Antique and Vintage Aquamarine Jewellery

Throughout much of recorded history, the aquamarine has been believed to serve a symbolic purpose and bring luck to the wearer.

During the Roman era, these gemstones were often embellished with a carved image of a frog, creating a talisman that was thought to reconcile enemies and make them friends. In addition to this, the Romans also believed that aquamarines would "absorb the atmosphere of young love." Because of this, the gemstone was considered the most appropriate gift to give to a bride on the morning after her wedding, and today the aquamarine is considered the official present for a 19th wedding anniversary. There was another Roman belief that aquamarines would help to cure illnesses; particularly of the stomach, liver, jaw, and throat.

For the Romans and the Greeks, the aquamarine was believed to be the sailor's gem, presumably because of the stone''s resemblance of the ocean. Having an aquamarine on the ship was thought to ensure a safe passage through rough and choppy tides.

The pale blue stone was later believed to bring luck to soldiers. During the medieval period, it was thought that wearing an aquamarine into battle would render a soldier invincible. It was also believed, within medieval society, that this gemstone would reawaken the love of married couples.

After the Victorian era, in the late 19th century, Aquamarines encountered perhaps their biggest surge in popularity. During this time, Art Nouveau styles rebelled against the strictness of the Victorian era and jewellery makers took inspiration from nature and animals creating swirling, playful designs often incorporating gold. The aquamarine was also a jewel of choice when it came to the Art Deco era during the early 20th century. The elongated, emerald cut gems perfectly suited the sleek geometric jewellery styles that this artistic movement was so famous for.

Antique and vintage aquamarine jewellery serves as a thoughtful gift for a variety of special occasions, seamlessly merging timeless beauty with emotional significance. As March's birthstone, it is an excellent choice for birthday celebrations, while its connection to harmony and lasting love makes it particularly suitable for significant anniversaries, notably the 19th. The tranquil blue colour also aligns with the "something blue" tradition in weddings, making it a distinctive option for engagement rings. Furthermore, aquamarine jewellery is a meaningful way to commemorate life's milestones, such as graduations, career advancements, or relocating, representing peace and clarity.

The gentle blue shades of aquamarine are ideal for seasonal gifting, whether in winter or summer, and for romantic occasions like Valentine's Day or the celebration of treasured memories. It also serves as a wonderful heirloom to be passed down during important life events. Whether for a birthday, anniversary, or personal achievement, aquamarine jewellery beautifully combines elegance, heritage, and significance, ensuring a memorable impact.

We recommend the following steps to keep your stunning aquamarine vibrant all year round:

Mild Soap and Water

Mix lukewarm water with a couple drops of mild soap. Avoid anything too harsh, as it can damage the stone or the metal.

Soft Brush

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (like a child's toothbrush) to gently scrub the stone and setting. Pay attention to crevices where dirt can build up.

Rinse Thoroughly

After cleaning, rinse the toothbrush with clean water and gently go back over the stone to remove any soap residue.

Dry Carefully

Pat dry with a tissue or towel before polishing with a jewellery cloth. If you're really keen use an eye loupe to get a close up and tweeze out any leftover fibres! This is what we would usually do but to the human eye fibres can rarely be spotted so don't worry if you're happy after a good clean and polish!

NOTE: Avoid using personal ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals, as these can harm the stone or weaken the setting.

At AC Silver we recommend you bringing your aquamarine jewellery to us annually for a complimentary check and clean.

More tips on caring for your aquamarine jewellery/