Archives for November 2021

Have you ever wondered when and why engagement rings came to be? Well, it goes all the way back to the ancient Egyptians who believed circles were symbols of eternity. Couples exchanged braided reed rings which were worn on the left hand ring finger which has a vein that runs directly to the heart (the Vena amoris). Later, ancient Roman grooms would give their betrothed a gold ring to wear during the betrothal ceremony and at special events, then gave an iron ring to wear at home. The iron ring symbolized the bride’s legal agreement to the groom’s ownership of her. Not as romantic as our current traditions for sure!

The first use of diamonds in an engagement ring was in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy, setting a precedent for European nobility who added gems to their jewelry. Diamond engagement rings didn’t become popular until De Beers launched an advertising campaign with the slogan “A diamond is forever” in 1947.

According to a survey completed in 2021, the solitaire remains the most popular setting with the halo as second most popular. Diamonds continue to be the most popular stone with more than 80% of people choosing them. The classic “round brilliant” cut is by far the most popular shape with more than 60% choosing it. White gold is the most popular setting metal, although yellow gold is seeing a bit of a resurgence.

Whatever your taste and style, Bridgewaters can help you find or create your perfect engagement ring. Stop in to see us!

The weather here in Delaware is finally turning colder and the leaves are falling. It’s nearly Thanksgiving and everyone is rushing to get the last items on their grocery list for the big meal. So what is Thanksgiving really about?

It began as a day of giving thanks and sacrifice for the blessing of the harvest and the year that has past. In England during Henry VIII reign, there were reforms that reduced the number of Church holidays, replacing them with Days of Fasting or Days of Thanksgiving. Days of Fasting were for unexpected disasters like floods, plagues or drought while Days of Thanksgiving were for celebrating good things like military victories or the birth of royal children.

When the Pilgrims came to the United States in the 1600s, they brought with them the tradition of Days of Fasting and Days of Thanksgiving. Our modern Thanksgiving tradition has its roots in the 1621 celebration in Plymouth to celebrate a good harvest. The Pilgrims celebrated with the Wampanoags, a Native American tribe, who had helped them get through the previous winter.

As we prepare to spend time with our loved ones, what are you thankful for this year? Here at Bridgewaters, we are thankful for family and friends and especially for our customers. We thank you for continuing to allow us to serve you. Happy Thanksgiving!

The Heart Symbol is known throughout the world as a symbol of love, affection and romantic love. But what is its origin? There are many theories including that it is from the shape of ivy leaves which are associated with fidelity or that it is based on the shape of some parts of human anatomy (you guess which ones!).

In the ancient world, Egypt, Rome and Greece, it is theorized that it is based on a species of giant fennel called silphium as the seed of that plant closely resembles the heart symbol. Silphium was used to treat many ailments including sore throat, coughs and warts, but was most famous as a form of contraceptive. The plant was so popular that it was cultivated to extinction by the 1^st century BCE.

Others argue that the symbol has roots in the writings of Galen and Aristotle who described the human heart as having three chambers with a dent in the middle. Beginning in the Middle Ages, artists began to draw the heart based on these writings. The shape was eventually drafted into the symbol of romance. It was very popular in religious art of the Renaissance and, during this time, was used as one of the four suits in playing cards. By the 18^th and 19^th centuries, it had become part of love notes and Valentine’s Day cards.

Do you have any jewelry with the heart symbol? Share its story on Bridgewater’s Facebook page.

The Black Orlov Diamond, also known as the Eye of Brahma Diamond, is a 67.50 carat diamond. It was once part of a 195 carat diamond that legend says was one of the eyes in a statue of Brahma, the Hindu God of Creation, in India. Legend also says the stone was stolen by a traveling monk and became cursed.

The diamond came to the United States in 1932 with a diamond dealer, J.W. Paris. After finding a buyer for the diamond, Mr. Paris jumped to his death in New York City. He is believed to be the first victim of the diamond’s curse.

Prior to coming to the United States, the diamond was thought to be in the possession of Russian Princess Nadia Vygin-Orlov, who is the source of the stone’s name. In 1947, after fleeing to Rome 30 years earlier, the princess jumped to her death. Additionally, one month prior to Princess Nadia’s death, another Russian princess, Leonila Viktorovna-Bariatinsky, and owner of the Black Orlov Diamond also committed suicide.

This all sounds like a fantastic story, however, there is very little supporting evidence and is most likely untrue. We do know that the diamond was purchased in the 1950s by Charles F. Winson who had it cut into three pieces with the 67.50 carat portion being set in a brooch of 108 diamonds, suspended from a necklace of 124 diamonds. Nothing is known about the whereabouts of the other two pieces. And no other violent death has been associated with the diamond since.

Do you know any stories of “cursed” gems? Share with us on Bridgewater’s Facebook page.

Those born in November have so many great, affordable choices when picking jewelry featuring their birthstone! With both Topaz and Citrine as their gems, the options are nearly endless.

Citrine is known for its beautiful yellow and orange hues. Citrine, derived from the French word citron meaning lemon, can be created by heat treating amethyst making citrine one of the most abundant and affordable yellow stones on the market. It is also the 13^th wedding anniversary gift.

Although pure Topaz is colorless, it can be found in any color of the rainbow. Topaz has been thought to give the wearer strength or thwart magic spells and dispel anger. Blue topaz, created by treating colorless topaz with irradiation and heating, is the gem of the 4^th wedding anniversary and Imperial topaz, which is pinkish orange, is the gem of the 23^rd wedding anniversary.

If you are looking for a durable, affordable and beautiful gem, Citrine or Topaz might be up your alley. Stop by Bridgewater’s to pick out your new favorite piece of jewelry featuring one of these beautiful gems.