DIAMOND. A LEGEND IS BORN.

   Not discovered in sizeable quantities until 1870, diamond is the hardest known substance, and has long been revered for its strength and beauty. Medieval knights, for instance, wore uncut diamonds in their armor, believing the stones would make them invincible.

Through the ages, jewellers have continued to devise creative ways of presenting the diamond. Most notably, goldsmiths in the early 1500’s created a new shape, the table-top cut. This was an historic first step toward modern polishing techniques. By the 20th century, platinum had become universally adopted, inspiring the creation of new diamond cuts - emerald, square, rectangular and pear - with the stones set as solitaires or in clusters.

The forerunner of today’s engagement ring, a slim iron hoop ring- symbolizing the circle of life and eternity- was given to brides in ancient Rome from 23 to 79 A.D. as a public pledge that the marriage contract would be honored. One of the earliest records of this dates back to Pesaro, Italy, in 1475. Archduke Maximilian of Austria further established the tradition when he presented a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy upon their engagement in 1477. As Mary said, “yes,” Maximilian slipped the diamond ring onto the third finger of her left hand.  The diamond engagement ring remains today as one of the most enduring symbols of love.

Diamond is the birthstone for April.