The most sought-after pieces are created by prominent names in the industry, and different jewelers specialize in different types of diamond jewelry.
For example, Tacori is one designer that is famous for its diamond engagement rings and other wedding diamond jewelry that combines traditional and modern styles. Hildago creates pieces that are quite colorful and even quirky, while Christian Bauer - a 130-year-old company - makes diamond jewelry to order and sells its diamond engagement rings only through select retail outlets. As you might imagine, not all diamonds for sale wind up being mounted in these exquisite pieces; only the best certified diamonds, carefully graded for clarity and color, are selected.
On The Subject of Watches
Diamond watches are one type ofthat is appreciated and worn by men and women. In fact, the first wristwatches were actually diamond bracelets that had a small timepiece mounted. The first of these was presented to Queen Elizabeth I almost 430 years ago by the Earl of Leicester; it consisted of a small round clock, inlaid with diamonds which hung from a wristband. This was probably the first true ladies' diamond timepiece.
Men preferred pocket watches until World War I, considering wrist watches to be effeminate. It was actually the invention of the airplane that led to the development of the first men's wristwatch; the reason is that early aircraft had no fuel gauge, and it was necessary to keep both hands on the controls at all time; therefore it was necessary to have a timepiece that (A) allowed the pilot to keep track of his range and how much fuel was left, and (B) did not necessitate the removal of his hands from the controls in order to reach for a pocket watch!
More Names
Interestingly, the growth in popularity of diamond engagement rings was parallel to that of men's wrist watches, happening about the same time.
Today, the three best-known manufacturers of diamond watches are Cariter of France; Citizens of Japan, and Movado of Switzerland. The last one is the company whose product is referred to when someone says that something 'runs like a Swiss watch;' Movado has been in business for over 100 years, and have well over 200 different and distinct to choose from.
