To Show You Care

There are several different cuts designed for all of the different diamond types, as a jewel must be cut so that it can reflect all of the light that it is exposed to, to the best of its natural abilities. The process of cutting the diamond is also essential when determining its cost, quality, and value. Jewelers take the process very seriously, taking several years simply to cut one gem. The process is very mathematical, as the facets of the diamond must be set perfectly, so that all of the angles are even and placed to bring out the color and glamor in the jewel. Before diamond cutting, during Middle Ages, diamonds in jewelry were used in their rough states, the poorer quality diamonds simply being ignored and cast aside. Diamonds began to be more refined as people started to polish them, creating slight facets, or cutting a more desired shape from the less appealing rocks. The popularity of earrings also largely depended on the fashions that prevailed at the time. During the Middle Ages, when attention was directed towards elaborate hairstyles and skillfully crafted dresses, earrings lost priority. However, as collars became higher and hair was worn up, earrings became more popular. Though there was no International Gem Institute back during this time, so IGI appraisals could not be given, there were still several jewel experts who could tell a customer if their jewel was high quality or not. Different types of earrings were designed as civilizations prospered and specialization of labor occurred. During the 1850s, earrings lost popularity once again. Hair was tied behind the head, covering the ears, or bonnets and hats were worn. In addition, the religious and social sentiments of the time associated earrings with heathens, vanity, and excess.