Famous Aquamarines: Legendary Gems That Captivated the World
Aquamarine’s serene beauty and mesmerizing clarity have made it a favorite among royalty, collectors, and designers for centuries. From jaw-dropping carvings to royal heirlooms, here are some of the most legendary aquamarines in history:
1. The Dom Pedro Aquamarine
The Largest Cut Aquamarine in the World
Weighing an astonishing 10,363 carats (about 4.6 pounds), the Dom Pedro is a breathtaking obelisk-shaped masterpiece carved from a single crystal. Named after Brazil’s first emperors, Dom Pedro I and II, it was discovered in Minas Gerais, Brazil, in the 1980s. Artistry: German gem sculptor Bernd Munsteiner transformed the raw crystal into a towering, intricately faceted obelisk that seems to glow from within. Where to See It: Permanently displayed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
2. Queen Elizabeth II’s Aquamarine Parure
A Royal Legacy. This iconic suite of aquamarine jewelry was a gift from the people of Brazil to Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, celebrating her coronation. The set includes:
A tiara with graduated rectangular aquamarines. A necklace, earrings, and a bracelet adorned with matching stones. The Queen later added a clip brooch and pendant to the collection, creating one of the most recognizable royal jewelry sets.
3. The Roosevelt Aquamarine
A Presidential Gift
In 1939, Brazil’s President Getúlio Vargas gifted First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt a 1,298-carat aquamarine necklace during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Good Neighbor Policy tour. The stone, sourced from Brazil’s Minas Gerais, symbolized diplomatic friendship.
Legacy: The necklace is now part of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum’s collection.
4. The Hirsch Aquamarine
A Record-Breaking Auction Star
This 109.92-carat emerald-cut aquamarine, named after jeweler Laurence Graff’s wife, set a world record when it sold at Christie’s in 2011 for $1.3 million. Its flawless clarity and vivid blue hue made it a standout piece.
5. The Martha Rocha Aquamarine Tiara
A Beauty Queen’s Treasure
Brazilian beauty queen Martha Rocha, runner-up at the 1954 Miss Universe pageant, received a lavish aquamarine and diamond tiara as a consolation prize. The tiara, featuring 920 carats of aquamarines, became a symbol of Brazilian pride and remains a cherished piece in jewelry history.
6. The Schlumberger Bow Brooch
Tiffany & Co.’s Masterpiece
Designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. in the 1950s, this bow-shaped brooch features a 30-carat aquamarine centerpiece surrounded by diamonds. It exemplifies mid-century glamour and is a highlight of Tiffany’s vintage collections.
7. The Rockefeller Aquamarine
A Family Heirloom
Once owned by the Rockefeller family, this 50-carat step-cut aquamarine ring was auctioned by Sotheby’s in 2018 for $375,000. Its provenance and impeccable quality made it a star of the sale.
8. The "Santa Maria" Aquamarines
The Gold Standard of Color
Named after the Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Brazil, these gems are renowned for their intense, saturated blue hues. The term “Santa Maria” is now used globally to describe top-tier aquamarines, regardless of origin. Notable examples include a 103-carat stone displayed at the British Museum.
9. The Duchess of Windsor’s Aquamarine Suite
A Symbol of Scandal and Style
Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, owned a stunning aquamarine and diamond bracelet and earring set gifted by Edward VIII. The pieces, crafted by Cartier in the 1950s, reflect the couple’s lavish lifestyle and love of bold jewelry.
10. The "Blue Giant" of Pakistan
A Modern Marvel
Discovered in Pakistan’s Skardu region, this over 1,000-carat aquamarine crystal gained fame for its size and striking blue-green color. While uncut, its raw beauty highlights the natural splendor of the gemstone.