Mermaid’s Treasure – The Aquamarine
In the Pedra Azul mines of Brazil around four decades ago, miners made an incredible discovery. A massive stone, over 100 pounds and three feet long, emerged from the mine. The prospectors, burdened by the incredible size of their discovery, dropped the massive stone, breaking it into three pieces. The two smaller stones were sold to be cut into gems. The largest, still an impressive 60 pounds, would be cut and polished into an incredible sculpture of otherworldly beauty, was destined to become the world famous Dom Pedro aquamarine.
Named for the first emperor of Brazil, the Dom Pedro found its way to the hands of German gem artist Bernd Munsteiner. Munsteiner painstakingly crafted a sculpture titled Ondas Maritimas or Waves of the Sea from the immense crystal. The sculpture, a glowing 14-inch obelisk featuring angled grooves that trap light, took months to complete. The Dom Pedro was purchased by collectors Jane Mitchell and Jeffery Bland in the late 90s and subsequently donated it to the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum. Visitors can view the 10,363-carat stone in its specially created display, where sunshine-hued halogen bulbs throw light to the sculpture’s facets, replicating the intended waves of the ocean the artist envisioned.
Aquamarine, as its name suggests, has been associated with seawater for millennia. Ancient Greeks and Romans associated the stone with their sea gods, Poseidon and Neptune. The Romans believed aquamarine arrived directly from the treasure chests of mermaids. Perhaps it makes sense that ancient sailors prized the aquamarine as a stone of protection from the dangers of the sea, and some even believed the gem could prevent seasickness.
Ancient Egyptians also valued the aquamarine. Beads and jewelry crafted from the stone have been unearthed in Egyptian tombs. Aquamarines were believed to encourage eternal youth and happiness, so it’s no wonder ancient mummies were interred in aquamarine necklaces and amulets.
In the Middle Ages, Europeans believed that wearing aquamarines could prevent poisoning and cure ailments. Beyond curative powers, they also trusted the aquamarine to divine the future. The stone was used to craft crystal balls and allegedly included in the construction of a Ouija Board-type apparatus as well. Christians associated the stone with St. Thomas, whose seaward journeys linked him to the gem.
Before the Dom Pedro was pulled from the earth in Brazil, the largest aquamarine gemstone was another Brazilian find: the 1,298 carat Roosevelt Aquamarine. This gem was gifted to Eleanor and President Franklin Roosevelt by Brazilian President Getulio Vargas on the occasion of their visit to his country in 1936. Emerald-cut and dark blue, the Roosevelt Aquamarine was cut from an impressive 6,500 carat crystal. It currently resides in the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library in Hyde Park, NY.
Aquamarines reside in many collections of crown jewels worldwide. Queen Elizabeth II had an impressive parure, or matching suite of jewels, of Brazilian aquamarines, including a necklace, earrings, and specially commissioned tiara. In addition to Britain’s official crown jewels, Princess Diana also possessed a dazzling 30-carat aquamarine ring set in yellow gold with diamonds. Diana’s ring was given to Meghan Markle by Prince Harry during their wedding.
In recent years, aquamarine has seen a rise in popularity both as fashion jewelry and engagement rings. The beautifully clear blue stone, available in a variety of hues, is as captivating now as in ancient times. This semiprecious stone also allows the wearer a bigger bang for the buck, offering a more accessible price for a larger gem.
Are you enchanted by the mermaid’s treasure, or do you just love the incredible sparkling blue of aquamarine? Shop our collection here.
