We have all heard the iconic phrase “a diamond is forever” coined by copywriter Mary Frances Gerety in 1948 and used by the De Beers Group ever since.
Gerety coined a powerful and catchy phrase that made the diamond ubiquitous in any traditional engagement and this is where we differ – at Fenton we agree that a diamond can be forever, we just don’t see why other gemstones can’t be forever too!
Engagement rings have been around long before 1948, and colored gemstones have always been at the forefront. Many of the oldest engagement rings known to man feature gorgeous blue sapphires nestled in a handcrafted ancient Roman setting, and powerful emerald lovers range from the iconic Elizabeth Taylor to the perhaps even more iconic Cleopatra.
At Fenton, we have a soft spot for Aquamarine as one of our forever favorite gemstones of choice. Recently, aquamarine has gained a lot of prominence thanks to Meghan Markle wearing Princess Diana’s emerald-cut solitaire cocktail ring.
Here are the top three reasons why we think you should choose aquamarine as your gemstone now and forever:
Aquamarine Is Versatile
Aquamarines, as the name suggests, are a soft pale blue and we pride ourselves on our ability to find a delicate yet saturated blue that stands out. They are a neutral pairing for any other jewelry or outfit combination and can be dressed up or down with ease for the perfect day to night look. They look great on all skin tones and through the seasons, they truly are the go-to gemstone and we love that versatility and ease.
How Much Does An Aquamarine Cost?
Despite their obvious beauty, aquamarines are more reasonably priced than many other options and as such are a great choice for anyone looking for a statement piece. We see a number of women choosing aquamarines to mark a birthday, special occasion or anniversary as well as for engagements and choosing to go for larger cocktail settings. Just to give an example – a ‘ larger’ emerald cut aquamarine with a surface area of 8x10mm on our website costs £3,500 inc on our site whereas the equivalent diamond size costs north of £150,000!!! We don’t know about you but we’d take the Aqua any day!
Gemology 101 – How Hard Is Aquamarine?
Aquamarines have amazing gemological characteristics that make them a great choice for gemstone lovers, but ones that we can all appreciate!
Their highest grades tend to have no inclusions visible to the naked eye, so you can enjoy perfect clarity, which is an incredible natural miracle! This clarity, combined with the soft “aqua” blue, gives these gemstones an evocative watery feel.
They are part of the illustrious Beryl family which includes, famously, Emeralds and the lesser known collectible, Morganite. Aquamarines and Emeralds can be found in the same regions of the world, we source responsibly from Sri Lanka, Thailand and Zambia.
Finally, aquamarines measure at a solid 7.5 on the MoH hardness scale, which means that while they are not as hard as a sapphire or diamond, they are still safe and suitable for everyday wear.
Unique Aquamarine Engagement Rings
Here we have some of our favorite aquamarine setting and cut combinations, but of course one of the main points about Fenton is that you are in the creative driver’s seat and can create a modern heirloom that feels truly personal and unique to you
The Platinum Emerald Cut Aquamarine Solitaire in Grand – Give the royals a run for their money with this graduated cut stunner. The simplicity of the solitaire is perfect for letting your aquamarine do the talking.
The Original Cut Aquamarine Yellow Gold Trilogy Round – this is one of the most adorable designs we’ve made to date. We love the delicate setting and how the unusual choice of 18k yellow gold complements and warms up your aquamarine. It looks great stacked with a chevron band on either side – you can mix and match your gemstones to create a truly unique stack.
The Oval Cut Aquamarine Platinum Halo in Bigger – As a cocktail alternative to the Grand Solitaire, this ring packs a punch. Your aquamarine is set with two sparkling halos of GH VS accent diamonds that illuminate the entire ring in a dark room.
The Rose Gold and Aquamarine Cushion Cut Garland Ring – this is the perfect ring to treat yourself to. At £1,250, it’s a great way to delve into the world of Aquamarine ownership for the first time. We love pairing our aquas with all metals and this combo is a great way to carry a hot piece of seaside and rosé-inspired summer holiday on your hand all year round.
The original oval cut aquamarine platinum star with a pavé band – it’s a stunning choice for an engagement ring that gives maximum sparkle. This setting will highlight the delicate blue of your aquamarine to perfection, proving that sometimes, more is more!
Whatever setting you choose, we’re here to help you create your dream aquamarine ring to sail forever with! With love, The Fenton Team xx
Ready to start creating your ring? Start here or you can go ahead and book your appointment with one of our concierges now!
