A History Lesson in Jewellery

Class is officially in session! Put on your reading glasses because today, Gung is giving you a history lesson about the jewellery you own and love. Here are a few fun facts you might not know about jewellery!

Jewel = Toy?

Jewel comes from the French word ‘jouel’, which means a plaything or toy. This is because only wealthy people could afford jewellery, and so they were referred as toys. Jewellery has also been referred to as ‘baubles’ in the past, which is another French word for toys too.

Gold Came From Space

Turns out, gold didn’t come from Earth. Over 4.5 billion years ago, our planet’s supply of gold landed via a meteor. So every time you put on your gold jewellery pieces, remember that some part of them comes from the vast and mysterious cosmos.

The Rise of Diamond Engagement Rings

In the 1930s, fewer than 10% of engagement rings used diamonds. In the 1990s, 80% of engagement rings had diamonds. What changed? The answer is De Beers. This massive diamond company marketed diamond rings as more desirable through their legendary slogan "diamonds are forever".

Signet Rings for Royals

The signet ring was born to be a symbol of royalty. These rings were worn by members of the best families, specifically on their pinky finger. Over time, the signet ring served as a stamp for signing important documents. Now, it’s a casual accessory that can be personalised with ease.

You’ve Got Gold in Your Bones

I bet my bottom dollar that you didn’t know that the human body contains real gold! It is said that the average person has about 0.22 milligrams of gold in them. As insane as it sounds, scientists found that the gold in our bodies does play a small role in maintaining our joint health. 

Who knows, these fun facts may be the key to winning your next Trivia Night! 

Until next time, Gung.