The History of Egyptian Emeralds Did you know that Egypt is famous for its abundance of emeralds? In fact, Egypt was the first place Emeralds were ever discovered! Dating all the way back to 1500 B.C, Egypt became a hotspot for emerald mining. These emerald mines were later called “Cleopatra’s Mines,” named after Cleopatra VII […]
Africa – The History of Jewelry Around the World
The History of Jewelry Around the World Series When it comes to jewelry, Africa has a rich and diverse history that cannot be summed up singularly. Jewelry in ancient Africa was used as a status symbol and also as a form of insurance with dowry arrangements which usually included large jewelry stockpiles, which could be […]
The Cullinan Diamond
The Largest & Most Expensive Diamond In The World It’s no surprise that diamonds are some of the most expensive gemstones on Earth, however, there’s always a “best of the best.” The Cullinan Diamond is the largest, heaviest, and most expensive diamond ever discovered. History & Discovery The Cullinan Diamond was first discovered on January […]
Japan – The History of Jewelry Around the World
The History of Jewelry Around the World Series Japanese art, jewelry, and culture had very little Western influence up until the late 1800s, during the Meiji Restoration of Imperial power (which occurred in 1868). Before becoming slightly more Westernized, men and women in Japan wore pocketless, robe-like garments (think kimono or kosode). Many forms of ornamentation, including accessories […]
The Ultimate Ruby Guide
Rubies Red as a Rose Rubies are the gemstone of love, as you can probably guess. Ironically, rubies are known for their hardness and range in color from pink to red. Depending on the culture, rubies have a variety of symbolic meanings, including bringing luck, providing healing properties, and enhancing self-confidence. If you really want […]
Central and South America – History of Jewelry Around the World
The History of Jewelry Around the World Series Ancient cultures living and creating jewelry in Peru, Columbia, Venezuela, and Ecuador (a region that resides next to the northern Andes) achieved an extremely high level of craftsmanship and evolved artistically when it came to jewelry making and accessory sporting. Gold was abundant in this region and […]