Spotlight on Aquamarine Engagement Rings

The present-day pool of engagement ring buyers can be clearly divided into two factions: the lovers of all things diamond and traditional, and those who strive to come up with something different, unique and original. This has given rise to the appearance of not only unusual stones and materials (such as stone or wood), but also a wider range of colours, which strays away from the classic hues to offer something a little more diverse and unique to the jewellery-buying public.

Aquamarine engagement rings are only the latest addition to a list which also includes green gold bands, among other precious stones and metals. With their watery blue-green hue, these jewels can make your ring finger look at once fun, elegant and sophisticated.

Technically, the term ‘aquamarine’ can refer to both a colour and the stone that colour is named after. Aquamarine (the stone) is a pale blue or turquoise variety of beryl found in North and South America, Madagascar, and certain parts of Africa. It’s typical hue of pale watery blue, attributed to the presence of iron molecules in the stone’s composition is also naturally known by that name in the colour wheel.

Historically, the largest example of an aquamarine to ever be mined surfaced in Brazil in the early 20th century, specifically in 1910. It was unearthed near Marambaia, Minas Gerais, was 19 inches long by 17 inches wide, and weighed in at a whopping 110kg! It is highly unlikely that that stone will have ended up on anyone’s finger whole (that would be a very lucky someone indeed), but there is nothing to indicate that it has not been cut into smaller pieces to be used as toppers for aquamarine engagement rings.

Where jewellery is concerned, there are a number of factors working in aquamarine’s favour. The colour is quite popular as a hue for clothing, as it conveys a sense of lightness, elegance and sophistication, so opting for aquamarine engagement rings to match that favourite frock or blouse will nicely complement a casually elegant look. Like many other stones of its ilk, aquamarine also provides an interesting play of light, which can make it look even more attractive than usual when it is displayed correctly.

But if aquamarine engagement rings are this elegant, sophisticated and appealing, why are so few people aware of them as potential alternatives to diamonds? The stone loses out even to classic mainstays such as sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and rings made incorporating this stone are not often seen in the market or on people’s fingers. The answer might lie with the stone’s relative lack of tradition as a jewellery gem, as well as its paltry historical associations and inexistent symbolism. Still, for fans of a purely visually pleasing rock, this stone might constitute an interesting, hardly explored and affordable option.

Frank L Orman is the founder of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. From aquamarine engagement rings to princess cuts and engraved bands, we have ideas and opinions covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.