(PRESS RELEASE) Only Natural Diamonds announced the publication of a limited-edition hardcover small format book, The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance by jewelry expert and founder of online fine jewelry magazine, The Adventurine, Marion Fasel.
The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance is the first publication to examine the story and illustrate how diamond engagement rings have proven to be one of the most enduring traditions in jewelry. It is an inspiring and illuminating read, a collectible reference guide and a great book to gift.
- With more than 165 images, The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance traces the evolution of the natural diamond engagement ring beginning with the first solitaires in the 15th century.
- The rings on the book cover reflect the jewel’s long story. There is a Renaissance design with the Latin inscription “I am a token of love,” a 1920 Tiffany Setting and an early Asscher cut in an ornate platinum ring made around 1915. A mid-20th century emerald-cut diamond ring, contemporary cushion-cut diamond and gold ring, and oval shape in a platinum design are also featured.
- Throughout the pages, readers will discover how engagement rings form a timeline of the development of diamond shapes and designs.
- Style guides punctuating the book highlight the vocabulary of diamonds and diagram the parts of rings.
- The engagement rings of luminaries from the past and a host of contemporary celebrities are reviewed, including Britain’s Queen Charlotte, poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Grace Kelly as well as Beyoncé, Jennifer Lawrence and Blake Lively.
“A diamond engagement ring has long been a universally understood symbol of love and marriage, yet very little is known about the history of the style,” explains author Marion Fasel. “In fact, there are several misconceptions. Some believe diamond engagement rings only became popular after the “A Diamond Is Forever” DeBeers advertising campaign launched in 1947 or that the first diamond engagement ring was given to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. Researching the true narrative involved a deep dive into the archives of museums and libraries in Europe and New York, where I found diamond engagement rings depicted in Renaissance masterpieces and documented in original manuscripts. Experts also guided me to historic examples of rings, beginning with the first styles featuring point cut diamonds. It was one of the most fascinating experiences of my career to bring the story to light of just how long and consistently diamond engagement rings have been treasured, how the style has changed and remained the same over the centuries and falling in love with the romantic stories behind the rings from engaged couples.”
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Marion Fasel in bringing this unprecedented perspective on natural diamond engagement rings to a wide audience of jewelry enthusiasts and first-time diamond customers, looking for inspiration,” shared Only Natural Diamonds Editor-in-Chief Sam Broekema. “Marion’s been an invaluable contributor to Only Natural Diamonds since its inception, and we couldn’t be more excited to join forces in celebration of this extraordinary new book. Her expertise and passion shine through on every page, making this volume on the brilliant yet not fully told history of natural diamond engagement rings and the eclectic styles and stories that reflected significant cultural moments over time, a must-read.”
Publication date: December 16, 2024
Hardcover: 128 pages
Dimensions: 7.5 x 9 inches
Price: $35.00
Availability: naturaldiamonds.com, amazon.com, and independent bookstores across the country.
ISBN: 979-8-218-52048-9
Publisher: The Adventurine Limited Editions
Language: English
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