17 THINGS YOU (PROBABLY) DON'T KNOW ABOUT JEWELRY
Jewelry has fascinated us for millennia. Symbols of status, love, spirituality, and style, they are much more than just accessories. But how much do we really know about them? Here are 17 curiosities that will (maybe) surprise you — some ancient, some ultra-contemporary.
Curated by Gioiello Italiano – the Italian brand that celebrates the art of goldsmithing with iconic, timeless pieces.
1. Pure gold is too soft
24K gold is almost impossible to wear every day: it is too soft. For this reason, 18K gold (75%) or 14K gold (58.5%) is usually used in jewelry, which is more resistant and durable. At Gioiello Italiano , each creation is designed to combine aesthetics and durability.
2. Diamond is not the hardest mineral in the world
Yes, diamond is extremely hard (10 on the Mohs scale), but some modern synthetic materials, such as wurtzite boron nitride, are harder than it in the laboratory.
3. The first jewels date back 100,000 years ago
Perforated shells found in Morocco and Israel testify that humans were decorating their bodies as early as prehistoric times.
4. The longest necklace ever made? Over 10 meters
Made in India, composed of thousands of pearls and precious stones. A Guinness piece!
5. Rubies can cost more than diamonds
A high-quality Burmese ruby can fetch over €100,000 per carat. Especially if it is “pigeon blood” – the most coveted color.
6. In the past, amethyst was as precious as diamond
Until the discovery of large deposits in Brazil, amethyst was a stone reserved for royalty.
7. Piercing has been around for thousands of years
Ancient Egyptians, Mayans, and many African tribes wore earrings and nose rings as symbols of status and spirituality.
8. Engagement rings are a Roman tradition
Already in ancient Rome a gold ring was used as a promise of marriage. The diamond arrived much later.
9. Gemstones have symbolic properties
Emerald symbolizes rebirth, topaz truth, aquamarine serenity. They have always been believed to influence personal energy.
10. Some pearls don't come from oysters
Pearls can also be formed in freshwater mollusks. The highest quality pearls are cultivated using sophisticated Japanese techniques.
11. Jewels speak Italian
Italy is one of the world leaders in gold jewelry production. From Vicenza to Arezzo, the Italian goldsmith tradition is an invaluable heritage — one that Gioiello Italiano preserves with passion.
12. Rose gold is a modern creation
Born from the union of gold, copper and a pinch of silver. Elegant and romantic, it has been much loved in recent years.
13. Wedding rings were worn on the left hand for a romantic reason
The Romans believed that the “vena amoris” connected the left ring finger directly to the heart.
14. Jewelry is often an investment
Well-preserved jewelry (especially vintage or with certified stones) can increase in value over time. The important thing is to buy with awareness.
15. The first smart bracelet dates back to the 90s
Wearable technology isn’t all that new: 30 years ago, people were already experimenting with jewelry with digital functions.
16. The most expensive ring in the world? More than 70 million dollars
The "Pink Star", a 59.6-carat pink diamond, was sold by Sotheby's in Hong Kong.
17. Every jewel has a personal story
Whether it is a gift, a memory or a milestone, each jewel carries with it emotions. This is why Gioiello Italiano creates collections that speak to the heart, not just the eyes.