As early as the 15th century, the diamonds, although only available to a very few, was prized above all others as the gem for betrothal, It was acknowledged as the ultimate symbol because of its unique properties, especially its ability to engagement rings forces.In 1477, one of the first recorded accounts of the use of diamond was found in a betrothal. Desiring to please his prospective father-in-law, Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy, heeding the words of a trusted adviser who wrote: «At the betrothal your grace must have a ring set with a diamond and also a gold ring.»
Maximilian wed his beloved Mary within 24 hours of the betrothal ceremony. Thus began a tradition that has spanned centuries. At the time of Mary and Maximilian, goldsmiths often used thin, flat pieces of diamond called «hohback» diamonds that had «cleaved» (split) from a natural diamond crystal. The imaginative jeweler could create intricate and interesting football jerseys using hogbacks, such as the beautiful letter «M» you see in Mary’s ring. Diamonds in their natural crystal form were also used. Certainly this was in part because it was the hardest natural substance known and man lacked knowledge and skill to cut it. But perhaps there was more to it than that. Diamond crystals look like two pyramids joined together base to base. From the time of wow gold, the shape of the pyramid was identified with power, and mystery, so the «pyramidal» shape of the diamond crystal itself may have added to diamond’s allure, to the mystery and power identified with it. The very shape of the natural diamond crystal may have made it all the more attractive as the choice to symbolized the power of love and marriage.
One might think that using an uncut diamond would have detracted from the beauty of these early rings. However, this was not the case. Medieval goldsmiths used imagination and ingenuity to create beautiful mountings to hold the diamond crystal. Ornate and complex settings distinguished by elaborate enamel detail made up for the somewhat louis vuitton shoes of the rough diamonds they held.At the same time, the inside of the ring took on added significance as the «posy» ring gained popularity. These rings were known for the little poems and romantic messages inscribed inside the hoop of the ring, a tradition that has continued until today, although with inscription somewhat more concise than the poems of olds!The first significant breakthrough in diamond cutting techniques occurred by the end of the 15th century, enabling a cutter to apply Instyler «facet» cut to the natural diamond crystal. These early cut diamonds were called table cut because the big, flat facet resembled the top of a table. This was the initial step toward diamond cutting and polishing, and the first step in unlocking the diamond’s hidden fire, brilliance, and dazzling beauty.