Let us start discussing Diamond Rings – Used as an Engagement Ring. Let us start with understanding the origins of the diamond engagement ring.
In ancient Roman days, it was a tradition to give the betrothed a ring, which is symbolized as the circle of life and eternity. Starting 23 AD to 79 AD, the ring was made up of iron. This period was the Pliny’s time.
Only from the 15th century, the symbol of a ring was strengthened further by the inclusion of the Diamond. Diamond – which is the emblem of conjugal fidelity. It is said that the first incidence of a diamond ring known was when Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg gave it to Mary fo Burgundy in 1477. A diamond resists both fire and steel in a unique way to epitomize unyielding and invincible strength. There cannot be a better symbol of a lifelong togetherness.
Rather that been used in a sophisticated cut and polished way that we now see, initially, the diamonds were used in their raw and natural form of crystalline structure. In the late medieval period, goldsmiths used their creativity and romantic imagination to use further items like rosettes, letters of the alphabets & fleur-de-lys to make innovative and bring creative designs. At times small poems (often called Posies) were inscribed on the hoops of the rings and so hidden were inside the diamond rings. In 400 BC, this idea was used by the Greeks in a betrothal ring, which was inscribed with a word ‘Honey’.
From the 16th century, the diamond wedding rings made with two hoops that would slide together when shut. These rings became very popular during that century. This emphasized the symbolic illusion with a hoop representing marriage was taken. The next phase was when symbolic allusion was further emphasized by an inscription on the hoop. Later on, this romantic symbol was added with two clasped hands of the faith. In other variations, these hands even held a rose cut diamond heart placed on the hands. Diamond engagement ring hong kong are in high demand due to its popularity among youngsters.
17th-century diamond rings had a sparkle with clusters of small stones with gold, silver & enamel. This quiet sparkle gave this century an unforgettable contribution & remembrance. To meet this trend, settings were cut to highlight the stones more. Setting the diamonds along with silver enhanced its brightness even further. Diamond rings then started getting placed on gold and silver along with colored stones like rubies, emeralds, other stones with colored metal foils placed behind them to enhance their color.
With industrial revolution lot of middle-class people made money from jewelry, where the diamond was considered as a status symbol. Diamonds were increasingly gaining popularity. After 1870, when new diamond mines were discovered in African Continent, supply west able to meet the demand. Now that diamonds were more accessible, brides started getting two rings, viz. gem-set / diamond studded engagement ring and the main wedding ring. During Victorian times, the wedding rings were generally a slim gold band. Half hoops, Solitaires, double clusters, panel, fan, and cross-over, etc., were available, but none gained the same popularity as it was with 58 facets brilliant cut diamond. Diamond rings were the most preferred and loved amongst all options.
But as per my understanding, a bigger revolution and development in this industry happened when Tiffany in 1886 introduced the six prong solitaire diamond engagement ring. Tiffany is one of the most famous jewelers in New York. They were the ones who came up with a dramatic open setting with a plain metal band where the stone was suspended by six small platinum claws. This was the first time when the setting was done in a way to let light onto the exposed stone make it even more beautiful. The setting allowed the fullest play of light on the stone. Old style settings used to cover the entire stone except for its face. This would let the flaws go undetected. Tiffany ensured that the modern engagement ring had arrived.
The emphasis was still strongly on the traditional engagement ring with one diamond stone on it. Some couples want a diamond ring designed specifically for them, while others wish to remodel their family/hereditary ring by adding a special emotional touch.
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