Aquamarine
Belonging to the silicate group, aquamarine is a member of the beryl family (which also includes the emerald). This fine stone is characterized by its color, ranging from very light to saturated blue, and its highly transparent material. For the Fleurs d'Hawaï jewelry and watch creations, for example, the Maison has selected gems with a light blue hue. They are distinguished by their vividness and luminosity. The Gemstone Department only selects aquamarines that are flawless to the naked eye. The Maison places great emphasis on the quality of the cut. It must be precise and symmetrical to guarantee optimal light reflection.
Final polishing work
Jewelry work, setting
Finition setting
Gemmology work, pairing
The stone takes its name from the Latin aqua marina, meaning “sea water,” and was once worn by mariners as a good luck charm during their travels. A symbol of protection, it traditionally adorned engagement rings before diamonds came to fulfill this role.
Bouquet clip, 1938
Yellow gold, rubies, sapphires, aquamarines, topazes
Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
Clip, 1946
White gold, rubies, aquamarine, diamonds
Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
Necklace, 1955
Transformable into two bracelets
White gold, platinum, aquamarines, diamonds
Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
Today, aquamarines are traditionally magnified by High Jewelry creations, such as the Fiore bracelet (Romeo & Juliet collection, 2019) featuring two pear-cut aquamarines of 50.87 and 50.50 carats. It also features in the Maison's first Objet Extraordinaire, the Automate Fée Ondine (2017), with a 129.61-carat specimen representing the face of the female figure.
Aquamarine is sensitive to shock and heat. The Maison therefore recommends that you remove your piece before any sporting activity, and avoid wearing it in hot, humid environments (shower, sauna, hammam). It's best to store it in a fabric-lined case, away from other jewelry. You can clean your aquamarine with warm water and mild soap, then dry it with a soft cloth.
