The Evolution of Jewelry from Ancient to Modern Times

Jewelry dates back to prehistoric times. Early pieces were made from shells, stone, and bones. The oldest known jewelry, found in the Blombos Cave of South Africa, is estimated to be 75,000 years old.

Ancient Egyptians used jewelry for adornment, status, and protection. They pioneered the use of gold and gemstones around 5,000 years ago, creating intricate designs that symbolized power and religious beliefs.

Romans valued diamonds as precious talismans. They believed diamonds were shards of stars fallen to Earth or tears of the gods. Unearthed Roman jewelry containing diamonds suggests their use in rings back in the 1st century AD.

The art of diamond cutting evolved during the Renaissance. The first recorded diamond cutting industry began in Bruges, Belgium, in 1476. New cuts such as the table cut and the rose cut brought out diamonds' brilliance like never before.

In the Victorian era, jewelry design was heavily influenced by Queen Victoria's tastes. Mourning jewelry became popular, often incorporating hair or portraits of the deceased, with jet and black onyx as common materials.

The 20th century saw a democratization of diamonds. De Beers' 1947 ad campaign 'A Diamond is Forever' changed market dynamics, making diamond engagement rings a widespread tradition in Western culture.

In recent years, technological advances have enabled the creation of lab-grown diamonds. Identical to mined diamonds in composition, they offer a more sustainable and ethical alternative, challenging the traditional diamond industry.