Search
Close this search box.

5 curiosities of the jewelry industry

Explore fascinating jewelry facts: 100,000-year-old shell beads, India's 4th-century diamond discovery, South Africa's historic gold production, 1950s lab-grown diamonds, and the 1477 origin of engagement rings.

Jewelry has always played a vital role in human history. Learn more about the amazing world of jewelry with these 5 interesting facts.

1. The oldest jewelry is organic

The oldest known pieces of jewelry date back some 100,000 years. You may be wondering what these were. The oldest pieces of jewelry that have been found are simply a pair of beads made of shell.

2. The first diamond

The first diamond was found in India in the 4th century. They quickly became highly valued due to their incredible durability and brilliance.

3. The largest gold producer

For the past 100 years, South Africa has been the largest gold producer, in recent years it has been overtaken by China.

4. The first replicated diamonds

In the 1950s, scientists were able to successfully grow diamonds in laboratories, providing an environmentally friendly, economical and fast alternative to mined diamonds.

5. The first engagement ring.

The tradition began when Maximilian of Austria gave his beloved Mary of Burgundy a ring as a promise of the impending nuptials in 1477. This became fashionable and today engagement rings are a multi-million dollar industry.

Sources: Jewelryshoppingguide.com. (2019). 17 jewelry facts you probably didn’t know – Jewelryshoppingguide. [online] Available at: https://www.jewelryshoppingguide.com/facts-about-jewelry/ [Accessed October 8, 2019].

ARTICLES YOU MAY LIKE

Learn

The key to sustainability in metals

Sustainable jewelry is not just a trend, it’s a responsibility. The question today is how precious metal alloys can be both an aesthetic treasure and a commitment to the environment. From extraction to recovery, every step counts toward a brighter, cleaner future.

READ MORE »
News

From the Creator of RhinoGold: Introducing RhinoArtisan 6.0

Experience the future of 3D software for jewelry design and manufacturing. RhinoArtisan is a powerful plugin for Rhino, specifically designed to optimize the workflow of designers, retailers, and vendors in the jewelry industry. The new version 6.0 offers a range of innovative features and enhancements that will transform how professionals create and produce jewelry.

READ MORE »
Learn

The Secret to Effortless Design Jewelry

Discover RhinoArtisan, the key to effortless jewelry design, offering a personalized approach with customizable interfaces and dynamic panels. Tailor your design experience to your workflow, whether you’re an expert or a newcomer, and let your creativity flourish.

READ MORE »