Love Jewelry? Learn Facts to Add to Your Knowledge

Are you an expert in all things jewelry? If not, read on for some fun and interesting facts!

  • The word “jewelry” comes from the French word “jouel,” which means “plaything.”
  • The oldest jewelry is 100,000 year-old beads made from Nassarius shells.
  • Biggest…
    • Diamond is the Cullinan weighing 3,106 carats.
    • Emerald is the Bahia weighing 7,052 carats.
    • Sapphire is the Millenium weighing 950 carats.
    • Ruby is the Liberty Bell weighing 18,696 carats.
    • Pearl is the Pearl of Lao Tzu weighing 14 pounds.
    • Gold nugget is the Welcome Stranger weighing over 154 pounds (70 kilograms).
  • The first engagement ring dates back to 1477 when Archduke Maximillian of Austria proposed and gifted his intended a ring, symbolizing his feelings and plans to marry her.
  • Painite is the rarest gemstone and rarest mineral on earth, verified by Guinness Word Records. There are only about 1,000 gemstones.
  • The origin of monthly birthstones dates back to the Breastplate of Aaron which contained 12 gemstones representing the tribes of Israel. They eventually became associated with the months of the year and wearing birthstones became popular in the early 1900s.
  • Pearls are the only gemstones that come from living organisms, specifically oysters and mussels.
  • Wedding rings for men were popularized in the 20th century when the jewelry industry wanted to increase sales.
  • The most expensive piece jewelry ever used in a film was the necklace worn by actress Nicole Kidman in the movie Moulin Rogue. It cost over $1 million and was made of 1,308 diamonds and platinum.

We are always looking out for the latest facts on jewelry. Stop by Bridgewaters to share your favorite fact while you pick out some holiday gifts for family, friends or yourself!