The Engagement Ring

Golden bands have traditionally been used as a symbol of commitment and fidelity in marriages. Countries throughout the globe use golden wedding bands of various shapes and designs. In some countries, such as the US, Canada, and parts of the UK, it is also popular to purchase an engagement ring, which is worn by a woman to indicate her intention to be married.

The roots of the engagement ring can be in part be attributed to a special meeting called by Pope Innocent III in the early 13th century. This meeting, titled the Fourth Lateran Council, was called to help continue interest in the Holy Crusades. 70 decrees were introduced by Innocent. One of the decrees introduced by Innocent stated that there should be a longer waiting period between the time that a couple decided to get married and their actual wedding.

Traditionally simple rings of gold, silver, or iron were used as engagement rings. This is in large part because gems were seen as a status symbol and many laws were passed that divided the people into classes. Only the privileged classes were allowed to wear gems and diamonds. Over time these laws were relaxed and engagement rings began to be made with mounted stones. Often a combination of the birthstones of the bride’s parents, the bride, the groom’s parents, and the groom were used on the engagement rings. This was meant to symbolize the joining of the two families. Some rings even had a special place to hold a lock of the groom’s hair.

During the Victorian era a type of engagement ring called a Regards ring became popular. In a regards ring the word regards is spelled out by the initial of the gems that are used: Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby, Diamond, and Sapphire. Dearest Rings were also popular, which spelled out the word dearest with the initial of each gem. A Dearest Ring incorporates a Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, and Topaz.

The use of the diamond engagement ring is very popular today and it owes its roots to the Middle Ages. Diamonds were incredibly valued by the Romans, who believed they had supernatural powers. They were thought to repel poisons, maintain sanity, and dispel fears. The Italians maintained these beliefs as well as insinuating that diamonds helped maintain marital harmony.

Today the diamond engagement is by far the most popular type of engagement ring. It used to be custom for the man to privately purchase the engagement ring and present it to his fiancée when he proposes. This is still continued, but sometimes both parties have a say in the type of ring. A movement was started in the 20th century to encourage male engagement rings, but this was not generally accepted. There are several countries, such as Brazil and Egypt, in which the male traditionally wears an engagement ring. In these countries the male’s engagement ring is frequently used as the wedding ring.

Engagement rings are often seen as a form of commitment and devotion to a potential bride. They have a long heritage and are common in several different societies, but are most popular in the United States and Canada.

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Conflict Diamonds

Diamonds are beautiful stones that are formed deep below the Earths surface. Their shine and brilliance are some factors that make them so popular and valuable. They are also the hardest material known to man, so they have many practical uses in business and manufacturing. Most people purchase their diamonds from a jeweler or online retailer. Diamonds have actually led a very full life by the time they ever end up in a store, and many are well over 3 billion years.

Diamonds are of immense value and like many things of value; they have been frequently used to fund violence and to organize government resistance. Diamonds that are used for this purpose are called conflict diamonds. A large percent of the world’s diamonds come from Africa. Rough diamonds, diamonds that have not been cut or polished, have been used extensively to fund wars and buy arms by rebels and revolutionists in Africa and throughout the world.

The world first took note of conflict diamonds during a very violent conflict in Sierra Leone. This was in the late 90’s, but diamonds have been used to fund violence in Africa and abroad since their discovery in Africa. The fighting in Sierra Leone propelled this practice to the front pages of papers around the world, and the UN passed a resolution banning the importation of rough diamonds from Sierra Leone.

This resolution spearheaded what was to become the Kimberly Process in 2003. The Kimberly Process is aimed at ensuring that only non-conflict diamonds are purchased. As more and more governments and leaders in the diamond industry embrace the Kimberly Process, the amount of blood diamonds has shrunk, and it is estimated that 99% of diamond available to the public are conflict free.

The Kimberly Process requires that shipments of rough diamonds are thoroughly checked at each border. They must be transported in tamper resistant shipping containers and have a valid Kimberly Process Certificate. The shipment may only be sent to other countries that participate in the Kimberly Process, and a shipment can not be imported or exported unless it has been certified.

Members of the diamond industry have also taken many actions to self govern their actions. Many in the diamond industry have continued to boycott the purchase of diamonds that are used to fund wars, and have created a zero-tolerance policy towards conflict diamonds. They have decided that all members of the diamond industry must ensure that they do not buy uncertified diamonds, or ones from an unknown or suspect supplier.

When purchasing a diamond it is important to ensure that the dealer actively complies with the Kimberly Process. The Kimberly Process requires that a warranty is provided with each purchase to guarantee that their diamonds are free from conflict. A company that does not follow the Kimberly Process is immediately expelled from all diamond industry institutions, and may risk governmental sanctions or punishment.

A diamond can be a beautiful thing, but if it is used to spill the blood of others then it is no longer a thing of beauty. When purchasing diamonds, ensure that the dealer participates actively in the Kimberly process, to make certain that you do not unintentionally fund violence or war.

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Cleaning and Carring for Your Diamond

Dirt, oils, and other buildups can greatly detract from a diamonds brilliance. No body wants that so here are some tips for ensuring that your diamond retains its shine.

Before you begin cleaning your diamond check to make sure that none of your stones are loose. You do not want to risk loosing a stone in your ring or earring.

Do not clean it over the sink or near any other type of drain. Use a bowl or small Tupperware container.

Toothpaste acts as an abrasive so do not use it on your jewelry because it can cause irreparable damage.

You can soak the diamond in a warm soapy mixture for about 30 minutes, then gently scrub and rinse with warm water. Use a soft brush and not anything that could scratch the diamond.

Ammonia and water can be used as well.

There are several home cleaners that can be bought as well. The ultrasonic cleaner is one popular home cleaner that is also popular among jewelers.