Ancient Egyptians called it “iron from the sky” and it was considered a gift from the gods. They were a people who knew – and loved – their jewelry. A recent study published in the journal Meteoritics and Planetary Science sought to prove what has been widely rumored over the years; that Egyptians found fallen meteorites and turned them into the most precious of adornments.They analyzed the composition of the metal and found it to match that of an old iron-rich meteoroid.

The artifact at the center of this new study is an iron bead dating back some 5,000 years. It is the oldest hand-made iron piece ever found in Egypt. It was found in a cemetery in Gerzeh, south of Cairo, part of a cache that is dated at around 3,300 B.C.

Meteor, Meteoroid, Meteorite

A meteoroid is defined as a “solid object moving through interplanetary space, small in size than an asteroid, larger than an atom.” They are made of various elements, ranging from light, snow-like ice to heavy rocks dense with iron and nickel.

After meteoroids break up on impact with an atmosphere or other space object, they break down into much smaller “micrometeoroids” and cosmic dust. For this reason, most meteoroids burn up in the upper atmosphere. The ones that do hit Earth (called “meteorites”) are usually no larger than a pebble or piece of gravel.

Even in our day and age of global positioning and satellite tracking, it’s almost unheard of to be able to follow a meteor from sky to earth. But in the time of ancient Egypt there was little other than the naked eye for stargazing, and these ultra-rare falling rocks were even more mysterious and valuable.

Heavy Metal

This theory is hardly a new one, nor is the alien metal.

Electron microscope analysis has revealed there are other artifacts of similar metal composition, besides this particular Egyptian bead. Metal found in iron beads taken from Native American burial grounds in Illinois had a similar extraterrestrial origin, as well as some ancient Chinese artifacts. Even in the fabled tomb of Tutankhamen there were several blades and other items that were suspected of having meteoric beginnings.

But now that science has finally matched pace with these old suspicions (which date back to the 1920s!) it may finally be possible to get definitive answers. We may learn as much about alien-origin jewelry as we know about deep-space diamonds.

That doesn’t mean that every father wants a gold chain, or a ring, or even a watch. But it does mean that there is a perfect piece of ornamentation out there for every kind of man.

History of Men’s Finery

The remains of primitive people in Europe and Africa show that they would wear necklaces and body ornaments made of shells, rocks, bones and teeth! As society evolved, so did jewelry – the Egyptians were the first to use gold and jewels to craft fine pieces, which they used to show off their wealth. This kind of jewelry was all about showing off, and there weren’t different kind for men and women.

Roman men often wore rings, and during the Middle Ages European men would put bling on their weapons. It wasn’t until Napoleon Bonaparte popularized the cameo that more fashionable kinds of adornment became the style for high society men.

In America, men were ahead of their European counterparts. The males of the Mayan and the Aztec cultures had worn gold for years, and used it to proclaim their social status. And while that still exists in modern American culture, the men in our society didn’t jump on board the trend until luxury watches became the style in the 40s.

Simple, Practical, Elegant

Today’s man likes functionality in his jewelry. Money clips, tie pins, cuff links, shirt studs, and even the old-timey cigarette case and hip flask; these items don’t just look good, they serve a purpose.

The watch has always been the go-to item of adornment for a modern man. It takes the aesthetic beauty of a bracelet, and gives it a purpose. Although wristwatches are beloved by many, they still aren’t suitable for some men, which is why you should never forget the classical elegance of a pocket watch.

Most men’s jewelry is metallic. That isn’t to say there isn’t a place for the pinky ring, but in general most men prefer simple pieces over flashy ones. Silver and gold are both traditional favorites, but in recent years platinum has increasingly become the metal of choice for male ornamentation.

It’s a Man’s World

For men, jewelry is more than just a fashion statement, it’s a life statement. In the past men have used jewelry to show wealth, power, and social standing, and to symbolize both love and ownership.

Jewelry plays an important role in the crowning of kings and election of Popes. Wealthy knights took diamond-studded swords into battle. Jewelry and adornments signify the bravest warriors in every society — soldiers wear ribbons and pins on their uniforms, and police officers wear badges.

Many people think jewelry is strictly a female’s game, but when you look at it the right way it seems clear how masculine jewelry is.

But where did it come from? Why does only the woman wear a ring? Why is there a traditional finger that it is worn on? And why has the diamond ring become the standard for expressing your commitment?

