When it comes to history, diamonds have a very long and fascinating record as one of the most intriguing gemstones on the planet. You may be familiar with the term, 'Diamonds are Forever', made popular by the De Beers advertising campaigns and for good reason. Forged billions of years ago, long before dinosaurs roamed the planet, they have survived the forces of nature to reach us. They have been used throughout the ages as bearers of mystic powers and incredible beauty. Through the centuries they have been revered and admired by many civilisations.
More recently, Australia has become a contender when it comes to the production and mining of exquisite gem quality diamonds. Other countries for diamond mining include Africa, Canada, Russia, and South America in addition to those mined in Australia.
The custom was continued and Christianized by the 4th century, demonstrated by St. Augustine's imploring priests to permit weddings without the exchange of rings. Byzantine wedding rings are thick gold bands with round or oval bezels depicting the couple face to face, or receiving Christ's blessing on their union.
The more spectacular the occasion, of course, the more stunning you will want your diamonds to be. Of course you will want to keep in mind your budget, your setting, and the metals that will be used in conjunction with the piece of jewellery you are creating or purchasing. Each of these will have an impact on the finished product. Good choices for diamonds are 18ct gold or platinum. In recent years platinum has become the choice for diamond jewellery as the metal is very hard and durable complimenting the gemstone properties.
The portraits that hang in renowned museums like the ones that present Hapsburg Emperor Maximilian I (by Bernard Strigel, ca. 1500) and Mary, his wife, Duchess of Burgundy and daughter of Charles the Bold (ascribed to Niclas Reiser, ca. 1500). The union in 1477 was celebrated by the exchange of a diamond betrothal ring, which would have been an early example and perhaps the first royal one.
More recently, Australia has become a contender when it comes to the production and mining of exquisite gem quality diamonds. Other countries for diamond mining include Africa, Canada, Russia, and South America in addition to those mined in Australia.
The custom was continued and Christianized by the 4th century, demonstrated by St. Augustine's imploring priests to permit weddings without the exchange of rings. Byzantine wedding rings are thick gold bands with round or oval bezels depicting the couple face to face, or receiving Christ's blessing on their union.
The more spectacular the occasion, of course, the more stunning you will want your diamonds to be. Of course you will want to keep in mind your budget, your setting, and the metals that will be used in conjunction with the piece of jewellery you are creating or purchasing. Each of these will have an impact on the finished product. Good choices for diamonds are 18ct gold or platinum. In recent years platinum has become the choice for diamond jewellery as the metal is very hard and durable complimenting the gemstone properties.
The portraits that hang in renowned museums like the ones that present Hapsburg Emperor Maximilian I (by Bernard Strigel, ca. 1500) and Mary, his wife, Duchess of Burgundy and daughter of Charles the Bold (ascribed to Niclas Reiser, ca. 1500). The union in 1477 was celebrated by the exchange of a diamond betrothal ring, which would have been an early example and perhaps the first royal one.
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