We all know that I bloody love talking about engagement rings. I just love how many varieties there are, how many coloured gems are out there to be used and just how many different types of metal those stunning gems can be housed in. So when I come across the bespoke ring makers Taylor and Hart, you know that this girlie had a good hunt around on their site! I’m all for people having a single diamond as a very traditional style ring, but I’m all about the vintage look, something a little quirky and I love a bit colour too.
The number of gems on offer that can make a ring look totally vintage is quite crazy really. Name your favourite colour, there’s a gem for that. And there are no awards for guessing that I’ve been swooning over sapphires, tanzanites, emeralds, and of course, lots of turquoise gems. So on my colour scheme! It seems that so many vintage style rings have such stunning gems and settings that I really did get lost in them!
But I’m sure you’ll be a little shocked to know that there were a few others that were a little more traditional, but still vintage styled, so to speak, that sparked my interest. But did you know that the idea of a diamond for an engagement ring can be traced back as far as the Romans! It used to be a Roman custom where wives wore rings attached to small keys, indicating their husbands’ ownership. I mean I’m totally against being owned, but it’s amazing that this tradition has evolved with how women have over the many years.
To bring us a little more up to date, back in 1477 Archduke Maximillian of Austria commissioned the very first diamond engagement ring on record for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy. This then began the trend for diamond rings among European wealthy and is a little more in line with the rings we still wear and love today.
And to bring us totally up to date, in 1947, De Beers launched their classic slogan, “A Diamond is Forever.” This spread like wildfire and gave off the idea that if a diamond was forever then so was the marriage you were about to enter in to. Clever marketing, right?! Their sales went up by 50% after that!
If you’re really into your bling like I am then you’ll be chuffed to know that Taylor and Hart’s centre diamonds are graded by the Gemological Institute of America. That means they can guarantee that all of their diamonds and gemstones are ethically sourced and will be of the highest calibre. As they specialise in bespoke designs, each ring is uniquely designed, hallmarked and hand-finished in London. You know I also love a bit of local business too.
So if you’re looking for a vintage styled ring, a classic ring or something a little more bespoke, you know where to look.
I'm Squibb Vicious, better known as Haydy!
Happiest with a craft beer in hand, eating til my heart is content or exploring somewhere new.
Here you can read about my adventures!