JEWELRY TRIVIA – 50 FUN FACTS YOU MAY NOT KNOW

Ready to dive into some fascinating facts?

50 of them?

Things you didn’t know about jewelry, diamonds, earrings, bracelets, and pendants.

Not to mention watches, engagement rings, history, curses, carats, and wealth.

So sit back and relax, and enjoy 50 things you may not have known about jewelry:

1. The word “jewelry” comes from the French word “jouel,” which means “plaything.”

2. Diamonds are found in many colors, including yellow, pink, blue, green, and red.

3. The largest diamond ever found weighed in at 3,106 carats and is known as the Cullinan diamond.

4. The idea of giving an engagement ring dates back to ancient Rome.

5. The Hope diamond is said to be cursed, bringing bad luck to whoever owns it.

6. In ancient Egypt, jewelry was often buried with the dead to accompany them into the afterlife.

7. The term “costume jewelry” was coined in the 1920’s to describe jewelry made from non-precious materials.

8. The ancient Greeks believed that pearls were the tears of the gods.

9. The world’s oldest known piece of jewelry is a set of beads made from Nassarius shells, discovered in Israel and estimated to be over 100,000 years old.

10. The tiara worn by Kate Middleton on her wedding day was borrowed from Queen Elizabeth, and known as the Cartier Halo Tiara. A beautiful diamond and platinum piece that perfectly complemented her gown.

11. The term “tennis bracelet” was coined after tennis player Chris Evert lost her diamond bracelet during a match.

12. In ancient Rome, women wore a type of ring called an “annulus pronubus” to signify their engagement.

13. The largest emerald ever found weighed in at 7,052 carats and is known as the Bahia Emerald.

14. In the Victorian era, mourning jewelry was popular, with pieces often featuring hair from the deceased.

15. The necklace worn by Audrey Hepburn in the film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” was designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.

16. The term “karat” refers to the purity of gold, with 24 karat gold being pure gold.

17. The famous Cartier Panther brooch was first created in 1948 for the Duchess of Windsor.

18. The world’s most expensive piece of jewelry is the Graff Pink diamond, which sold for $46 million in 2010.

19. In ancient Greece, people believed that amethysts could prevent drunkenness.

20. The term “choker” was first used in the 19th century to describe a type of necklace worn tight around the neck.

21. The largest sapphire ever found weighed in at 950 carats and is known as the Millennium Sapphire.

22. The Cartier Love bracelet was first introduced in 1969 and is designed to be locked onto the wearer’s wrist by their partner.

23. The world’s largest pearl weighs in at 14 pounds and is known as the Pearl of Lao Tzu.

24. The famous Fabergé eggs were created for the Russian royal family and are known for their intricate designs and use of precious materials.

25. In ancient Rome, men often wore signet rings to seal important documents with wax.

26. The term “eternity ring” refers to a ring with diamonds or other gemstones that encircle the entire band.

27. The largest ruby ever found weighed in at 18,696 carats and is known as the Liberty Bell Ruby.

28. The famous Tiffany Yellow diamond weighs in at 128.54 carats and is one of the largest yellow diamonds.

29. In ancient Egypt, scarabs were often used as amulets and were believed to bring good luck and protection.

30. The Cartier Trinity ring features three interlocking bands, each representing love, fidelity, and friendship.

31. The world’s most expensive bracelet is the “L’Incomparable” diamond bracelet, which is valued at $55 million.

32. The Ancient Greeks believed that garnets could bring victory in battles and promote healing.

33. The famous Blue Moon diamond sold for a record-breaking $48.5 million in 2015.

34. In ancient Rome, necklaces were often worn as a symbol of status and wealth.

35. The Cartier Tank watch was first introduced in 1917 and was designed to resemble the shape of a tank.

36. The world’s most expensive earrings are the “Apollo and Artemis” diamonds, which sold for $57.4 million in 2017.

37. In ancient Egypt, amulets were often worn to protect the wearer from harm and bring good luck.

38. The famous Harry Winston Cluster diamond necklace features 36 pear-shaped diamonds and is valued at $5 million.

39. The world’s largest black diamond ever discovered was the “Sergio,” which weighed in at 3,167 carats.

40. In ancient Rome, brooches were often worn to fasten clothing and were often decorated with precious stones.

41. The famous Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklace features a series of clover-shaped motifs and is considered a timeless classic.

42. The world’s most expensive watch is the Graff Diamonds Hallucination watch, which is valued at $55 million.

43. The ancient Greeks believed that emeralds could cure eye diseases and bring foresight.

44. The famous Bulgari Serpenti watch features a snake-shaped bracelet and is considered an iconic design.

45. The world’s most expensive necklace is the “The Perfect Pink,” which features a 14.23-carat pink diamond and is valued at $31.2 million.

46. In ancient Rome, bracelets were often worn as a symbol of protection and were sometimes inscribed with magical spells.

47. The famous Chanel “Comète” necklace features a shooting star design and is considered a symbol of hope and luck.

48. The world’s most expensive ring is the “Pink Star” diamond, which sold for $71.2 million in 2017.

49. In ancient Egypt, amulets were often shaped like animals and were believed to bring the qualities of those animals to the wearer.

50. The famous Buccellati cuff bracelet features an intricate woven design and is considered a masterpiece of Italian craftsmanship.

So you see, jewelry has a rich and fascinating history filled with symbolism, superstition, and artistry. From ancient amulets to modern masterpieces, jewelry continues to captivate and inspire people around the world. Whether it’s a simple pair of earrings or a priceless diamond necklace, jewelry has the power to make us feel special, beautiful, and connected to something greater than ourselves.

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Cheers! :)