All About Diamond Jewelry

People have cherished and worn diamond jewelry all through history, usually by royalty and people with wealth. However, about 150 years ago, the "average Joe" was first able to obtain some of the coveted jewelry as well.

The first time diamonds were used in a setting occurred around the time of the Norman Invasion, when a Hungarian king commissioned a crown set with diamonds to adorn the queen. The stones were rough, however, as methods for cutting diamonds were not developed until around 500 years later.

The first guild for diamond cutters originated in Antwerp in the mid-1500s. It is only fitting, then, that Antwerp remains at the center of the worldwide diamond jewelry business.

When you think of diamonds, chances are your first thoughts are of clear or white stones. However, they do come in a rainbow of colors as well, and many are much more expensive than "regular" diamonds.

The cut of a diamond can increase its market rate, as it establishes the brilliance, shape, and fire of the stone. A poor cut on a fine diamond is a tragedy to be avoided.

A diamond's value can also be enhanced by the setting in which it appears, or the setting can detract from the stone's beauty. Jewelers study for years in order to develop a good sense of which stones will look best in a particular setting.

While natural, high-quality diamonds are becoming more and more rare, scientists have developed a method of growing diamonds in a laboratory setting that can provide consumers with a less expensive alternative for a beautiful stone. These diamonds can be grown in any color, and the only difference between lab-grown and natural stones is location: natural being extracted from a mine, and lab-grown being, well, grown.

Diamonds are not just for engagements, either. A well-matched pair can make stunning earrings for any occasion; a three-stone past-present-future pendant is a romantic gesture that shows you care; and the always-popular diamond tennis bracelet adds sparkle to any outfit.

Diamond jewelry makes a great graduation, mother's day, or birthday gift as well. It shows that special person in your life that your love for them is as durable and long-lasting as the diamond itself. And nothing says "classy" like a piece of diamond jewelry.

Whether you want clear or colored, natural or laboratory-grown, onlydiamondsjewelry.com can help you select the right piece of diamond jewelry for that special someone.