Aquamarine

An extraordinary rough crystal weighing 104.56 ct was transformed into a series of twelve natural, untreated aquamarines. Weighing 9.35 ct, this oval-cut stone is the largest in this sister group.

Its color is delicate, ranging from a subtle seafoam shade to a hue between sea green and light blue. Depending on the angle of the light, the stone appears slightly cooler and bluer or reveals a gentle greenish shimmer. This gives it a calm, maritime color effect with a great sense of lightness.

Despite its considerable size, the aquamarine appears surprisingly transparent and open. Light can penetrate deep into the stone, making it appear light and glass-like rather than heavy.

Natural features are visible inside, becoming apparent upon closer inspection. They are part of the crystal’s natural structure, without dominating the overall transparent effect or the delicate color.

The generous oval cut showcases the delicate hue across a wide surface and allows bright reflections to dance through the stone. It is precisely the combination of size, transparency, and subtle color that gives this aquamarine its special presence.

As the largest stone among the twelve sister aquamarines, it impressively demonstrates how light and delicate an aquamarine can appear, even at a weight of 9.35 ct.

An exceptionally large yet seemingly lightweight aquamarine with a delicate seafoam green-blue hue, beautiful transparency, and a calm, clear radiance.

The origin of this series: Rough crystal: 104.56 ct

This rough crystal yielded a total of:

• Aquamarine Baguette, AQ11/3 – 1.95 ct
• Aquamarine Oval, AQ11/12 – 7.46 ct
• Aquamarine Oval, AQ11/11 – 9.35 ct
• Aquamarine Baguette, AQ11/4 – 2.87 ct
• Aquamarine Baguette, AQ11/2 – 0.91 ct
• Aquamarine Oval, AQ11/10 – 0.77 ct
• Aquamarine Square Cushion Cut, AQ11/6 – 0.76 ct
• Aquamarine, narrow marquise cut, AQ11/7 – 0.68 ct
• Aquamarine, narrow marquise cut, AQ11/8 – 0.84 ct
• Oval aquamarine, AQ11/9 – 0.56 ct
• Narrow pear-cut aquamarine, AQ11/5 – 0.45 ct
• Round-cut aquamarine, AQ11/1 – 0.02 ct

Total yield: 26.62 ct – 25.5% of the rough weight

These twelve aquamarines were cut from a single rough crystal weighing 104.56 ct. Each gemstone was individually designed and cut to best preserve the natural characteristics of the respective section of the crystal. Together, they impressively document the journey of an extraordinary natural crystal into a unique collection of gemstones with varying sizes, cuts, and individual characteristics. They epitomize the philosophy of the Bennad Collection: documented provenance, masterful craftsmanship, and an appreciation for the natural beauty of untreated gemstones.

The aquamarine comes from southern Africa. The rough stone was sourced for us directly from the source by our partners, inspected by us, and then expertly cut.

⁽*⁾To the best of our knowledge and according to information from our local partners, the gemstone is untreated.

For an additional fee, we'd be happy to arrange for a certificate from an independent gemological institute to be issued for this gemstone.

Images may vary depending on monitor settings. The videos of the stone were recorded without filters or color correction.

The true beauty of a gemstone is only revealed when you hold it in your hand. With every slight movement, the angle of the light, the reflections, and the play of colors change, giving each stone its own unique vibrancy. 

Interesting Facts About Aquamarine

Aquamarine is the blue to bluish-green variety of the mineral beryl. Its color spectrum ranges from a very delicate, pale blue to intense, deep blue hues. Aquamarines with a rich, pure blue color are often referred to in the trade as “Santa Maria aquamarines” and are among the most sought-after examples of this gemstone.

Natural inclusions are characteristic features of a natural gemstone. They can provide clues about its natural origin and help distinguish it from synthetic or imitation materials. At the same time, clarity - along with color, cut, and carat weight - is one of the key factors that determine a gemstone’s quality and value.

High-quality aquamarines also attract the attention of collectors and buyers who view rare colored gemstones as long-term assets. Stones with an intense blue color, high transparency, very good clarity, and an excellent cut are in particularly high demand. Exceptional specimens of this quality are available in limited quantities and have attracted increasing market attention in recent years. However, future performance cannot be predicted and always depends on quality, rarity, and demand.