Diamond – birthstone for the month of April
Diamonds are the ultimate symbol of love and romance. Like true love, a diamond’s light and brilliance will not diminish with time.
The word diamond originates from the Greek "adamas," meaning indomitable, diamonds were believed to offer protection and strength in the face of adversity.
The earliest written account of diamonds dates back to around 500 BC and until
the 18th century the only diamond mines were in India. The first recorded use of a diamond in an engagement ring was in 1477 with the engagement of the future Holy Roman Emperor Maximillian to Mary of Burgundy.
The Modern Era
In the 19th century the combination of newly discovered mines and developments in diamond cutting and polishing, gave birth to the solitaire engagement ring.
The Tiffany mounting, introduced in 1886, maximized the diamonds brilliance by raising it up from the band. The design permitted greater amounts of light to enter the gem, allowing it to exhibit maximum brilliance.
The Modern brilliant cut—In 1919 Marcel Tolkowsky published his determinations for the ideal diamond cut, designed to release the maximum "fire" in a diamond. Within 5 years of his publication jewelers throughout the United States advertised diamonds cut to Tolkowsky's "Ideal" cut. Even today, jewelers still refer to Tolkowsky and advertise their cuts as "Ideal."
Purchasing
Buying a diamond can be a significant purchase—both emotionally and financially. If you choose a qualified jeweler, learn the 4Cs of diamond quality and ask for an independent grading report—buying the diamond of your dreams will be worry-free.
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