“Underrated” Aquamarine? Why Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth Wore It
The “Something Blue” Tradition and Royal Legacy
On May 19, 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding captured global attention. Meghan wore an aquamarine gemstone ring that once belonged to Princess Diana, perfectly aligning with the Western wedding tradition:
“something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in your shoe.”
This tradition, dating back to the Victorian era, symbolizes good luck and happiness for the newlyweds. Meghan’s choice also allowed Princess Diana to accompany her son in a meaningful way.
Similarly, at royal weddings, Prince William gave Princess Diana’s sapphire ring to Kate Middleton, while Prince Harry gave Diana’s aquamarine ring to Meghan. These gestures reflect how the British royal family honors both tradition and emotional heritage.
Introduction to Aquamarine Gemstone
Aquamarine (Beryl), also known as blue beryl, water beryl, or sky-blue beryl, ranges from light blue to bluish-green. It belongs to the beryl family, the same family as emeralds. (If you’d like to explore other members of the beryl family, check out our Golden Beryl: Rare Gemstone Among the World’s Five Great Gems with Stunning Cat’s Eye Examples article.)
- Color cause: Blue-green hue is due to divalent iron ions.
- Historical origin: The English name first appeared in 1598, derived from Latin “Aqua” (water) and “Marina” (sea), reflecting its sea-like color.Learn more about topaz in our article Topaz: Why Is It Called ‘Yellow Jade’ When Most Stones Are Blue?
- Crystal characteristics: Large crystals, high clarity, and vivid transparency.
- Notable example: Queen Elizabeth II wore a Brazilian aquamarine necklace and crown at her 1953 coronation.
Aquamarine Gemstone Sources and Characteristics
Aquamarine is primarily sourced from:
| Origin | Color | Clarity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Light to sky blue | High transparency | Source of largest crystals, ideal for major jewelry |
| Nigeria | Bluish-green | More inclusions | Bright color, suitable for mid-to-small stones |
| Madagascar | Blue-greenish | Moderate clarity | Increasing production, good value |
Summary: Brazilian aquamarine is prized for its size and clarity, making it more collectible; other origins are perfect for everyday jewelry use.
Aquamarine Gemstone Market and Collectibility
1. Market Price in North America
Aquamarine is abundant, and individual crystals are usually large, making small-to-medium stones relatively affordable. In North America, current market prices are approximately:
- Up to 5 carats: $130–$400 per carat
- 5–10 carats: $400–$1,000 per carat
- Over 10 carats: $1,000–$2,500 per carat
These prices vary based on factors such as color, clarity, and cut. Lighter colors are more common and therefore less valuable, while deeper, more intense blues command premium prices
2. Collectibility
- Large crystals: In the early 20th century, Brazil produced an aquamarine crystal weighing 10,363 carats. Sculpted, it became a stunning art piece.
- Collector challenges: Stones over 30 carats are difficult to turn into jewelry and are too small for display items, making them less rare than emeralds.
Conclusion: Aquamarine is excellent for jewelry due to its affordable price and visual appeal, but it has limited investment potential as a collectible.
How to Identify Aquamarine Gemstone
1. Distinguishing from Blue Topaz
- Refractive index: Blue topaz: 1.609–1.643; aquamarine: 1.577–1.583. Theoretically, topaz can appear slightly more sparkly.
- Visual effect: Large, high-clarity aquamarine stones can appear equally brilliant.
- Other indicators: Color saturation, crystal structure, hardness (aquamarine 7.5–8, topaz 8), and transparency.
2. Quality Assessment
- Color: Closest to pure spectral or sky blue is ideal.
- Clarity: Transparent, minimal inclusions.
- Weight: Larger carats, especially above 5 carats, are preferred.
- Cut: Fine cutting enhances brilliance.
- Treatment: Untreated stones are more valuable for collectors.
Tip: For limited budgets, choose high-quality smaller stones rather than sacrificing clarity for size.
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Mohs hardness: 7.5–8
- Refractive index: 1.577–1.583
- Specific gravity: 2.68–2.74
- Crystal system: Hexagonal
- Optical properties: Uniaxial, strong birefringence
These parameters are essential for professional identification and lab testing.
The “Mystical Powers” Myth
Some retailers exaggerate aquamarine’s effects,claiming it cures colds, ensures safety, or boosts creativity. These claims lack scientific evidence. Aquamarine’s value lies in aesthetic beauty, cultural heritage, and jewelry design, not in health miracles.
Conclusion
- For wedding couples: Aquamarine rings honor the “something blue” tradition while symbolizing good luck and happiness.
- For collectors: Mid-to-small carat, high-quality aquamarine is suitable for jewelry; its investment potential is limited, but its aesthetic appeal is high.
Just as aquamarine is treasured for its history, culture, and craftsmanship, our independent shop’s handmade vintage earrings highlight artisanal carving, intricate design, and retro aesthetics. Wearing them is not only a beautiful experience but also a way to celebrate handcrafted artistry and unique personal style.