Ancient History

Engagement bands or rings, in one form or another date back as far as ancient Egypt. They were popular in the Roman Empire as well, and would often come with a symbolic wooden key. However, its unclear in these cultures if the ring symbolized love or ownership.

The Greeks are credited with introducing the engagement ring as we know it, and it was always put on the “ring finger” because they believed that finger had a vein that lead directly to the heart.

As for the diamond engagement ring, we have the Austrian Archduke Maximillian to thank for that. When he popped the question to Mary of Burgandy in 1477 he presented her with a diamond-encrusted ring. But while historically important, its important to note that it was rare, and it wasn’t until the 1930s when diamond rings became popular.

Engagement Around the World

In most Western countries, a man presents a ring to a woman. She wears the ring until the wedding, when they both put on wedding bands. But in different countries and cultures there are many variations on this custom.

In countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Germany it is common for both the man and the women to where matching engagement rings of plain precious metal. In Spain, it is common for the women to present the man with a wristwatch after his proposal. In Brazil, the betrothed couple both wear plain wedding bands on their right hands, and then switch to the left hand after the ceremony.

Hindu tradition has the women given an engagement toe ring called a bichiya. Bengalese women are given iron bracelets instead of jewelry.

In virtually every case, the token exchanged upon engagement is circular. This speaks to the unending circle of love, which has no beginning and no end. Cultures adapt this differently, but at its core these different engagement customs seem to have more commonalities than differences.

Why a diamond?

Just as the “circle” of the ring is symbolic, so is the diamond that usually comes attached to that ring. The diamond is known as the hardest substance on earth – its strength and endurance make it eternal. And the beauty of the stone has its own symbolism.

But the Archduke Maxmiliian can’t be credited with popularizing the trend, even if he was the actual trendsetter. It’s actually the advertising agencies of 1930s America that turned the diamond engagement ring from a novelty into the new custom.

The diamond industry wanted to see more merchandize, and so they funded a massive national marketing campaign. It took several years to re-condition Americans into adopting a new tradition, but over time it worked. By the time De Beers unveiled the catch phrase “A Diamond is Forever” in 1947, the public had already begun to embrace the custom. And that catch phrase has turned out to be almost as eternal as the stones themselves.

Diamonds by Rhianna

Just after this song was released, the Billboard music charts changed their criteria, and started factoring digital downloads and streaming data into the sales numbers. This caused Diamonds to jump from #66 on the chart to #1.

Diamonds are Forever by Shirley Bassey

After belting out the title track from Goldfinger, Shirley Bassey returned to the James Bond series to record the theme for the 7^th film. It has become one of her signature songs.

Diamond Dogs by David Bowie

This album has been called the “swan song for glam rock” and features Bowie at his weirdest and most iconic. Steeped in controversy and heavily based on the AP English staple 1984 by George Orwell (we said it was weird!), Diamond Dogs is a timeless piece of music.

Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

The song was first sung by Carol Channing, in the stage play in 1949. But it was Marilyn Monroe who made the song so beloved, in the movie version of 1953. The American Film Institute named it 12^th of their list of most important songs from film.

Diamonds and Rust by Joan Baez

It’s the name of both the album and the song, both of which were critically acclaimed. The song was written about her ex-lover and fellow musician Bob Dylan, and would later on to be infamously covered by hard rockers Judas Priest. We prefer the Joan Baez version.

Shine on you Crazy Diamond by Pink Floyd

This epic prog-rock song by pioneers Pink Floyd is an amazing musical journey. We’d love to play the song for you, but it clocks in at about 40 minutes long, and quite frankly who has the time?!?

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by the Beatles

John Lennon once said this song was inspired by a nursery school drawing from his son Julian, who drew a picture of a classmate named Lucy. Many years later, co-writer Paul McCartney would say that the song was about LSD, as had long been rumored. Which is true? Who knows. But it’s such a great song it hardly matters.

Other notable diamond songs for your jewel-inspired tracklist

Diamond Girl by Seals and Crofts

Diamonds and Pearls by Prince

Diamond Ring by Bon Jovi

Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes by Paul Simon

Her Diamonds by Rob Thomas

Katy and John… and Robert and Kristen

It wasn’t long ago Katy Perry was flashing a heart-shaped ruby ring given to her by crooner and on-again, off-again love interest John Mayer, but recently she has been seen in public with actor Robert Pattinson, leading to a firestorm of speculation. Pattinson has long been involved in his own on-again, off-again romance with Twilight co-star Kristen Stewart, but it seems the princess of pop has caught his eye.

