Exploring the Most Iconic Aquamarine Jewelry Pieces in History
Aquamarine is a stunning gemstone that has been popular in jewelry for centuries. Known for its light blue-green hue, it has become a favorite among designers and collectors alike. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most famous aquamarine jewelry pieces.
One of the most iconic aquamarine pieces is the necklace worn by Princess Diana on her wedding day. The Spencer Tiara, which was originally purchased by Lady Sarah Spencer in 1919, features several large diamonds and a stunning pear-shaped aquamarine drop. Princess Diana wore the tiara with matching earrings and a bracelet on her big day, making it one of the most memorable royal jewels in history.
Another famous piece is Elizabeth Taylor’s “La Peregrina” pearl pendant necklace. The pendant features a large pear-shaped pearl surrounded by diamonds and topped with an aquamarine stone. The necklace was given to Taylor as a Valentine’s Day gift from Richard Burton in 1969 and later sold at auction for over $11 million.
The Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace is another notable piece that features an impressive aquamarine stone. This necklace was commissioned by Barbara Hutton, heiress to the Woolworth fortune, in 1933 and showcased at various exhibitions before being sold to Prince Mdivani of Georgia as a gift for his wife. The centerpiece of the necklace is an emerald-cut aquamarine weighing over 100 carats.
Moving away from royalty and Hollywood icons, we have the Marie Louise Diadem – an impressive piece made up of five rows of oval-cut aquamarines interspersed with diamonds set in silver-topped gold. This diadem once belonged to Empress Marie Louise, second wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, who wore it frequently during her time as empress consort.
Lastly, we have Harry Winston’s “Winston Blue” diamond ring – which isn’t technically an aquamarine piece, but it is a fascinating example of how gemstones can be enhanced. The ring features a flawless 13.22-carat blue diamond and two pear-shaped diamonds on the sides – one of which is actually an aquamarine that has been treated to match the color of the diamonds.
In conclusion, aquamarine jewelry has played a significant role in fashion and history for centuries. From royal tiaras to iconic Hollywood pieces, these gems continue to captivate us with their beauty and rarity. Whether worn by monarchs or celebrities, each piece represents a unique story and adds to the allure of this stunning gemstone.