Aquamarine and Platinum Engagement Rings
We set many of our engagement rings with gemstone alternatives to diamond. For example, our regular ring designs can be set with any gemstone. In addition, we create bespoke ring designs. Some of these feature our client’s own gemstones. For example Aquamarine.
Incredible bespoke Platinum Aquamarine ring with a deep blue Santa Maria colour
Platinum makes a perfect setting for an Aquamarine. To explain, the natural grey-white metal polishes to an incredible bright finish. In addition, its strength makes Platinum a natural choice. Combined with durability, we highly recommend Platinum for a high quality Aquamarine setting.
When it comes to Aquamarine, depth of colour affects price. Less expensive stones feature poorer cuts, paler colours and smaller sizes. By comparison, deep blue Aquamarines demand higher prices. Similarly, larger sizes and beautiful cuts increase cost.
Bespoke Emerald cut Aquamarine ring design with 9 carat gemstone
Diamonds vs Aquamarines for Engagement Rings
Aquamarines make a good choice for anyone with a love of large diamonds, lacking the necessary budget. Pale shades offer an icy-blue alternative to a diamond at a fraction of the cost. Furthermore, round Aquamarines come in most sizes.
When it comes to hardness and durability, GIA has the following to say about the hardness.
“Aquamarine is 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, so it is a durable gemstone for jewelry as long as it is treated with care to protect it against scratching and hard knocks.”
Twist engagement ring set with Aquamarine
What is Aquamarine?
“Aquamarine is a blue to green-blue variety of precious beryl. The beryl group of minerals is most famous for chromium-rich, green emerald. This happens to be one of the ‘precious four’ gems of the world. Diamond, sapphire and ruby make up the other three). Aquamarine is the Birthstone for March. With an exceptional hardness it has a beautiful glassy lustre. Breathtaking sea-blue colours range from light to dark-blue. Incidentally, the name ‘aquamarine’ derives from an old Latin expression for seawater.
Aquamarine or Aqua?
The name Aquamarine is often shortened to Aqua. Jewellers refer to Aqua rings, but both are the same.
Buying Aquamarines
There are no standards for grading Aquamarine. Care must be taken to avoid seduction by words applied by some retailers (e.g. AAA grade Aquamarine).
For larger Aquamarine stones we create clear photography for overseas and distance purchases. As a result, we offer clients an accurate way of seeing a stone without viewing it in person.
Why set an Aquamarine into Platinum?
Platinum offers a natural grey-white precious metal choice. Furthermore, it works wonderfully with Aquamarine. Platinum makes a statement that the gemstone selected deserves attention. To emphasise, Platinum is the Rolls-Royce of precious metals. For this reason, it provides a throne for any gemstone. In addition, Platinum refurbishes back to as-new condition. Despite small scratches appearing at first, Platinum wears to a natural Patina prized in Antique jewellery.
How do you choose the perfect setting for a big Aquamarine?
This dilemma affects many of our clients. From time to time, we are asked to create a bespoke setting for a client’s Aquamarine. Beyond our regular ring designs, we CAD designs and model settings to our client’s own diamonds and gems.
Some clients call into our showroom. Other clients contact us through email or from our bespoke pages. In addition we respond to online chat requests. We offer expert help. Ideally, we require an idea of the gemstone’s size. Also, tell us your preference for precious metal. With all this in mind, we can provide a guide to cost.
About Mark Johnson
My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.
