How Has Roman Jewelry Influenced The Jewelry Industry Today?
Brief History of Roman Jewelry
Jewelry has been a part of human history for thousands of years. The history of jewelry is a long one, with many different cultures and eras. The history of jewelry can be traced back to almost 2,000 BC in the Near East, where beads were made from shell and stone. It is likely jewelry has been around as long as humans have been on this planet, but it was the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans that brought jewelry to the level of beauty and artistry that we appreciate to this day. They each developed their own unique skills and techniques that many goldsmiths still utilize in modern jewelry.
The Romans made a lasting impact on the art of jewelry and goldsmithing. Ancient Rome to the Renaissance, jewelry has been worn to signify wealth, status, and beauty. The ancient Romans were among the first civilizations to popularize jewelry, creating intricate pieces with a variety of materials including gold, silver, bronze, precious stones, rubies, and pearls. Throughout the centuries, the materials used to make jewelry have evolved, but the same appreciation for its craftsmanship has remained.
The Romans created jewelry for both practical and decorative purposes. They made pendants to hang from the neck or waist, bracelets, rings, and earrings with a variety of precious stones set into them. Jewelry was also made for purely aesthetic reasons, with decorative threads and ribbons woven into the pieces and small beads or pearls attached.
The Romans Impact on Modern Jewelry
Today, jewelry continues to be a popular accessory, a reminder of its long and illustrious history. Jewelry is a symbol of luxury and sophistication and is used to express individual style and personality. A wide range of materials are now used to create jewelry, from high end metals to semi-precious and precious gemstones. Jewelry is also a great way to commemorate special occasions and milestones, whether it’s a wedding, a birthday, or an anniversary.
Hammered Oval Bezel Ring with Blue Sapphire by J Briggs
Jewelry has come a long way since Ancient Rome. While the modern pieces may not be quite as intricate as those of the past, they still hold the same appreciation for craftsmanship and beauty. Jewelry is a timeless accessory and will no doubt continue to be a popular item for years to come.
Sources:
- “Jewellery in Ancient Rome.” The British Museum, www.britishmuseum.org/learn/educational_resources/art_and_design/jewellery_in_ancient_rome
- “Jewelry Through the Ages.” International Gem Society, www.gemsociety.org/article/jewelry-through-the-ages/
- “Jewelry of Ancient Rome.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, www.ancient.eu/article/904/jewelry-of-ancient-rome/
- “Jewelry Through the Ages.” National Jeweler, www.nationaljeweler.com/fashion/jewelry-styles/jewelry-through-the-ages
Intro to Lab Grown Diamonds
J Briggs & Co offers Lab Grown Diamonds as an alternative to the traditional mined diamonds. Lab grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds that have every single characteristic to traditional diamonds and look identical to the human eye. They are grown by recreating the pressure and conditions that mined diamonds undergo beneath the earth’s crust and can be grown in almost any shape, color and size.
“In a survey among 1,000+ American consumers, aged 21-40 years, across all income ranges, nearly 70% of consumers said they would consider a lab grown diamond for the center stone in an engagement ring if they were shopping or shopping with someone for an engagement ring. That represents an increase of 13% in only one year when 57% said the same.” (Source)
Common Questions
Following are a few of the most common questions our clients have when considering purchasing a lab-grown diamond:
Q- Can people tell that it is lab-grown just by looking at it?
A- As touched on above, the answer is no. Only specialized equipment can identify lab vs mined by detecting minor trace elements that are found in lab-grown diamonds. In addition, all large lab-grown diamonds are required by law to have a laser inscription on the girdle identifying it as a lab diamond. However, the inscription is not visible to the naked eye and magnification is required to see the inscription.
Q- Can lab-grown diamonds be certified?
A- Yes. They are certified by various laboratories just like mined diamonds. The Gemological Institute of America, highly trusted and most prominent certifier of mined diamonds, also certifies lab grown diamonds.
Q- Can my jewelry with lab-grown diamonds be insured?
A- Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are certified in the same manner as mined diamonds and can be insured according to the market value.
Q -Will a lab-grown diamond hold its value the same as mined diamonds?
A- This is unknown. Lab-grown diamonds have been around for a long time, but are just now becoming more popular. There is no way of knowing what this new market will do in the future. Most respond that they are not buying it to sell it later anyhow, rather they plan to have it forever!
What are Lab Grown Diamonds and their Environmental Impact?
Lab-grown diamonds have been gaining popularity in recent years as a more ethical and sustainable alternative to mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds, but they are created in a laboratory setting rather than mined from the earth. Lab-grown diamonds are created using two different methods: high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). HPHT diamonds are created by replicating the conditions found in the earth’s mantle, where diamonds are formed naturally. CVD diamonds are created by using a plasma reactor to deposit a thin layer of carbon atoms onto a diamond seed. Lab-grown diamonds offer several advantages over mined diamonds. They are more affordable, as they are not subject to the same supply and demand fluctuations as mined diamonds. Many believe they are also more ethical, as they do not require the same environmental destruction or labor exploitation associated with mining. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds are more sustainable, as they do not require the same energy and resources as mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular for engagement rings and other jewelry. They offer the same beauty and quality as mined diamonds, but at a fraction of the cost. Buyers feel they are also a great way to show commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Whether you’re looking for an engagement ring or just a special piece of jewelry, lab-grown diamonds are an excellent choice. They offer the same beauty and quality as mined diamonds, but with the added benefits of affordability, ethics, and sustainability.
Thanks for reading,
Jennifer Briggs Jenkins
Graduate Gemologist ~ Gemological Institute of America
J Briggs & Co.
To learn more about Lab Grown diamonds take a look at the GIA’s (Gemological Institute of Americas) article here.
https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/laboratory-grown-diamond/