Diamonds are far from a modern phenomenon. When you stroll through the glittering streets of the LA Diamond District you are seeing the continuation of a long tradition of admiration for these precious gems. Diamonds were not always used for engagement rings, or even elaborate jewelry. In fact, the history of diamonds begins thousands of years ago and underwent many changes as it progressed to the jewelry stores in Los Angeles.
Early Uses of Diamonds
The first recorded uses of diamonds can be traced back to India over 3,000 years ago. They were honored for their sparkle and ability to refract light. People used these gems for decoration, but also as means of protecting themselves during battle and to defend against evil forces. Later diamonds came into vogue as a supposed medical aid. In the Dark Ages it was believed that holding one of these precious stones while making the sign of the cross had the power to heal wounds and cure the person of diseases and ailment. In some instances, diamonds were also swallowed with the hopes that they would hasten healing.
It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that the actual value of diamonds was recognized. A rumor was begun by the owners of diamond mines that diamonds were poisonous so that workers would not smuggle the stones away from the mines by swallowing them. It was during this period that the infamous Blue Hope diamond was discovered.
With the world’s hunger for diamonds ever-increasing the search for these stones reached a fever pitch. Rich deposits of diamonds were discovered in Australia and South Africa, with the most impressive being near Lake Argyle, which still produces over a third of the diamonds sold in the world each year.
Tradition of the Engagement Ring
It may come as a surprise as you enter the LA Diamond District that engagement rings have not always features sparkling diamonds. Early engagement rings, usually referred to as betrothal rings, were offered in Ancient Egypt and Rome. These rings didn’t always lead toward marriage. Though this was the assumption of a betrothal, rings were often given simply as a sign of friendship. The first diamond engagement ring wasn’t given until the 1477 when the Archduke of Austria chose such a piece to present to Mary of Burgandy on the event of their engagement. This tradition, however, did not become popular in North America until nearly three centuries later.
During the Colonial period women were presented with thimbles as a symbol of betrothal. They would then remove the top of the thimble and wear the rest as a ring. Engagement rings featuring other stones then became popular, not giving way to the diamond engagement ring until the 1930s. Now only 20% of women do not receive a ring featuring a diamond as a sign of their engagement.
Joining the Legacy in Downtown Los Angeles Jewelry Stores
Diamonds are still among the most coveted of material possessions in the world. Women dream of when they will “get their diamond” and we avidly follow the trend of celebrity “sparklers”. All that matters, however, is that when you walk into the Downtown LA jewelry store of your choice that you select the diamond that will make its place in your history as a symbol of your undying love, affection, and commitment to your future bride.
Looking to learn more about the history of diamonds? Looking for the perfect LA diamond for that special someone? Call Icing On The Ring today: 888-565-6750.