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ANTIQUE
DIAMOND RINGS
The name diamond comes from the Greek word adamas, meaning "unconquerable." It is believed that the first diamonds were found in riverbeds in India around 800 BC. Because of their scarcity, and associations with power and wealth, diamonds were long reserved for kings and queens. The discovery of diamonds in 1867 in Africa made them more available to the public. The age of a piece of diamond jewelry can often be determined by the cut of its diamonds. Old Mine Cut diamonds have 58 facets, just like the modern brilliant. However, the proportions of its facets are different, and it often has a cushion shape. Jewelry from the mid-1800s is usually set with such stones. The Old European Cut diamond is considered the precursor to the modern brilliant. It also has 58 facets. It differs from today's stones by its higher, smaller table and open culet. Antique rings should always contain diamonds that are cut according to the standards of their time period. |
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