Seven Fascinating Things About Jewelry That Will Amaze You
Jewelry has always played a significant role in human history. They have been considered not only valuable but also fascinated, with their beauty and symbolism.
If you, like us, are passionate about jewelry, here are seven fascinating things about jewels that will surely pique your curiosity and passion.
Whether using pieces of bone, shells, or precious stones, people have always found a way to create jewelry out of nature's gifts and adorn their bodies.
Approximately 75,000 years ago, in a cave near the southern coast of South Africa, a person drilled small holes in snail shells and strung them to create a necklace, which became the oldest known piece of jewelry.
Since then, jewelry has evolved tremendously. They are now made out of exquisitely crafted precious metals and adorned with sparkling gems to satisfy the most refined tastes.
Seven Fascinating Things About Jewelry
1. The First Diamond Was Found In India In The 4th Century
If you, like us, are passionate about jewelry, here are seven fascinating things about jewels that will surely pique your curiosity and passion.
Whether using pieces of bone, shells, or precious stones, people have always found a way to create jewelry out of nature's gifts and adorn their bodies.
Approximately 75,000 years ago, in a cave near the southern coast of South Africa, a person drilled small holes in snail shells and strung them to create a necklace, which became the oldest known piece of jewelry.
Since then, jewelry has evolved tremendously. They are now made out of exquisitely crafted precious metals and adorned with sparkling gems to satisfy the most refined tastes.
Seven Fascinating Things About Jewelry
1. The First Diamond Was Found In India In The 4th Century
Diamonds quickly became highly appreciated and prized after their discovery due to their durability and incredible sparkle.
Until the 18th century, people believed that India was the sole source of diamonds.
However, in 1866, a diamond weighing over 21 carats was found in South Africa, designating Africa as one of the most important diamond suppliers.
2. The Famous Fabergé Eggs, A "Precious" Easter Tradition
From 1885 to 1917, the famous Fabergé eggs were created in Saint Petersburg by Carl Peter Fabergé, the official jeweler of the Russian Imperial Court.
The first Fabergé egg was given by the Russian Emperor Alexander III to his wife Maria Feodorovna, 20 years after their engagement.
Until the 18th century, people believed that India was the sole source of diamonds.
However, in 1866, a diamond weighing over 21 carats was found in South Africa, designating Africa as one of the most important diamond suppliers.
2. The Famous Fabergé Eggs, A "Precious" Easter Tradition
From 1885 to 1917, the famous Fabergé eggs were created in Saint Petersburg by Carl Peter Fabergé, the official jeweler of the Russian Imperial Court.
The first Fabergé egg was given by the Russian Emperor Alexander III to his wife Maria Feodorovna, 20 years after their engagement.
Alexander commissioned the royal jeweler to create more than just jewelry: the most precious Easter egg. Fabergé designed a beautiful white enamel egg that looked like a real egg, but when opened, it contained a golden yolk.
The Russian Emperor gave his wife this unique piece of jewelry every year, an Easter egg that held a hidden surprise.
Over a period of 32 years, until the Russian Revolution of 1917 brought an end to the imperial rule, jeweler Carl Peter Fabergé and his team produced 52 Easter eggs for the imperial family, known for their opulence and extravagance.
The Russian Emperor gave his wife this unique piece of jewelry every year, an Easter egg that held a hidden surprise.
Over a period of 32 years, until the Russian Revolution of 1917 brought an end to the imperial rule, jeweler Carl Peter Fabergé and his team produced 52 Easter eggs for the imperial family, known for their opulence and extravagance.
3. The First Diamond Engagement Ring
Today, no one can imagine a marriage proposal without an engagement ring. Modern engagement ring designs vary widely, made from yellow, white, or rose gold, often encrusted with precious stones or simple in design.
However, the first officially recorded engagement ring is a diamond ring given by Archduke Maximilian to his future bride Mary of Burgundy in 1477.
Since the 20th century, diamonds have been discovered in increasing numbers and have become the most popular gemstone in the United States.
Currently, over 80% of couples choose a diamond engagement ring, compared to just 10% in the 1930s.
All other gemstones account for only about 15% of total engagement rings sold.
4. The Most Expensive Engagement Ring In The World
The honor of receiving the most expensive engagement ring in the world goes to Mariah Carey. The ring she received from James Packer is valued at $10 million.
Other expensive engagement rings include Beyoncé's ring from rapper Jay-Z, featuring an impeccable 18-carat octagonal diamond, valued at $5 million; Jennifer Lopez's blue diamond-studded engagement ring from Marc Anthony, valued at $4 million; and Princess Diana's sapphire and diamond engagement ring, which has become a family heirloom and is currently worn by Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge.
5. The Largest Diamond Ever Found Weighs 600 Grams
The largest diamond ever found is known as the Cullinan I or the Great Star of Africa. It weighs a massive 530 carats and is the largest colorless cut diamond in the world, weighing 600 grams.
The Cullinan was presented to King Edward VII and is now part of the British Crown Jewels.
Discovered in 1905 in the Premier Mine in Pretoria, South Africa, the 3,106-carat diamond was found by Frederick Wells, a mine employee, at a depth of 5 meters underground.
6. Princess Diana's Ring - The Most Recognizable Jewelry
Princess Diana's sapphire and diamond engagement ring is often cited as the most recognizable piece of jewelry from the 20th century.
The iconic Ceylon blue sapphire, surrounded by a halo of diamonds, is now worn by Kate Middleton.
7. Vintage-style Jewelry With Precious Stones, Always in Vogue
Jewelry trends tend to come and go. But there are some styles that have not lost their charm and appreciation over time.
Beautiful designs from the Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian, Art Deco, and Art Nouveau periods are still in high demand today, especially for engagement rings. This proves that well-designed jewelry made from quality materials never goes out of style.
All over the world, women wear a wide variety of jewelry. Whether it's necklaces, bracelets, or earrings, jewelry is the most popular accessory.
Jewelry has represented and still represents a symbol of prestige, prosperity, and power. Jewelry has the ability to highlight a woman's personality and bring out her most beautiful features when worn in accordance with her facial features.
However, exaggeration is not desirable, as it can completely ruin a perfect outfit.
Instead, choosing high-quality jewelry made from metals and studded with precious stones often proves to be the winning solution.
