum.

What is the difference between blue topaz and aquamarine?

Blue topaz and aquamarine are relatively similar in appearance, however they are very different gemstones. Aquamarine is generally much more expensive than blue topaz as a result of its superior clarity and natural colour. Blue topaz is usually treated with heat, whereas the best quality aquamarine, including the pieces which feature in our collection, are completely natural, unenhanced, and a real rarity . As a result of this, a vintage aquamarine ring is likely to sell for double the price of a blue topaz ring.

Is aquamarine a precious stone?

Aquamarine is considered as a semi-precious stone, yet this doesn’t automatically deplete its value. Antique aquamarine rings that feature natural and unenhanced stones are often sold for just as much as rings containing precious stones. Antique aquamarine cocktail rings, with their bold and elegant designs, have become a popular choice for those seeking a striking yet timeless statement piece. Diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire are the only precious stones, with other gemstones automatically being considered as semi-precious.

Can you wear an aquamarine ring every day?

You can, and many people do, wear aquamarine rings every day. The antique and vintage aquamarine rings were crafted beautifully and are likely to have been treasured over time, meaning many of these antique aquamarine rings are durable and still in fantastic condition. Aquamarine is 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, meaning it is a durable stone. However, vintage aquamarine rings must be treated with care. There are some times when we suggest not wearing your aquamarine ring, such as when showering, when doing any heavy cleaning or DIY or when you are exercising.

Antique & Vintage Aquamarine Rings

The name derives from the Latin ‘aqua', meaning water in combination with ‘marina', meaning sea-clearly for its resemblance to pristine crystal blue seawater.

Rough aquamarine crystals are typically large and transparent with superior clarity, so often feature in dramatic jewels on a grand scale. The largest specimen known to date was found in the Minas Gerais mine in Brazil in 1910- the primary source of this gemstone- which weighed approximately 110.5 kilograms, and measured 48.5cm x 42cm. Other sources of aquamarine throughout the world are Mozambique, Sri Lanka, Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United States.

Vintage and especially Art Deco aquamarine rings are extremely eye-catching and can create a huge impact. They are most commonly seen cut as an elongated emerald-cut and coupled with diamonds. This geometric look contributed to their popularity during Art Deco period, although they were enjoyed from the Victorian period onwards, the understated colour possessed by aquamarines is complementary to either platinum or yellow gold settings.

With the increasing popularity of coloured gemstones in antique engagement rings, aquamarine provides a beautiful unique colour, and is an alluring alternative to other gemstones.

When you purchase one of our antique or vintage aquamarine rings, you’re investing in a rare piece of jewellery. Our collection of antique aquamarine rings date as far back as the 1800’s and would have been skillfully handcrafted in a time before mass production. Explore Berganza’s Art Deco aquamarine rings or browse some more of our rare collections such as our sapphire and emerald rings today.