Fabulous Wedding of the Month

When Golden Globe winner and Breaking Bad heartthrob Aaron Paul gets romantic, he goes all the way with it! Last week he tied the knot with his long time flame Lauren Parsekian in grand style. The wedding was themed as a 1920s Parisian carnival, replete with stilt walkers, jugglers, mimes, and even a Ferris wheel.

Not wowed yet? What if one of the faux-Parisian street performers was magician David Blaine, and the music was provided by John Mayer and Foster the People? Yeah, it made us swoon, too.

A Real Life Princess

In a few short years, Kendra Spears has risen to the top of the modeling world. From the catwalk to the red carpet, on magazine covers and in commercials, she has loaned her beauty to such notables as Prada, Calvin Klein, and Diane von Furstenberg.

Now she will tackle the next step in her fairy tale by becoming an honest-to-goodness princess when she marries Prince Rahim Aga Khan. We send our best to the happy royals.

Anchors Away!

Lindsey Lohan is currently rehabbing in the Betty Ford Center, and has been using jewelry as a way of trying to mend fences with her famously disfunctional family. She has gifted her father, mother, and siblings each with anchor-chain bracelets.  The symbolism is sweet, and hopefully LiLo and company will use those chains to hold their family together.

If we missed your favorite story, let us know on Facebook, Twitter (@abaziasdiamonds) or comment below to let us know!

Downton Abbey, for those who are not already addicted to it, is a soapy British drama about the lives, loves, and scandals of the English upper crust circa 1912. Originally broadcast on the BBC, it made its way to America and quickly became the most watched program in PBS broadcast history. Over 24 million Americans tuned in to watch season 3, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing.

The new line from 1928 will mirror the reserved but classy high-society look that has so enraptured Downton fans. Necklaces, hair pins, brooches, bracelets, and earrings will all be part of the initial release, with prices ranging from $22 to $38. The line will be available at specialty stores, through Amazon, and at Macys.

This isn’t the first time popular culture has spilled over into the world of jewelry. The beloved HBO series Sex and the City not only released some stellar pieces, but inspired a tidal wave of imitators!

The official line of SatC consisted of necklaces based on the unique but fabulous styles of Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg; fashionista fans of the show had already begun designing, making, and sharing their own jewelry based on what they had seen their favorite characters wear.

The makers of Downton Abbey obviously knew their history; earlier this year they shut down unauthorized versions of Downton jewelry, and quickly moved ahead with making their own. Combined with forthcoming lines of Downton-inspired fashion and furniture, 2013 is embracing a classical style.

This year, it seems jewel thieves wanted to get in on the action. In less than a week there have been two robberies where millions of dollars worth of diamonds disappeared.

The Party Theft

When De Grisogono throws a party, they do it right. The high-end jeweler celebrated its 20^th anniversary High Jewelry Collection with a lavish soiree in the ritzy and renowned Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc.

Among the 700 guests were such notables as Paris Hilton, Sharon Stone, Chris Tucker, and Alessandra Ambrosio… as well as hotel staff, local police, 20 models, and more than 80 bodyguards. The party was a phenomenal success.

When it ended, it was discovered that a diamond necklace valued at over $2.6 million had vanished.

The Safe Job

The first robbery to rock the festival happened days before, mere hours after the premier of The Bling Ring, a movie about a crew of young women who rob valuables from the homes of Hollywood celebrities. Life imitating art, or just coincidence?

Swiss jeweler Chopard had a representative in Cannes with a safe full of glitzy diamonds and jewels to be loaned out to famous faces to wear for premiers and red carpets. Already the Chopard pieces had been worn by actress Julianne Moore and model Carla Delevingne.

On the night of May 16^th, thieves wanted to make sure they took everything, and so they did. When the Chopard employee returned he found the entire safe had been taken.

Real Life Bling Ring?

According to authorities, there is nothing to tie the two crimes together, so chances are this isn’t another Bling Ring. But if jewel thieves keep coming back to Cannes, next year the status symbol of choice might not be a diamond at all, but a security detail.
[Photo Credit]

Since 2009, higher quality diamonds have appreciated in value modestly, from 5% to 7%. But the smaller, lower quality, or flawed stones have jumped up 35%.

As China’s economy booms, and the ranks of the middle class swell to unheard of levels. Chinese consumers are keen to purchase luxury items like diamonds, but they are tending to buy small or flawed stones. And they are buying them in record numbers!

