Aquamarine, the darling of the time
Aquamarine, which has its name derived from the Latin aquamarine (aqua=water; sea=sea), is an attractive silica derived from the mineral beryl, the same group as emerald (green beryl) and morganite (pink beryl).
Known as the King of Precious Stones, its crystals are generated in “dirty” places, where there are always certain impurities around – in this case, beryl incorporates small amounts of iron and it is precisely this metal that, in interaction with light, gives to beryl the precious turquoise tone that characterizes aquamarine. Currently, the most valuable colors are sky blue and dark blue.
Most aquamarine crystals come from geological deposits of pegmatite rock, many of which are found in Brazil, which makes the country the largest source of aquamarine in the world. Around here, the main mines are found in the states of Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Bahia, Rondônia (little explored) and Rio Grande do Norte.
There are records that, already in the tombs of mummies in Egypt, aquamarine stones were found. Ancient legends say that the gem would have the power to protect sailors from sea storms and drowning. Another superstition that revolves around the gemstone is that it would provide calm and fight evil between couples.
The largest aquamarine precious stone in the world – a rough crystal in the shape of an obelisk, weighing just over 2 kilos and measuring 36 cm high -, named Dom Pedro and extracted in Minas Gerais in the 80s, is part of permanent display at the Washington Museum of Natural History since 2012 when it was donated by an American couple. The original crystal, when it was extracted from the mine, weighed about 45 kilos, but it ended up breaking into 3 parts and the largest, weighing just under 30 kilos, was carved into Dom Pedro.
Queen Elizabeth II, during her visit to Brazil in 1968, was presented with several jewels adorned with aquamarine, such as necklaces, earrings and even a tiara. A luxury, isn't it?
And to stamp the gem as one of the darlings of royalty, recently the stone was the protagonist of the ring that Meghan Markle wore on her wedding to Prince Harry. The aquamarine blue ring that the bride wore after the ceremony, was from the collection of her mother-in-law, Lady Di, according to information confirmed by the press office of the Royal House. A beautiful tribute!
Have you ever imagined yourself wearing jewelry with the same gem that British royalty so appreciate? ArtOuro meets this unique tone with special designs in aquamarine jewelry. Selecting only high quality stones, ArtOuro invites you to feel the power of water. If you listen to the aquamarine earrings, you can hear sirens singing aloud. ArtOuro designs a maritime world, where you can dive deep and find unique pieces. Let the drops transform into lonely aquamarine pendants around your neck or find the aquamarine rings hidden in a mystical box for eons in the depths of the sea.
Come be enchanted by the aquamarine! visit our shop and enjoy the super discounts we have prepared for you!
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