Center stone: 0.1 carats
Diamond bezel: 0.25 carats

Betrothal rings were used during Roman times, but they weren’t the diamond rings we know today. Designed as a key, they symbolized a woman unlocking her new married life and were usually made from brass, bronze or iron.

The tradition of the key spread though Europe and the following words were added to the wedding ceremony around the sixth century: “I give thee my daughter to be thy honor and thy wife, to keep thy keys, and to share with thee in thy bed and goods.”

The first well-documented use of a diamond ring to signify engagement was by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria in imperial court of Vienna in 1477, upon his betrothal to Mary of Burgundy. Many royal families gave rings with gemstones each signifying and holding different meanings: The ruby stood for love; the emerald, home; and diamonds for fidelity and durability.

As diamonds became more available in Europe in the 18th century they became the stone of choice. In 1886, the Tiffany setting suspended the stone above the band allowing more light in and adding sparkle.

In the 1930 the trend was picked up in the states when DeBeers began a major advertising push. N.W. Ayer convinced Hollywood actresses to wear diamond rings in public and encouraged fashion designers to discuss the new “trend,” according to Slate.com. It worked. From 1938 and 1941 diamond sales went up 55 percent.

And it continued to grow.  By 1965 80 percent of American women had diamond engagement rings.

Let’s take a look at some of her jewels.

Swanson, most well known for starring in “Sunset Boulevard” in 1950, had acting talent that was matched only be her taste for jewelry. She was in a way, the Diana Ross of silent film stars when it came to dangling diamonds and extravagant jewels.

[In Cartier cuffs]

As the highest paid actress of the mid 1920’s she was contracted by the studio to wear the latest clothes and jewelry at all public appearances, at her own expense. But she knew how to spend her money!  Her rumored annual jewelry budget was an enormous $500,000.

She started the trend of wearing colorful jewelry, including an emerald, amethyst and gold necklace by Paul Iribe in the 1922 movie “Affairs of Anatole.”  It’s a trend going strong today.

Her 5.1-carat, rectangular cut diamond ring up for auction has a presale estimate of $97,377 to $139,110.

What does it look like?

The stone is a 3-carat round diamond with a pave eternity band. The setting is in platinum.

Diamond Ideals has several options like this. Just click on the ring for more info.

There are plenty of more options at www.DiamondIdeals.com.

As of now, the Diamond Price Index is up almost 10 percent in 12 months, the biggest year-over-year increase since 2008, according to Morgan Stanley and the International Diamond Exchange. Prices for rough diamonds increased by 27 percent in 2010 to levels higher than before the global financial crisis.

Futures for other jewelry components silver [SICV1 31.57 0.941 (+3.07%)], gold [GCCV1 1385.10 10.00 (+0.73%)] and platinum [PLCV1 1844.00 9.70 (+0.53%)] are up 90 percent, 23 percent and 19 percent respectively over the last 12 months. Which means-not only will you be paying more for the stones, but also the setting on your engagement ring.

Another factor driving the price up is demand from China.

The clock is ticking. Ready, set, go. DiamondIdeals has plenty of options and our prices have not changed.

Via

And luckily, there are plenty that will tell her just how you feel.

We have a number of heart pendants perfect for expressing what words can’t.Just click on the image for more info.

Or, another good option is the eternity circle which symbolizes unending love.

For more options, go HERE. And have a great Valentine’s Day.

What does the $180,000 time piece look like? You’ll never believe it.

The 18-karat gold Tiret watch took over 5 months to create and depicts his face using eight karats of yellow, black, brown and white diamonds in unmistakeable detail, sunglasses and all.

It’s already started a trend. Usher is said to be getting one as well to the tune of $250,000.

Say you could afford it, would you wear a watch with your own image made of diamonds?

Add some color with these Changeable Square Cut Earrings. They come with 3 colored sets of stones: Citrine (orange), Tourmaline (pink), Topaz (blue) so you can switch it up depending on your outfit, the occasion, or your mood.

For a classic look perfect for any time of the year, there is the Diamond Bezel Pendant.  This dresses up everyday looks like jeans or a blazer and can enhance  something more formal. It’s a piece you will always cherish and can be passed down through the ages.

Nothing goes better with a diamond pendant than Scintillating 5st Graduated Earrings. You can never have enough sparkle. If diamonds are a girls best friends, shouldn’t you have as many as possible?

A diamond solitaire ring is another perfect piece for all occasions. Plenty of single and even married women are buying their own diamond rings these days as a symbol of confidence, power, and beauty. This Half Round Custom Crowne mixes simplicity with skilled craftmanship and is a modified version of the classic Tiffany-style.

Prince William finally proposed to Kate Middleton. His choice of ring? His mother, the late Princess Diana’s so that his she would not miss out on the big occasion.

The ring is not a blue diamond, which one might think when looking at it. Instead, it is a true-blue sapphire.

Kate is not only wearing Diana’s ring, but also wore the same royal blue color for her engagement announcement as Diana wore for her engagement photographs.

There is no word on what else the future King and his future Queen will borrow from William’s parents wedding ceremony, but from the looks of it, it may be a lot. Plenty of Royal watchers are already speculating on the dress, the music, the gifts, the decor, and of course, the honeymoon. Do you have any predictions?

Why is this metal so precious?

-It is naturally white. It goes with everything. Because white is the organic color, it does not cast a shade onto the diamonds.

-It’s pure. While gold comes in different levels like 14k and 24k, platinum is usually around 95% pure. This also makes it hypoallergenic for those who have sensitive skin.

-Platinum is one of the most durable metals It won’t get scratched or banged up and the stones are secure because it won’t loosen.

 -It’s rare. This accounts for the price. Platinum is about 30% more rare than gold.

For more info or to look at some platinum style bands and wedding rings, click here.