“The Snob Effect”

While the rich elite love the high end flawless stones (in particular, the super-rare Australian pink diamonds are an upper class darling) this new wave of diamond fanatics in China have broken with tradition, and seem immune to “the snob effect.”

Diamonds are a luxury item, and the bigger and better cut they are the more luxurious they look. In the Chinese middle class, however, having a diamond at all is a status symbol, and there seems to be no cultural taboo on lower end jewelry.

The Chinese people have begun to realize that sometimes the inexpensive diamond looks very similar to the expensive one.

A Blossoming Relationship

In the last five years, the diamond-centric relationship between Antwerp (Diamond capital of the world) and China has grown remarkably. Export of diamonds to China rose 73%, but equally notable is that the export of diamonds from China to Antwerp grew just as fast.

Since 2011, China has surpassed Japan to become the #2 buyer of precious stones in the world (America is still #1, thank you very much). Currently, a full 31% of all Antwerp’s polished diamonds are sent to China.

Fact or Fiction?

Fact or Fiction: The largest diamond in the universe is bigger than the planet Earth.

FACT! Some white dwarf stars have a diamond core — the largest one known to science weighs approximately 10 billion trillion trillion tons. That’s not a typo, that’s two trillions after one another. She’s been named Lucy, after the Beatles song.

Fact or Fiction: Diamonds have mystical powers, and work as an antidote to most poisons, ward off nightmares, and protect your house from lightning.

FICTION! But if you were alive in the Middle Ages you most definitely would have thought it was true.

Fact or Fiction: In Persia, it is believed that the Devil created diamonds.

FACT! The way the story of creation is told in Persia, Satan saw how much Eve liked the colorful flowers in the Garden of Eden, and created gems and precious stones in matching colors as a way to tempt humans.

Fact or Fiction: The word carat is derived from the word carrot, because diamond merchants would use carrots to balance their scales.

FICTION! It actually comes from the word carob, they used carob beans for their scales.

Fact or Fiction: You can melt a diamond.

FACT! Provided you can raise the temperature to 6420 degrees Fahrenheit!

Fact or Fiction: A Pope was once murdered with diamond dust.

FICTION! Pope Clement VII was a notorious figure, and met his end by poison. Rumors said that his doctors had fed him spoons full of ground-up gemstones, but in reality it was the nightcap mushroom that did him in.

Fact or Fiction: The first synthetic diamonds were made using bone oil. Whatever bone oil is.

FACT! The recipe also included paraffin and lithium.

Fact or Fiction: The Black Orlov is the most famously cursed diamond in the world.

FICTION! Supposedly the Orlov drove five people to jump to their deaths, but that’s nothing compared to the legend of the Hope Diamond, which has been linked the horrible, often lethal misfortunes of a dozen different owners over the centuries. Not saying it’s true, but that’s the legend.

- You want to buy it

- You want to sell it

- You want to insure it

- You’re just curious

If you’re not considering selling your diamond, and have never thought about having it insured, then your response is probably “This doesn’t apply to me.” But it so does!

Insurance is a Girl’s Best Friend

That jewel is more than just a precious stone, more than just an ornament, and it has a lot more value than just sentimental. Unlike cash or stocks, a diamond has real value in any country in the world.

A $10 bill is only a $10 bill in some countries. But a diamond is always a diamond, and is costly and collectable no matter where you go.

If you don’t have that diamond appraised, you have no idea of what the value really is. And if anything were to happen to it, then you would have nothing to show for it.

Insurance is easily the most important reason for an appraisal. Diamonds are a tremendous investment, so getting them insured for their real value is the smart choice. It may cost a little money, but in the event the jewels are lost or stolen you will be glad you spent it.

Everyone has an Opinion

An independent diamond expert examines every facet, cut, and quality of your stone, documents his or her findings, and presents you with an official value.

If you think that just sounds like one person giving their opinion on my diamond, you’d be right! It is nothing more than an expert opinion. Which is why it’s important to find an appraiser who is both truly independent and truly an expert. You need an appraiser with a good reputation, incredible knowledge of diamonds, and no financial interest in your item.

If an appraiser works for an insurance company, they will decide on a value that most favors the company. A jeweler or merchant will arrive at a figure that most favors their business. So find a third party, non-biased expert to conduct your appraisal. And most importantly, make sure they are GIA certified.

The Gem Institute of America is a non-profit organization with a sterling reputation for diamond education and appraisal.