If your loved one has a birthday this spring then, take it from me, they are bang on trend – gem wise that it.
Antique jewellery is no longer a niche interest reserved for collectors and specialists. From the pages of the style magazines to vintage fairs, historic pieces are enjoying an unprecedented revival.
None more so than aquamarine – March’s birthstone – and April’s birthstone of a diamond.
In fact our salerooms are teeming with buyers as pieces achieve spiralling amounts.
It is, as ever, the Gen-Zs fuelling the boom.
That generation is leading the move away from fast fashion and disposable luxury with their goals ideally met in antique jewellery.
And where Gen-Z lead, us Gen-Xs and Boomers follow.
When it comes to diamonds one of the most striking trends comes from a cultural icon, who revered like a goddess among the under 30s.
I am of course talking about the pop legend Taylor Swift.
After Travis Kelce proposed to the US singer with an old mine-cut diamond ring, it sparked a whole new trend in the saleroom.
Out were the modern machine-cut solitaires, in favour of something approaching the giant 10 carat stone now residing on Swift’s ring finger.
Stunning in every way, it would have been hand carved at the old mine where it was discovered (hence the name) likely 200 years ago in either India or Brazil.
Shimmering with history, it was designed to look perfect for sparkling in Georgian candlelight.
In the past, engagement rings, were made to be worn every day, with enormous gems typically reserved for special occasions such as cocktail rings.
Not anymore – big stones are back when popping the question.
So it is no surprise more and more couples are opting for aquamarine – March’s birthstone – as a unique engagement ring, or statement piece.
It merges the Latin words for water (aqua) and “of the sea” (marina) and is connected to the ocean.
Ancient Romans believed aquamarine could protect people travelling across the sea. It’s also a symbol of youth and happiness. Its value is determined by its weight, colour, cut and clarity.
Because of the trend for calming “baby blue” colours, its versatility in both minimalist and bold designs, and its status as a timeless, romantic alternative to diamonds.
If you have a piece of jewellery you would like our experts to value, we have two free pop-in session in Cheshire on April 14.
The first, from 9.30am-11.30am, is at the Pavilion By Francs, Hale, Altrincham; with an afternoon valuation from 1pm-3pm at St Johns Knutsford Church Centre, Church Hill in Knutsford.
