March Gemstone: Bespoke Aquamarine Creations

Saskia Shutt — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 07:48:52 +0000

Aquamarine is a gemstone of serene beauty, rich history, and deep symbolism. Known as March’s birthstone, it embodies the tranquillity of the ocean, the clarity of a clear sky, and the promise of renewal. It has long been cherished for its calming energy, believed to soothe the soul and bring clarity to the mind.

As a Pisces born in March, I have always felt a strong connection to aquamarine. Its delicate yet striking blue tones remind me of water, my element. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, aquamarine carries a profound meaning—symbolising peace, trust, and new beginnings.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of creating bespoke aquamarine jewellery for customers drawn to this gemstone for various reasons. Some sought a piece to celebrate a March birthday, while others wanted an engagement ring with a unique twist. Some simply fell in love with aquamarine’s mesmerising hues. Each piece I create is handcrafted with care, using ethically sourced aquamarines and Fairmined precious metals.

In this post, I’d love to share some of these unique commissions—each one with its own journey, from the gemstones selected to the meaningful designs brought to life with my customers.

An Ethical Engagement – The Cushion-Cut Bespoke Aquamarine Ring

There is something undeniably captivating about aquamarine, especially in an engagement ring. Its soft blue tones exude calm and timeless elegance, making it a beautiful alternative to traditional diamond rings.

One day, while visiting Piat, I came across a stunning 0.82ct cushion-cut aquamarine from Moyo Gems. Its colour was different from most aquamarines I had seen—deeper, with an almost electric glow. It was love at first sight.

I held onto this gemstone for a while, considering different gemstone pairings. Eventually, I decided to frame it with two delicate 1.2mm brilliant-cut Australian diamonds from the now-closed Argyle mine. Their crisp sparkle enhanced the aquamarine’s blue, creating a sense of light and movement. I chose to set it in Fairmined Eco white gold, a metal whose cool sheen perfectly complements the gemstone’s airy beauty.

I designed this ring as a delicate yet striking engagement piece, meant for someone who values both beauty and ethical craftsmanship. Not long after, a young couple visited my workshop, searching for a meaningful engagement ring. The moment she saw this ring, her eyes lit up.

But it wasn’t just the design that captivated her—it was the story behind it. Knowing that the aquamarine came from Moyo Gems, a project supporting women miners in Tanzania, and that the gold was responsibly sourced, made the ring even more special.

Then came an unexpected moment of connection. On my workshop wall, I have a photo of the miners who source my Fairmined gold, taken during my visit to the Oro Puno mine in Peru. When they saw it, they were deeply moved. They loved that this ring carried a personal story, a traceable journey from mine to maker to wearer. It was more than a ring—it was a symbol of values, love, and conscious choices.

A Sicilian Tradition – A Gift of Love After Birth

Jewellery has long been a symbol of love, milestones, and cherished memories. One of the most touching traditions I have come across is a Sicilian custom where a husband gifts his wife a ring after she gives birth. It represents appreciation, love, and the beginning of a new chapter.

One customer came to me wanting to honour this tradition with a special ring for his wife. He envisioned a piece that symbolised eternity, continuity, and the deep bond they shared as a new family.

Together, we designed a double spiral loop ring, a shape that flows endlessly, much like the journey of life. At its centre sat a delicate 3mm brilliant-cut aquamarine from Brazil, chosen for its serene blue hue—a colour often associated with peace and protection.

Ethical sourcing was important to him, so we crafted the ring in Fairmined silver. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, ensuring that this piece was not only beautiful but also responsible and meaningful.

When he presented the ring to his wife, she was moved to tears. It wasn’t just a piece of jewellery—it was a tangible reminder of love, resilience, and the incredible moment of welcoming their child into the world.

A Statement of Integrity – The Bespoke Aquamarine Cocktail Ring

Not all aquamarine rings are delicate. Some are bold, powerful, and designed to make a statement. That was precisely what a French couple was looking for when they approached me for a bespoke cocktail ring.

What made this commission even more special was how they found me. They were introduced to my work by Emmanuelle from Lilu Bags, a talented handbag designer who crafts her pieces in her workshop in Brussels. I love that local artisans support one another, connecting customers with makers who share their values of quality craftsmanship and ethical sourcing.

The couple was passionate about sustainability and wanted a ring that not only turned heads but also reflected their commitment to responsible sourcing. After discussing design ideas, they chose a breathtaking 2.17ct oval-shaped aquamarine from Moyo Gems. They loved its luminous blue and the fact that it supported women miners in Tanzania.

To enhance its brilliance, they selected two brilliant-cut diamonds from Ocean Diamonds. These diamonds have an incredible story—they are responsibly sourced by divers off the Cape coast, collected in a way that minimises environmental impact.

For the design, they wanted something sculptural and bold. I hand-carved the ring in wax, shaping it to cradle the gemstones seamlessly. We cast it in Fairmined silver, adding a smooth, polished finish that gave it a striking presence.

The final piece was more than just a cocktail ring—it was a statement of integrity, craftsmanship, and sustainability. And, in a way, it was also a testament to the strength of Brussels’ creative community, where artisans like Emmanuelle and I support each other and share a vision of ethical, handmade luxury.

Harmonising Hues – Mixing Aquamarine with Tourmaline

Combining gemstones with complementary colours can create stunning visual effects. One customer, who adored blue hues, wanted a bespoke dress ring blending aquamarine with other gemstones.

She chose a combination of aquamarines and pale greenish-blue tourmalines, both ethically sourced from Brazil. The tourmalines added a subtle contrast, enhancing the aquamarines’ soft brilliance.

The design was a crossover ring, sculpted by hand in wax and cast in Fairmined silver using the lost wax casting technique. Its fluid lines symbolised balance and harmony, while the mix of gemstones gave it depth and uniqueness.

For her, this ring was more than a piece of jewellery. It was a reflection of her personal style, her commitment to ethical sourcing, and her love for colour and craftsmanship.

Imagine Your Own Bespoke Aquamarine Piece

Do these stories resonate with you? Can you imagine your own aquamarine jewellery piece, crafted with meaning and integrity?

Take this exquisite cushion-cut aquamarine from Moyo Gems. Its brilliance, size, and origin make it a gemstone with a story. Moyo Gems empowers women miners by providing fair pay, safer working conditions, and direct access to international markets.

By choosing a gemstone from Moyo, you are doing more than selecting a beautiful gem—you are supporting sustainability, ethical sourcing, and the empowerment of mining communities.

Imagine this aquamarine set in a ring, catching the light with every movement. Or as a pendant, resting close to your heart, radiating calm and elegance. Perhaps even as a bold bangle, a statement piece reflecting your style and values.

Jewellery is more than an accessory. It tells a story, reflects values, and connects us to something greater. If this aquamarine speaks to you, let’s create something truly special together.

Get in touch to start your bespoke jewellery journey today.