Diamonds have come symbolize everlasting love, a symbol of an eternal bond. It is even perceived to represent some of the deepest human emotions. Each diamond purchase is meaningful.
That knowledge is embraced by people around the world and passed to the next generations. Indeed, the enduring traditions and the magic of romance evoked by diamonds throughout the centuries remain with us today.
A diamond can possess as much worth as a milestone in one’s life, like the engagement that it represents. Ask any woman who owns a diamond ring and she would likely try to capture the unspeakable – that of the unspoken, subtle intimacy between her and her diamond jewelry.
There lies the enigma, and the very word ‘diamond’ which means ‘unconquerable’ (from the Greek term ‘adamas’). So what’s the mystery? Diamonds are as mystical as they are enduring. Part of the mystery lies in the fact that diamond is immensely old and that no two existing diamonds are alike.
Diamond Tradition
As far back as the fifteenth century, the tradition of giving a diamond as the ultimate gift of love was already practiced. And when Archduke Maximillian of Austria and Mary of Burgundy became husband and wife in 1477, the diamond engagement ring officially became a bond for marriage.
A diamond ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand where it was believed that “vein of love” or “vena amoris” ran directly to the heart. This is the very tradition seen as the ultimate way to connect love with eternity.
Diamond Myths
Still, the mysticism of diamonds lives on. Diamonds are the subject of various myths and legends. It has been claimed through time that diamonds possess several supernatural powers. A diamond gives victory over an enemy or even a host of them, if one carries it bound on their left arm. Likewise, it is said to be an effective amulet against panics, pestilences, enchantments and the like.
Diamonds are said to deprive magnets and lodestones of their ability to attract iron. In the same vein, Arabic diamonds are said to attract iron greater than a magnet. Interestingly enough, smearing the diamond with fresh goat’s blood will diminish its hardiness.
Diamond Symbolism
At one point in modern history, diamonds were regarded as talismans – charms that could beguile a lover and, in a love affair, could enhance the devotion of a man and a woman for each other.
People born in the month of April recognize diamond as their birthstone. A sixty-year anniversary occasion is also represented by a diamond, such as a Diamond Jubilee.
The Diamond Today
In 1938, the marketing campaigns initiated by a flourishing diamond selling company paved the way for the popularity of the diamond ring, hailed as the ultimate engagement ring. A much wider audience embraced the concept.
The now successful company continues to hark that “buying a diamond means investing in a piece of forever.”
Today, a diamond is a much-coveted jewelry piece. And because of its high market value and stunning appearance, a piece of diamond jewelry is considered both a necessity and an indulgence, factors perhaps that contribute to diamonds living up to their “forever” tag.
Here’s a rundown of diamond jewelry designs and what makes each design truly a coveted item by most jewelry enthusiasts:
Diamond Rings
Over the years, designs of diamond engagement rings have varied greatly. Ring materials such as gold, platinum, silver or, rarely, titanium band mounted with one diamond, in the traditional solitaire diamond design, are the take of contemporary diamond jewelry designers. Of late, the three-stone diamond engagement rings have become a popular choice, a look more luxurious and expensive.
Depending on the material used for the band, the value of the diamond, and the prestige of the retailer, prices of engagement rings vary considerably, usually within the range of a few hundred dollars to several hundred thousand dollars.
Diamond Studs
Diamond studs are styled in simple, basic, classic designs: round or princess cut studs, elegant but always wearable. Fashion experts agree that diamonds studs go beyond fashion fads and changing style trends. Whether they’re worn with a casual cotton tee and jeans or a gorgeous evening gown, diamonds never go out of style.
Diamond studs should fit flat against the ear. What can make the difference is balance of the setting. The diamond should sit as far back toward the post as possible. Another indication of quality is the less metal on the top and sides to obstruct the beauty of the diamond, the better the fit and more elegant the look.
The crown-style setting for diamond studs is considered a poor fit. Regrettably it is used by many jewelers. The diamond is pushed too far forward and often results in a stud that looks droopy when worn.
Diamond Anniversary and Wedding Bands
Diamond anniversary and wedding bands speaks of an “unbroken promise” to one another and signifies the love that will bind the couple forever. It denotes eternity that’s why they’re also referred to as Eternity Bands. A diamond anniversary or wedding band is designed in such a way that each stone leads to another and another until the entire band is completely encrusted with diamonds.
What’s “Forever” in Diamonds?
A person who considers buying a diamond engagement ring will always seek out the best they can afford. The often-quoted guideline of spending one to two month’s salary for a diamond engagement ring often is true — for indeed, diamond is no cheap commodity.
The rare qualities of diamonds have been sought for thousands of years. The desirability of diamond jewelry remains undiminished today, and its value is increasing. It is safe to say that a diamond purchase is a sound financial investment, as well as being a valuable emotional investment.
What’s “forever” in diamonds? This is a piece of jewelry that treasured not just for what it is worth, but for what it symbolizes. “Forever” lies in the diamond’s evocation of a solid past, celebration of the whims and luxuries of the present and embrace of the fullness of the future.
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