Agnès Sorel, also known as Dame de Beauté or Lady of Beauty, yet more commonly known as the mistress of King Charles VII of France, stirred a wave of jealousy by doing one thing a woman couldn’t do in the 15th century.
It is said that she was the first woman in France to ever wear a diamond necklace, and her diamants are what caught the wandering eyes of King Charles VII of France. He wooed the French courtesan by gifting her with a diamond ring. Not just any diamond, but a 5-carat pink diamond! Nothing less would have suited a woman of this caliber, as she was enamored and enchanted by this precious stone.
Diamonds were a rarity during that time, and so rare that they exclusively came from India. They were also only reserved for religious iconography and men who represented wealth, status, and valor. Non-royals, especially women, were forbidden to wear diamonds. So, it was a remarkably bold move for Agnès to wear her diamonds, and much less, publicly. It wasn’t too long after that, wealthy women were able to wear their diamond jewelry shamelessly by the mid-1400s all because of her remarkable boldness.
Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave the first known diamond engagement ring in 1477 to Mary of Burgundy. This is how the tradition of the diamond engagement and wedding ring began. Nothing is more metaphoric for the bond of marriage than a diamond. A diamond is enduring and unbreakable with sheer brilliance. It wasn’t until the 19th century when a massive diamond mine in South Africa was discovered, making the precious stone less of a rarity.
Agnès Sorel and Mary of Burgundy paved the way for our long-winded love affair with the precious stone.
Anjolee: The Art of Jewelry
Anjolee launched in 1977 as a manufacturer specializing in upscale jewelry. Originally selling its products to wholesale and retail stores, the company gained recognition as the leading manufacturer of high-end diamond jewelry. The product line has expanded throughout the years to include an extensive collection of bridal jewelry, rings, diamond bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and pendants. They offer thousands of high quality designs that can be customized based on metal type, diamond weight, and size, creating various price options for each product. All orders are shipped overnight with insurance for free, arriving in eye-catching gift packaging, and a 30-day return policy.
The quality of the Double Row Diamond Halo Engagement Ring is so expertly and meticulously crafted that I know that it was created to last from generation to generation. I love that it can be customized to various carat sizes and diamond quality (The Certified Diamond or The Anjolee Diamond) to suit its wearer’s personality.
This ring starts at $1,780.77, but the customizations that I opted for heightened the value to $1,910.56. The center diamond is stately, yet magnificent without looking unbelievably unreal in the least. 1.2mm accent stones surrounds the center diamond, as well as the band, lending an additional glint, glamour, and sophistication. It’s certainly not for those who are reserved, conventional, and don’t like to stand out among the crowd. You’ll be flooded with compliments, as I have been, even from men! It will captivate the hearts of the love-bitten and those who have a fine appreciation for upscale jewelry alike.
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Big girls need big diamonds. – Elizabeth Taylor
I didn’t know that story. It was interesting to read and that ring is GORGEOUS!
That story was fantastic! Ya gotta love a woman who just does what she wants to do. I admire her, and hey, she hooked herself a fella. That’s a beautiful ring you’re wearing too!
Liz Mays recently posted..Krusteaz Baker’s Dozen – Exciting News!
What a neat history lesson! I learned alot today about jewerly!
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma) recently posted..Simple spaghetti fra diavolo – #glutenfree
What an interesting story- I had never heard that before! Isn’t getting compliments on jewelry, even from men, one of the best feelings?
Samantha Angell recently posted..Wednesday Wine 101: Champagne Time!
Diamonds are indeed a women’s best friend. It also had her attracting royalty. I guess, diamonds enhances the woman’s beauty.
Franc Ramon recently posted..Get Back in the Game with NY Theraspine
Interesting story. The ring is really beautiful as well. 🙂
I love how you start the article with a little history. I love the ring – very beautiful.
Sandy recently posted..Are you Ready to Raise Great Story Tellers?
That is really pretty. Sometimes I think about replacing my ring with something that is a little bit more me.
Kathy recently posted..Fresh Thyme is Opening Two New Stores in Indy! #Giveaway #Freshthyme
What an interesting story and the ring is stunning!
Lori Felix recently posted..Today’s HOT Deals
Wow, what a gorgeous ring! Thanks for the history as well. I love learning new things.
So then they’re both responsible for the problems women face today when it comes to senses of fashion and lust for jewelry! Seriously though, thanks for the interesting history lesson!
FamiGami recently posted..Luxe Box Unboxing & Review (Fall 2014)
You learn something new every day. Thanks for sharing with us.
Shasta recently posted..Spinach & Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
This is such a beautiful ring and story. Thank you for the history lesson on something that was actually interesting to read.
Crystal Green recently posted..Healing Alone or With Others #NaBloPoMo
What a interesting story, have to love a strong woman that knows what she wants! I can relate 🙂
I never knew about this story – its good to know about it, thank you for sharing.
Aisha Kristine Chong recently posted..How to Wear Boots for your Body Type
I sure did learn something new today. And, I like how she wasn’t afraid to defy society. Her story made me look at diamonds in a different light.
R U S S recently posted..ONE TREE HILL LESSON NO. 1: DON’T JUDGE
That’s a cool backstory, who even knew wearing jewelry in public was not once done so widely. I love the selections you’ve highlighted in the last two pics.
Rosey recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: The Posed & The Playful
What a great story I love knowing the history of odd things. That ring is beautiful!
Anne – Mommy Has to Work recently posted..Jif To Go Dippers Photo Contest #MC #GetGoing“ #sponsored
It’s really interesting to discover the history behind diamonds. I went to a Cartier exhibition in Paris recently which was also really informative x
Ellie Swinton recently posted..Hutong, The Shard
Thank you for teaching me something new. I did not know the story of the first woman to wear diamonds. The ring is so pretty i would love it.
I didn’t know that story, so thanks for the history lesson. 🙂
I learned something new today! 🙂
I would love to wear a diamond jewelry too!!!
Of Coffee and Crackers recently posted..[Press Release] Introducing: G.I. Jane Collection by BUM
That’s so cool. I never knew how the tradition of wearing diamonds began.
Crystal recently posted..How to Make a Hot Cup of Coffee in a Minute from Start to Finish
Anjolee sounds like my kind of gal! She moved to the beat of her own drum. 🙂 I love that ring… gorgeous!
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