The evolution of love.
A bouquet of wildflowers, a handwritten letter, a silver locket – tokens of affection throughout history that say ‘i love you’. Gifts have been used as a symbol of romance for millennia and jewellery, whether it be a pearl necklace or diamond ring, has stood the test of time due to its rare and everlasting beauty.
The obsession with gemstones being one-of-a-kind started as a marketing ploy by jewellery designers in the late 1800s. But the truth is that since the time of the ancient Egyptians, mankind has been recreating precious gems. Until the end of the 19th century, jewellery makers would use porcelain and coloured glass to convincingly imitate natural gems. Stones like lapis and turquoise were considered the most valuable and as a result, created a large market for reproductions.
Lab-created gemstones as we know them today date back all the way to the late 1800s. The pioneering French chemist, Auguste Verneuil, developed several methods, including the flame fusion technique to create synthetic rubies and sapphires, that are still used to this day to create a variety of precious gemstones.
The value of a piece of jewellery or fine art is not just based on the materials it’s made out of, but on the skill and intention of the artist behind it. Renowned sculptures can now be made of recycled materials and fine jewellery designers are even using materials like wood to create intricate, elevated pieces. In the same way that a single rose or a simple drawing represents the most romantic of gifts in your favourite classical novel, meaning is far more valuable than material.
Technology has allowed us to create simulated gemstones that shine just as brilliantly and vividly. It’s given us the ability to share love more freely, sustainably and ethically. The freedom to create pieces of art with impeccable craftsmanship, that speak to endless love.
Today, simulated gemstones are indistinguishable from natural gems, with regard to chemical composition, structure and quality. With ethically created laboratory-grown gemstones, we are able to produce timeless pieces of fine jewellery that last generations. Whether it’s an engagement ring, an anniversary gift, or a family heirloom, modern romance is finding new meaning in eternal love.