717 - Pendant with oval-cut aquamarine, approx. 5 ct, and three brilliant-cut diamonds, 333 yellow gold

Pendant with oval-cut aquamarine, approx. 5 ct, and three brilliant-cut diamonds, 333 yellow gold 333 yellow gold (8 carat, tested), aquamarine and diamonds. Pendant set with a faceted oval-cut aquamarine of approx. 5 ct in a claw setting with four double claws; above it three brilliant-cut diamonds, together approx. 0.1 ct, arranged in a triangle and claw-set; polished, curved gold sections leading to the fixed bail, openwork gallery. Good condition commensurate with age. H. 2.2 cm. Aquamarine carries the sea in its very name: it derives from the Latin aqua marina, sea water, and its clear, light blue colour is the colour of sea water. Mariners of antiquity believed the stone would calm the waves and keep them safe at sea; it was also regarded as a bringer of happiness in marriage and as a symbol of purity of spirit and soul. To this day aquamarine is the birthstone for March and the traditional gift for the 19th wedding anniversary. How highly this gemstone is prized is shown by a famous example: in 1936 the government of Brazil, the most important country of origin, presented the American First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt with an aquamarine of 1,298 carats. The three sparkling brilliant-cut diamonds above the stone add a bright accent and make the pendant a piece of jewellery for every day as well as a gift with meaning.