Aquamarine

This natural, untreated aquamarine, weighing 0.56 ct, is the final piece in an extraordinary series of twelve gemstones carved from a single 104.56 ct rough crystal. Although it is the smallest aquamarine in this collection, it, too, tells a part of the story of this extraordinary crystal.

Its delicate, light blue hue and the precisely executed round cut lend this tiny gemstone a refined, clear radiance. It is precisely its delicate size that reveals the care with which even the smallest parts of a high-quality rough crystal were utilized.

This aquamarine is a prime example of how the beauty of a gemstone is not determined solely by its size. Even a stone weighing just a few hundredths of a carat retains the same geological history, the same origin, and the same natural beauty as its significantly larger counterparts. 

As the twelfth and final gemstone in this extraordinary series, it impressively documents the complete journey of a single rough crystal - from a 104.56-carat natural crystal to a collection of twelve unique aquamarines with different cuts, sizes, and personalities.

This small aquamarine is also part of the Bennad Collection and stands for documented origin, masterful craftsmanship, and respectful treatment of nature’s treasures.

This small aquamarine brings to a close the story of an extraordinary rough crystal from which twelve very different gemstones were cut.

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.