Retro Style Gold Pendant with Aquamarine, c. 1930s

Even its name links aquamarine to the sea: it is derived from the Latin aqua marina, meaning “water of the sea.” Mineralogically, the gemstone belongs to the beryl family and is thus closely related to the emerald and the golden-yellow heliodor. Significant deposits are found in Brazil and Madagascar, among other places. Particularly sought after are intensely blue stones of the so-called “Santa Maria” colour, a name that originates from the famous Santa Maria de Itabira deposit in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. Since ancient times, numerous legends have surrounded aquamarine. Sailors wore it as a protective talisman and trusted that it could appease the power of the sea and ensure their safe return home. Indeed, its colour seems tailor-made for such tales: within it are reflected the clear waters of a quiet cove and the cool expanse of the open sea. The aquamarine in this pendant also immediately draws the eye with its luminous blue. The natural gemstone weighs approximately 13.40 carats and features an octagonal, faceted cut. Its clean geometry makes the colour appear calm and expansive, while the facets cast bright reflections across the stone with every movement. The finely ornamented yellow gold setting reflects the bold design language of the retro style so popular from the late 1930s. A Laurin hallmark on the loop—used on German jewellery between 1936 and 1945—supports the date. Worn on its original gold chain, the large aquamarine is shown to its best advantage—seawater set in gold.

Estimate:£2,087.94

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