“Today jewels are more than my love and my life; they are an insatiable obsession. It is not only the lure of hidden beauty that lies in a rough diamond; there is also the excitement of speculating and the reward of having my judgement proved right.” These words were pronounced by Harry Winston (1896-1978) a famous diamond wholesaler, known as the King of Diamonds.
The book was published in November 2021, by Firefly Books
The name diamond, from the Greek word adamas ἀδάμας , means invincible and indestructible due to its extreme hardness.
Rose-cut Single Stone
It can be many things depending on points of view and historical periods.
Lang Antiques rose-cut pear-shaped diamond set in a gold ring
In ancient times diamonds were used as a tool for cutting, drilling, grinding and engraving. But they were also treasured as good luck charms and status symbols. Both Julius Caesar and Napoleon wore them in battle as talismans to make them invincible. In the 1300s Indians and Europeans began to shape diamonds. One of the biggest diamonds is the 186-carat Koh-i-noor which means “mountains of light” in Persian. Diamonds are generally considered the easiest and most wearable form of wealth. They are light to carry and more valuable than gold. So much so that leading up to and during the Second World War many Jews used diamonds to pay their way out of Germany to start a new life elsewhere. The slogan A diamond is forever created in 1948 became the most famous phrase in American advertising. Another phrase that made advertising history was “Diamonds are a Girl’s best friend” which is the title of the famous song performed by Marylin Monroe in 1953 film Gentlemen prefer Blondes. It’s a matter of fact that diamonds remain the most popular gem for engagement rings and continue to signify commitment and enduring love.
Emerald-cut diamond
In Diamonds, written with competence and enthusiasm by Renée Newman, a graduate gemologist and author of many trade-level handbooks on gemstones, the reader will be transported into a fascinating journey in the world of this precious stone.
Paula Crevoshay Clouded Leopard pendant
Argyle Pink Diamond Ring
This Guide is a treasure of knowledge about all the aspects of these valuable stones. From history to mining, terminology, cutting and evaluating diamonds to the romantic stories of some of the most precious ones, the book which features hundreds of photos, maps and diagrams is a mine of information. One of the chapters is dedicated to the laboratory-grown diamonds that were firstly called synthetic diamonds. However, this term sounds fake so it’s preferable to identify them as laboratory grown. In fact, they have the same crystal structure and chemical formula as natural diamonds i.e.carbon. The last chapter highlights the diamond’s remarkable benefits: non-toxic and biocompatible, resistant to chemicals and radiation, excellent heat conductor, excellent electrical insulator and semiconductor, resistant to high temperatures, exceptional transparency and of course most of all, unparalleled beauty and emotional significance.
Modern handcrafted ring Single Stone
As the advertisement claimed, diamonds last forever. They promise happiness, love, commitment and emotional benefits.
Author: Renée Newman is a gemologist (GIA graduate) and the author of over 13 guides to gems and jewelry. Her books have been used worldwide as sales-training tools, buying guides, class texts and references for jewelry professionals. She lives in Los Angeles.
The book is available @ www.amazon.com/Diamonds-History-Sources-Qualities-Benefits
Article edit by Laura Astrologo Porché
Instagram: @journaldesbijoux