According to the Economic Census recently taken diamond jewelry accounts for 43% of a typical jewelers sales, which translated says that diamonds are the most sought after gemstone. The holds true for estate jewelry and antique jewelry too.
Surprisingly gold jewelry sales have fallen in half since 1992. Because of the increasing prices this may be the reason.
In the end this report states how well mass jewelry producing companies like Jared and Kay’s have marketed diamonds. Though a true connoisseur of jewelry knows there is more value in gems than just the diamond. That is one of the wonderful things about antique jewelry that I enjoy so much, each peace is individual and unique. The peace isn’t about the gem in it, it is about the time period and the history surrounding each peace.
Handmade jewelry is becoming an extinct art form, which while in its own right is a sad thing, it also speaks to the changing times. Too many consumers it is more about the having a diamond and were it was purchased than what made that particular piece what it is.
It truly is the history behind each piece that makes it what it is. One of my favorite rings is a stunning Victorian Black Opal Mine Cut Diamond ring. While the ring has diamonds on it, the center peace of the ring is a beautiful solid Black Opal stone. There are flashes of greens and blues in the stone against the rock. I believe it to be made somewhere around the 1860′s, during the late Victorian period. You can’t find a piece like this at any ole mass diamond retailer!