Our Favorite Aquamarines At Auction
To celebrate March’s birthstone, our specialists are excited to share some of the finest aquamarine jewels—from a large range of style periods—to have passed through our auctions.
The name “aquamarine” is derived from Latin, meaning “sea water.” It is a blue colored beryl stone that has been prized by collectors and jewelry craftsmen for its transparency and serene blue-green color. The rough crystals are relatively clean, with hardly any inclusions or markings appearing in finished gems—truly giving it the pure nature of a drop of water.
Tony Duquette Aquamarine and Cultured Pearl Cuff
Why we love it:
An American artist that has been celebrated for his stage and film designs, Tony Duquette sure knows how to bring drama to his jewels. Crafted in 18K white gold, featuring three cut-cornered aquamarines weighing a total of approximately 130 carats, the statement cuff looks as if it could have belonged to one of the many fantastical characters in Duquette’s many productions. With the luster from the black pearl accents, Duquette adds the perfect touch to complete the magical look of this underwater-themed masterpiece.
The gorgeous piece achieved $17,500 at FORTUNA®’s past Important Jewels auction.
Buccellati Aquamarine Ring
Why we love it:
Buccellati has long been admired for their superior mastery of gold metalwork, creating stunning brushed textures likened to silk or linen cloth. The fine craftsmanship behind the textured foliage ring mount creates the perfect home for this startling 22.37-carat cushion step-cut aquamarine. This center stone is exceptional in both color and clarity, even amongst most other aquamarine stones.
The fine ring achieved $28,800 at auction, far surpassing its pre-sale estimate of $6,000–$8,000 in FORTUNA®’s February Fine Jewels auction.
Antique Large Aquamarine and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Why we love it:
Quite possibly dating back to the Edwardian era, this antique pendant encapsulates all the elegance and charm seen in the courts of the early 20th century. Crafted in platinum—a fine metal that was heavily utilized in Edwardian jewelry—this delicate pendant features a large 65-carat pear-shaped aquamarine, accented by antique diamonds ranging from Old European-cuts, single-cuts, and rose-cuts.
This gorgeous antiquity achieved $10,000 at FORTUNA’s Fine Jewels auction.
Tiffany & Co. Aquamarine Morganite and Diamond Drop Necklace
Why we love it:
Aside from the superb craftsmanship that Tiffany & Co. has built its centuries long reputation on, this bespoke necklace is all the more desirable for its one-of-a-kind design. This gorgeous piece features a cascading array of expertly matched marquise-shaped aquamarines and morganites—a gemstone first discovered in 1910 by George F. Kunz, Tiffany & Co.’s own chief gemologist. Tiffany & Co. has long been behind the popularization of lesser known precious gemstones in jewelry designs, and this gorgeous necklace is a prime example of it.
This custom-made necklace achieved a final auction price of $30,000 in FORTUNA’s Fine Jewels sale.