Antique Aquamarine Rings

With reasonable care, yes. Aquamarine (beryl, hardness 7.5–8) is an adequately durable stone for regular wear. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and prolonged direct UV exposure - aquamarine can fade slightly with extended sun exposure, so remove it in strong sunlight. As with all antique rings, have the setting checked periodically to ensure the stone remains secure.

The most prized aquamarines are a deep, saturated blue with no green or grey undertones - sometimes called Santa Maria blue after the Brazilian locality that produces the finest examples. In practice, most antique aquamarine rings feature stones in the pale to medium blue-green range, which have their own beautiful clarity and freshness. We describe the colour and saturation of each stone honestly, as aquamarine colour is difficult to convey accurately in photography.

Art Deco aquamarine rings are predominantly in platinum, which complements the cool blue of the stone and enables the fine geometric construction of the period. Earlier Victorian and Edwardian examples are more commonly found in yellow or white gold. A white metal setting tends to suit aquamarine better than yellow gold, as yellow gold can impart a slight green cast to the stone.

Aquamarine's cool, transparent blue colour was perfectly suited to the open, light-filled aesthetic of the Art Deco period. Its relatively large crystal size meant stones could be cut to substantial proportions that suited the bold geometric settings of the 1920s and 1930s. The emerald cut - step-cut in a rectangular or octagonal form - became the defining aquamarine cut of the Art Deco period, its long clean facets complementing the architectural precision of platinum mounts.

Emerald cut (step cut) aquamarines dominate Art Deco rings - the rectangular or octagonal step cut maximises colour depth and suits geometric designs perfectly. Oval and cushion cuts appear in Victorian and Edwardian examples. Cabochon aquamarines - polished rather than faceted - occasionally appear in Arts and Crafts and Celtic Revival pieces. We always describe the cut of every aquamarine in detail in its listing.

Aquamarine makes a beautiful and increasingly popular engagement ring choice. Its cool, serene colour carries associations of clarity and calm. It is hard enough for regular wear with reasonable care. Art Deco aquamarine rings in geometric platinum settings are particularly striking as engagement rings - distinctive, genuinely historic, and visually very impactful. We are happy to advise on specific pieces with engagement ring wear in mind.