No matter what any authority deems the color of the year, or which pop-culture trend influences our desire for a certain hue, blue is always beloved. It’s a fact, a steadfast sentiment, an unfailing adoration. Blue is universal.
Maybe it’s the color of the sea, the sky, the peaceful feeling that blue bestows. The color looks good with everything, and it undeniably looks good on jewelry.
Which is why blue gemstones are often the most popular selections for consumers, from sapphire-accented engagement rings to aquamarine accessories. One British fine jeweler has gone all-in on blue, in a new collection inspired by the beauty and treasures of the ocean.
Atlantis by Minka Jewels is a feast for lovers of blue, setting gemstones such as aquamarine, tourmaline, and sapphire together to display the varied shades of this revered color.
“We have had such a positive response to these new pieces,” Lucy Crowther, founder of Minka Jewelry, tells JCK. “The statement, size, and the quality of the stones are exceptional, and the color combination has captured a few hearts among our clients. The blue watery tones were important, as we have named these Atlantis, paying homage to the lost city of Atlantis. It was important to use gemstones that reflected the purity of crystal clear waters—meaning that all of these gemstones are free of inclusions and have ocean-colored hues.”
The assortment of gemstones is impressive, vibrant and simultaneously complementing and contrasting each other. “We source our stones from trusted stone traders in Hatton Garden, London, and in Germany,” Crowther says. “Having worked previously as a stone trader, I have great connections to some really wonderful suppliers and have a very keen eye for quality.”
And though a truly great stone can speak for itself, a powerful design sets an effective stage—and the collection offers that. “The shape of the ring changed halfway through the design,” explains Crowther. “We were going to use little pear-shape stones to surround the center cushion. However, when we laid it out in the workshop, something didn’t look quite right, so we decided to go for ovals, which hold their color better in the special Santa Maria aquamarine.”
While the Atlantis collection relies heavily on blue gemstones, Minka Jewels boasts a colorful world of other offerings, and it’s a source for diamond jewelry, too. “We love sourcing sapphires, tourmalines, and—most recently—spinels,” Crowther says. “Educating our clients along the way is something we really love to do. Jewelry is a very considered purchase, so sourcing the best stones we can for the budget is what we take pride in.
“We are just about to launch our bridal collection, and we are very excited to be using beautiful old-cut diamonds,” she continues. “This is something new for Minka, and we love the fact that these gorgeous old diamonds have so much character. I love how the larger facets have deeper proportions, allowing the light to bounce around within the stone and giving them their warm, romantic sparkle.”
Crowther tells JCK the brand is getting a lot of engagement ring inquiries as the holidays near. “It will be a very romantic Christmas for lots of our clients,” she says. “Diamond earrings are always a popular choice this time of year—and, of course, statement necklaces. We particularly love our chunky gold chains with the big Athena pendants and are very excited to be launching these in diamonds.”
Top: Atlantis ring in 18k yellow gold with 5.3 ct. tourmaline, 3.39 cts. t.w. aquamarine, and 0.32 ct. t.w. diamonds, $12,450; Minka Jewels
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineFollow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
