The kings of Egypt started a fashion and soon kings elsewhere sought to rival the splendours of their court. Not all these kings were fortunate enough to have gold within their own dominions, so they approached the Egyptians and offered them the produce of their lands, their fealty, even their daughters if they would only [...]
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Gold is a rare metal, beautiful and unique, and it has ancient associations with royalty and religion. It is also the money metal, a measure of the wealth of nations and a commodity in which to invest in times of crisis. This yellow metal is an element scientifically called Au, from the Latin aurum. It [...]
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The first diamond engagement ring of which a record exists is that given by Archduke Maximilian in 1477 to Princess Mary of Burgundy, but it is probable that diamonds were given as royal love tokens even earlier than this. The word royal is used advisedly in this context, because for a long time the wearing [...]
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If one looks at the diamonds set in a Renaissance pendant they look lack-lustre compared with the coloured stones and brilliant enamels that surround them. Many of the famous stones found in India in the early days are impressive because of their size rather than for their beauty. A case in point is the famous [...]
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