Design & Historical Context |
The 1950s were a time of great cultural and technological change, marked by the emergence of rock 'n' roll, the birth of the "Beat" Generation, the launch of Sputnik, and the beginning of the space race. These events, and the knowledge that the world was living in a nuclear age, contributed to the development of an aesthetic known as the "Atomic Age," which was reflected in various aspects of design, including jewelry.
In 1947, Christian Dior introduced a new look in fashion that brought back a more feminine silhouette, rejecting the somber styles that had been popular during wartime. This new look, featuring a fitted bodice and décolleté neckline atop a full skirt flowing out from a tight-fitted waistline, called for a revised design aesthetic for the jewelry and accessories that accompanied it. Jewelry during this time was characterized by a trend towards more elaborate and ornate pieces, with the phrase "the more the merrier" seeming to apply.
To complete this elegant and stylish look, diamonds set in platinum were often worn across the feminine décolletage and on the ears, which were newly revealed by upswept hair held in place by diamond clips. The DeBeers Diamond Corporation ensured that the demand for diamonds would not wane with their "A Diamond is Forever" campaign, which promoted the use of diamonds at all income levels, particularly the rapidly growing middle class. They also cleverly awarded prizes to jewelers worldwide who incorporated beauty, design, function, and diamonds into their modern compositions.
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Materials & Craftsmanship |
Sapphire
Sapphire is a mineral made from aluminum oxide that is known for its beautiful colors, including blue, pink, yellow, green, purple, and orange.
The most popular variety of sapphire is blue sapphire, which has a medium to deep blue color and strong saturation. Blue sapphire is typically the most popular and most affordable of the three major precious gemstones (emerald, ruby, and sapphire) and is often used in a variety of different types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. Fancy sapphires, which are available in a variety of different colors, are often more rare and expensive than blue sapphires and are prized for their unique and beautiful colors.
Sapphire is a very hard and durable gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 9 out of 10, which makes it resistant to scratches and other types of damage. It is also believed to have various healing properties and is sometimes used in traditional medicine and meditation practices.
Brilliant-cut diamond
The round brilliant cut is a type of diamond cut that was developed in the early 1900s and is now the most popular and widely used diamond cut. It is characterized by a circular girdle and 58 facets, which are small, flat surfaces that are cut into the diamond to create a specific shape and enhance its sparkle and brilliance. Unlike the old European cut, the round brilliant cut does not have a culet (the bottom edge of the diamond).
The round brilliant cut was designed to maximize the fire and brilliance of a diamond, and it has become the standard cut for diamonds. It is known for its bright, sparkling appearance and is often used in engagement rings and other high-end jewelry. The round brilliant cut became prevalent during the Art Deco and Retro periods and is still widely used today.
Round brilliant cut diamonds are typically more expensive than diamonds with other cuts because they require more labor and material to produce. However, they are considered the highest quality and most desirable type of diamond cut, and they are a popular choice for those who want the highest level of sparkle and brilliance in their jewelry.
18k
18k gold is a type of gold alloy that is commonly used in jewelry making. It is made up of 75% gold and 25% other metals, such as copper, silver, or palladium. The addition of other metals helps to increase the durability and strength of the gold, making it more suitable for use in jewelry. 18k gold is softer and more prone to scratching than higher karat golds, such as 22k or 24k, but it is still a popular choice for jewelry because of its warm, yellow color and good resistance to tarnishing. It is also less expensive than higher karat golds due to the smaller amount of gold used in the alloy. 18k gold is a popular choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other fine jewelry items.
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