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" So much has changed from Roman times when engagement rings signified the woman was owned by a man ."
JEWELLERY

" So much has changed from Roman times when engagement rings signified the woman was owned by a man ."

A good example is the ubiquitous 0.25 carat diamond solitaire engagement ring . For the same money preloved , you could get a much bigger diamond , probably better quality and of course with much more consideration and enjoyment of choosing it .
Anniversaries are one of the most popular times to buy jewellery , the gift becoming progressively more expensive the more years passed showing your devotion to your partner . The etiquette for which material to celebrate which anniversary really only became standardised in the early 20th century with the publication of the book “ Etiquette in Society , in Business , in politics and at Home ” published in 1922 , which listed gift suggestions for certain key milestone years . This list has been added to and modernised over the last 100 years to become the standard list we have today .
Different countries have different lists and likewise different birthstones . In the UK , you have to wait 25 years for silver , 30 years for pearl , 35 coral , 40 ruby , 50 gold , 55 emerald and a huge 60 years for diamond . No way should you wait 60 years to give a loved one a diamond ; we think diamonds are suitable for any anniversary ! A gift of rubies for 40 years has become very traditional , and you can find many beautiful , unique pieces of pre-loved ruby jewellery that would be a gift to be treasured forever .
From above : Mabe pearl and diamond 18ct gold earrings £ 980
Diamond and turquoise earrings £ 2750 Emerald and diamond 18ct gold ring £ 2850
Ruby and diamond 18ct gold ring £ 1950 14ct gold , pearl and diamond brooch £ 1600
Perhaps surprisingly , one of the recent developments in “ tradition ” has been giving a diamond solitaire as an engagement ring . The popularity of diamonds for engagement gifts only came about around 1947 when De Beers , the world ’ s largest diamond company , came up with the advertising slogan “ A diamond is forever ”. Before this , any stone could be given , and indeed , we recently sold a fine blue sapphire with a diamond surround as an engagement ring .
Such is the power of marketing that today , it would be seen as out of place not to give a diamond for an engagement gift . Things are changing , though , with our younger clientele seeking out jewels that are unique , that can be any precious stone , antique and vintage pieces with a story to tell with previous lives of love and devotion . So much has changed from Roman times when engagement rings signified the woman was owned by a man , nothing to do with love or sentiment ! Pre-owned jewellery not only celebrates past and future love but is eminently wearable to simply give pleasure to the wearer , a wealth of beautiful , unique craftsman made pieces at very affordable prices . We stock a vast range of jewellery at our St Lawrence showroom to give you as many ideas as you could ever need . A celebration for every occasion , you really can ’ t go wrong . •
Stephen Cohu Antiques buy and sell antique furniture , fine art , jewellery and objects . You can find Stephen Cohu Antiques on La Grande Route de St Lawrence .
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