After the Royal Wedding, Aquamarines Flood Instagram



Like the grand finale to an already-spectacular fireworks display, the best jewelry moment from the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle came at the very end, as the newly minted Duke and Duchess of Sussex departed Windsor Castle for the evening reception. The bride was flashing a cocktail ring set with a sizeable emerald-cut aquamarine by Asprey that had once belonged to the late Princess Diana, a gift from the groom that served not only as the world’s most glamorous “something blue,” but also a touching tribute to his beloved mother.

The ring was designed in 1997, the same year the Princess of Wales left us, adding an even more poignant layer to Harry’s gesture that reminded our industry’s royal watchers of the unspeakably precious nature of heirloom jewels.

A wave of reactions flooded Instagram within moments.

The leading London-based fine jewelry brand consultant, press agent, showroom director, and influencer Valery Demure waxed poetic, observing that…

…the power of jewellery is unique, I would compare it to the power of music but it is way more intense and intimate because jewellery sits on the skin, it does not float around to disappear. And the profound emotion one feels when being given and wearing a piece of jewellery that carries the story of another human being…. I love the enduring and complex magic of jewellery…. For me fine jewellery is not like a pair of jeans, it is special, it is pleasure, it is unique, it is magical, it is defining….

The emotional power of jewellery, jewellery carries sentiments and memories, the power of jewellery is unique, I would compare it to the power of music but it is way more intense and intimate because jewellery sits on the skin, it does not float around to disappear. And the profound emotion one feels when being given and wearing a piece of jewellery that carries the story of another human being, and the emotion to own this jewel and create a new personal story and memories with it, whilst carrying the memories of the previous owner, I love the enduring and complex magic of jewellery…For me fine jewellery is not like a pair of jeans, it is special, it is pleasure, it is unique, it is magical, it is defining, it is symbolic… it is so many things and this is why newness, trends etc so bother me as concepts | #thepowerofjewellery #jewellery #magicofjewellery #intimacy #enduringpowerofjewellery #emotions #lifestory #personalstory #memories #powerfulcarrier #ilovejewellery #jewelleryobsession #jewelleryaddict #share #inspire

A post shared by Valerie Desmurs (@valerydemure) on

Via: @valerydemure

Others were moved to reach for their own treasured heirlooms. For Jennifer Gandia, the New York–based co-owner of Greenwich St. Jewelers, it was a cabochon rubellite ring that had been a 30th birthday gift from her late father: No one can tell me that jewelry is frivolous, or not valuable—it literally transmits the energy of the cosmos and Mother Nature, it lets you carry the memories of loved ones and the most important times of your life with you, ON YOU.

I’ve been wearing this ring lots again. My father made it for my 30th birthday. It was a collab of course because I’ve always had ideas about what I wanted my jewelry to look like. But he found a way to surprise me, leaving the back of the stone open so in his words “it could touch the skin because gems have energy”. He knew what’s up. I loved that detail he added more than anything. No one can tell me that jewelry is frivolous, or not valuable – it literally transmits the energy of the cosmos and Mother Nature, it lets you carry the memories of loved ones and the most important times of your life with you, ON YOU. We saw the power of jewelry this weekend with that aquamarine ring but anyone who has an heirloom piece feels that special anytime they wear it. We can also create our own powerful talismans by choosing jewelry that speaks to our authentic selves, honors our greatness and makes us feel good. #jewelryispowerful #igetitfrommydaddy #rubellite #cabochonsrock

A post shared by jennifer gandia (@jennifergandia) on

Via: @jennifergandia

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjA4EUGAA2o/?taken-by=katiecallahanandco

Via: @katiecallahanandco

Meanwhile, other jewelers and designers raced to their vaults or photo archives to post aquamarines (or in one instance, a 31 ct. green amethyst) that offered a close approximation to Markle’s bauble.

My favorite jewelry from the #royalwedding today was not Queen Mary’s bandeau or the Cartier earrings, but Lady Diana’s aquamarine cocktail ring which Harry presumably gave to Meghan as a wedding present. She was wearing it on her right hand when they left for their evening reception. The ring is beautiful and demands a confident hand – and woman – to wear it. To me it symbolizes the highest purpose of jewelry, costume and fine: to serve as vessels of love and memory. How marvelous for Harry to see his mother’s ring on Meghan’s hand today – it must have felt so perfect. ✨ Of course, this special aquamarine reminds me (very much!) of the 15.69 carat aquamarine ring that I have in the shop right now. A ring style that is, apparently, truly fit for a princess.

A post shared by Jean Jean Vintage ™ (@jeanjeanvintage) on

Via: @jeanjeanvintage

Via: @sunabros

Via: @jessicaardenjewelry

Via: @sidneygarber

Via: @thejewellerystudio

Via: @lukestockleyjewellery

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjDeQ69n_P4/?taken-by=marketsquarejewelers

Via: @marketsquarejewelers

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjDxI07hM0b/?taken-by=jeffreydanielsuniquedesigns

Via: @jeffreydanielsuniquedesigns

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi-j8kvlZg-/?taken-by=langantiques

Via: @langantiques

As such, it might be a good idea to amend your JCK Las Vegas shopping list accordingly. Because the scarcity and prohibitive price tag of diamond tiaras automatically impede their ability to trend. But aquamarines, now thrust into the limelight thanks to a certain Stella McCartney–clad princess bride, might be the only tangible royal wedding takeaway to gain a foothold among the masses. And they’re available at every price point, too.

I’ll take mine in the size of a small swimming pool, thanks. (I mean, who wouldn’t?)

Top: The newly minted Duke and Duchess of Sussex depart the queen’s reception in a silver-blue Jaguar E-Type Concept Zero (image via @kensingtonroyal).

 

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Amy Elliott

JCK Contributing Editor

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