8 Facts about Jewelry

We already know that accessories and jewelry mean a lot of things in different cultures. Depending on their shape, material and the precious stones that embellish them, jewelry could symbolize anywhere from social status, to beauty, to even strength and valor.

But do you know where the oldest piece of jewelry was found? Or who gave the first-ever engagement ring? Or that diamond is hardly the most precious gemstone on Earth?

Blow your friends’ minds and be the champ of your next trivia night with these amazing facts about jewelry!

But do you know where the oldest piece of jewelry was found? Or who gave the first-ever engagement ring? Or that diamond is hardly the most precious gemstone on Earth?

Blow your friends’ minds and be the champ of your next trivia night with these amazing facts about jewelry!

#1: Oldest Jewelry in Human History

Yes, even cavemen knew how to accessorize! Found throughout Northern Africa, accessories made out of Nassarius shell beads date back as early as 100,000 years ago. They are believed to have been used by Paleolithic people to trade and as a form of social communication.

#2: The Truth About Pearls

Surprise, surprise! Pearls are the only gemstone that comes from a living animal. And guess what? More than 99% of the pearls being sold today are actually cultured. But just because they’re cultured, doesn’t mean they are any less valuable than natural ones. Cultured pearls still come from oysters, although farmers insert a tiny mollusk inside them to grow into pearls.

#2: The Truth About Pearls

#3: Most Iconic Piece of Jewelry

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the most recognizable jewelry of the 20th century belongs to the late Princess Diana. Yes, we’re talking about that blue Ceylon sapphire engagement ring which her son, Prince William, eventually used to propose to Kate Middleton, a.k.a. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

#4: Bling Made of Bugs?

The ancient Egyptians may have started the trend of sporting insects like scarab beetles as jewelry when going to war, but live insect accessories are apparently still a thing to this day. In 2006, an American fashion designer popularized the “roach brooch” made with giant Madagascar hissing roaches decorated with Swarovski crystals. Needless to say, PETA wasn’t amused.

#4: Bling Made of Bugs?

#5: Most Cursed Jewelry

The Hope Diamond has gained massive popularity not just for weighing 45.52 carats or for possessing a rare blue color, but more so for bringing tragedy upon its owners throughout centuries. Here are some of its notable “victims”: Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI were both beheaded, Marie-Louise (Princess de Lambelle) was beaten to death by a mob, Jacques Colet took his own life and Dutch jeweler Wilhelm Fals ended up being murdered by his own son. Who knew too much carat could kill you.

#6: Diamond Is NOT The Most Precious Stone

Sorry to burst your diamond bubble, but some gemstones are at least a thousand to a million times rare in terms of quantities. Examples of these ultra-rare gems include the Tanzanite (found in only one mine in Tanzania), the Red Beryl (one out of every 150,000 of these crystals are of gem quality), and the Black Opal (yup, the one featured in the Adam Sandler flick, Uncut Gems).

#6: Diamond Is NOT The Most Precious Stone

#7: The First Engagement Ring

The tradition of “putting a ring on it” dates back to 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave his royal significant other, Mary of Burgundy, a diamond ring as a promise of eternal love. Beyonce would be so proud.

#8: The German Word for Jewelry is Schmuck

Who knew a single word could mean polar opposites in different languages! And in case you’re wondering, the word “jewelry” itself is derived from the Latin “jocale” which means plaything or toys. So go ahead, and have fun with them!

#8: The German Word for Jewelry is Schmuck