Flattering Natural Aquamarine with Vintage Afghan Gold Beads
SKU: 2251
£850.00Price
- There is nothing like aquamarine to flatter the face. Whenever I use this stone, everyone goes “ah” because it is this lovely vivid, watery blue.
- These cylinders of natural aquamarine have been faceted. Some are a slightly cloudy, some are opaque, and some are more translucent. But they are all in a very beautiful aqua blue. The size varies, from 20 mm, down to 13 mm .
- Aquamarine is the birthstone of March. The gemstone aquamarine is a blue/green member of the Beryl family (while emerald is a green member). Its name comes from the Latin word aqua, meaning water of the sea, as the crystal stone resembles the sparkling colour of water in the Mediterranean. This gemstone is mined mainly in Brazil, but can also be found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Pakistan and Mozambique.
- The aquamarine has been interspersed with vintage, handmade (now rare) Afghan gold plated beads. These vary in size, from the largest central bead of 17 mm down to 9 mm.
- These vintage 18K sheet gold is applied to silver, and then onto hardened resin beads. This is a traditional Afghanistan, technique. The Afghani have been crafting gold for centuries. When Alexander the Great came to Afghanistan, his people brought many skills, one of which was working in gold. Like the Romans, centuries later, a yellow, 18K gold was used. But one of the techniques was to take sheet gold and work it onto hardened resin and then decorate it accordingly. This is time consuming work. For me, this handiwork and yellow gold colour gives the necklace warmth and character and complements the gems.
- A 14 ct gold vermeil toggle clasp has been used because toggle clasps are easy to use and secure. My silver name label is attached at the clasp.
- The necklace comes, like all my necklaces, with its own colour co-ordinated silk brocaded pouch bag, made by a Shanghai tailor.
- The necklace is 17 ½ inches long (45 cm).
