Aquamarine Pendant Necklace
An aquamarine pendant necklace brings pale blue beryl together with yellow gold, white gold, platinum and seed pearls across Edwardian, Victorian, Art Deco and vintage periods.
Aquamarine Pendant Necklace
An aquamarine pendant necklace places pale blue beryl centrally on a gold or platinum chain, often styled as a drop or cluster. The pieces on this page span from Victorian and Edwardian examples to later vintage designs.
Edwardian and Art Nouveau versions frequently combine aquamarines with seed pearls and 9ct or 15ct gold in foliate or lavalier drop configurations. Art Deco and later twentieth-century iterations lean towards clean platinum or white gold settings paired with diamonds.
The selection ranges from delicate daily wear set with modest stones to substantial cocktail pieces featuring large step-cut aquamarines alongside clustered diamonds.
How they were made
Goldsmiths utilised 9ct, 15ct and 18ct yellow and white gold alongside platinum to mount the stones securely. Seed pearls and diamonds frequently accent the central beryl, held in claws or delicate bezels.
Edwardian pieces often feature pierced openwork frames and millegrain edges that reflect contemporary platinum-smithing techniques. Art Deco items display geometric precision, setting emerald-cut or oval aquamarines against structured diamond arrangements.
Even swallows occasionally carry gemstones, as demonstrated by Victorian novelty pendant designs.
What varies in quality
The depth of colour and clarity in the central beryl dictate much of the piece's visual impact, alongside the carat weight. Stones with deep saturated tones or clean transparency command greater attention than pale or heavily included alternatives.
The complexity of the metalwork, such as hand-formed Edwardian foliate scrolls or precise platinum millegrain, marks the difference between standard workshop production and finer individual output.
C'est Laudier
The Aquamarine Pendant Necklace Glossary
- Aquamarine
- A pale blue to light greenish-blue variety of beryl, widely utilised in antique and vintage jewellery.
- Seed pearl
- A very small natural or cultured pearl, often drilled and strung or pegged into cluster and drop designs.
- Lavalier
- A pendant necklace featuring a central suspended drop, popular during the Edwardian and Art Nouveau periods.
- Millegrain
- A decorative technique involving a line of tiny raised metal beads along the edge of a setting.
- Foil back
- A historical method of placing a coloured metallic sheet behind a gemstone to enhance its brilliance and hue.
Aquamarine Pendant Necklace: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I date an antique aquamarine necklace?
Dating relies on the combination of metal purity marks, stone cuts and prevailing design styles. Edwardian examples often display yellow gold with seed pearls in foliate drops.
Later Art Deco and vintage pieces typically utilise platinum or white gold with geometric mountings. Hallmarks and maker's marks, where present, help confirm the exact period of manufacture.
What metals were used in vintage aquamarine necklaces?
Early twentieth-century pieces predominantly employ 9ct and 15ct yellow gold, transitioning to platinum and white gold as fabrication techniques evolved. Mid-century items frequently feature 14ct or 18ct yellow and white gold.
Platinum gains prominence in Edwardian and Art Deco mountings due to its strength and bright finish.
How should I care for an antique aquamarine pendant?
Care requires gentle cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding harsh chemical dips or ultrasonic cleaners. Seed pearls and foil-backed stones are particularly sensitive to moisture and require extra caution.
Store the necklace flat in a lined box to prevent the chain from tangling and to protect the stones from impact.