A ring's story — aquamarine for spring
Each week in the atelier we create unique pieces, but every so often a story comes that is particularly worth sharing. This one is from last month.
The beginning: "We don't want a diamond"
They came in March, just before her birthday. He wanted an engagement ring that would be a reflection of her personality — not the classic choice. She grew up by the sea and always felt connected to the color blue.
"Nothing against diamonds, but they're so… expected. She isn't expected."
We began a conversation about engagement alternatives: sapphire, emerald, morganite, aquamarine. All angles — color, symbolism, hardness, price, longevity.
Aquamarine — why this stone
Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family — relative of emerald. Latin "aqua marina" means "sea water". Color ranges from pale blue to deep sky blue.
Technical properties - Mohs hardness: 7.5–8 (good for jewelry, not diamond-level but durable enough) - Traditional birthstone for March - Symbolism: peace, intuition, mental clarity, love
For them, color was decisive. True aquamarine has a unique light — a blue that is both gentle and deep. It shifts with lighting.
Finding the stone
Our task was to find the right stone. We searched for 3 months:
1. First sample — too low color saturation
2. Second — excellent color, but visible inclusions
3. Third sample from Brazil: 2.4 ct, oval cut, "Santa Maria" color — deep, clear, fairytale-like
Santa Maria is the most prestigious aquamarine shade, originally from a Brazilian mine in Minas Gerais. Deeper and more saturated blue than standard aquamarine.
Design
She had a clear vision: minimal, elegant, not excessive. The aquamarine is special enough — the rest should be support, not competition.
Together we developed the design:
- 18K white gold (nickel-free) — color that complements blue
- Solitaire setting — 4 gentle prongs, letting the stone "breathe"
- Subtle diamond side stones (2× 0.05 ct, VS) — barely visible, add brightness
- Comfort fit band — rounded inside, pleasant for daily wear
Production
Timeline from design approval to delivery:
| Week | Phase |
|---|---|
| 1 | 3D model + her approval |
| 2 | Wax prototype for try-on |
| 3–4 | Gold casting + grinding |
| 5 | Aquamarine + diamond setting |
| 6 | Final polishing + quality control |
| 7 | Certificate + delivery |
The handover
They came together. When she opened the box, she paused for a moment. "This one is really… mine."
The most beautiful moment in the atelier: when the customer recognizes themselves in the piece.
Your next story?
Every ring, necklace or earring in our atelier has a story. They're not factory-made — they're made for a specific person, for a specific moment.
If you have an idea, a symbolism, a stone that means something special to you — let's start together.
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Author: Kraguljevich Jewelry · Stories from the atelier