LURE OF DIAMONDS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 17, 31 October 1932, Page 8

LURE OF DIAMONDS.

SUPREMACY IN JEWELLERY “Says it with diamonds!” There has iiUver hen a time in the history of jewellery Avhen this slogan has had so much significance as it lias to-day, says the “'Daily Express.” The diamond remains a safe investment and a symbol of international value. That is Avhy the demand for diamonds, and especially for diamonds in exquisite hoav platinum settings, is increasing. Young men who Avant to give their fiancees rings that Avill in 25 years’ time he as valuable as they are the day they are first worn do not hesitate to plump for diamonds. Older men Avho feel that they like to carry their surplus cash around the Avorldi Avith them —or entrust it to their wives—make it safe first by exchanging it for diamonds. Single Avomen, beAvildered hv financial jig-saw puzzles, feel comforted Avhen they see their little pile of saved up pounds sparkling on their fingers in the shape of diamonds. What kind of diamonds are most fashionable and Avhat kind of settings do they adorn? “All kinds” affirm the dressmakers, aa'lio say this is a year Avjien more diamonds are being worn than have been Avorn for years. The supremacy of diamonds at the moment is largely due to the Queen, who so many times lately has been seen wearing these brilliant jeAvels at royal entertainments. A diamond expert stated lately that solitaire diamond rings Avere still the favourite ones. Many new kinds of brooches were being Avorn. Every Avoman Avanted a diamond watch Avristlet —especially one Avith the modern dial. One item of real jeAvellery Avas replacing a multitude of artificial pieces of jeAA-ellery in'the toilette of the Avell-dressed! Avoman. “The perfect diamond,” said the exnert, “is that Avhich is thick enough to allow perfect.refraction being achieved in its cutting. In other Avords it is the stone from Ayliich the cutter can obtain the greatest brilliance. “It should have 58 facets, Avhicli are scientifically cut at varying angles and in studied proportion to give the maximum brilliancy and scintillation. Weight does not determine its value; a heavy stone may be too thick, too Avid'e, or out of balance. “The colour of course is of importance, -and there are, for practical purposes, three grades, blue Aviiite, pure Avhite, and fine white. You Avill notice that a diamond expert Avill always Avenr a single stone diamond ring. That is his standard for comparison.”