For something that we wear every day, we sure don’t know much about jewelry. Here are some fun facts about jewelry that will surprise you!

• It’s no surprise that the word “jewelry” has its origins in French – after all, the French are known for their sense of style. But what may come as a surprise is that the word actually comes from the French word “jouel,” which means “plaything.” This makes sense when you think about it – after all, jewelry is often seen as a frivolous, unnecessary expense. But there’s more to jewelry than meets the eye. In addition to being beautiful and fashionable, jewelry can also be a symbol of status, power, and wealth. It can also be used to express religious or cultural beliefs. So next time you see a piece of jewelry, remember that it’s more than just a pretty bauble – it’s a historically and culturally significant object.

• It was a typical day in South Africa when, on January 26, 1905, a large diamond was found in the Premier Mine. Little did the miner who found it know that he had discovered the largest diamond in the world. The massive diamond weighed in at 3,106 carats and was named the Cullinan Diamond. It was quickly sold to the Transvaal Colony government and was subsequently presented to King Edward VII as a gift. The Cullinan Diamond remained the largest diamond in the world until 1955, when another large diamond was found in South Africa. However, the Cullinan Diamond still holds the record for being the largest uncut diamond ever found

The rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world

• The Hope Diamond is one of the world's most valuable diamonds, with an estimated value of $250 million. The diamond has a long and storied history, dating back to its original owner, King Louis XIV of France. According to legend, the king had the Hope Diamond set into his royal sceptre. However, the diamond was stolen during the French Revolution and ended up in the hands of English merchant Henry Philip Hope. The diamond was eventually sold to American heiress Evalyn Walsh McLean, who was known for her love of jewelry. McLean was also said to be cursed by the Hope Diamond, as her husband and son both died young, and she eventually fell into financial ruin. Despite its tragic history, the Hope Diamond continues to be one of the world's most beloved diamonds.

• It's not every day that you find a gemstone that is made by a living creature, but that's exactly what pearls are. Pearls are formed when an irritant gets into an oyster's shell and the oyster secretes a substance called nacre to coat the irritant. This process can take anywhere from a few months to several years, and the result is a beautiful pearl. Interestingly, pearls are not actually stones at all. They are composed of calcium carbonate, which is the same substance that makes up the shells of many marine creatures. In fact, pearls are often referred to as 'marvels of nature' because of their unique composition. So, the next time you see a pearl necklace or piece of jewelry, remember that you're looking at something truly special - a gemstone that is made by a living creature!

• For centuries, gold has been prized for its beauty and durability. The oldest surviving piece of gold jewelry is a Bulgarian ring that dates back to 6,000BC. Since then, gold has been used to create everything from coins and crowns to wedding rings and watches. Today, gold is still coveted by many people for its elegance and worth. In fact, the price of gold has reached record highs in recent years, making it an attractive investment for those looking to secure their financial future. Whether it is used as a symbol of wealth or simply as a pretty piece of jewelry, there is no denying that gold holds a special place in our history and our hearts.

• It could be argued that no customer is more valuable than Queen Elizabeth II. After all, she is the monarch of the United Kingdom, and her face is on currency throughout the Commonwealth. But it’s not just her regal status that makes her a valuable customer – it’s also her loyalty. The Queen has been a loyal client of Cartier since her coronation in 1953, and she has continued to wear their jewelry on public occasions ever since. In fact, she is credited with helping to revive the fortunes of the company in the 1980s, when she was photographed wearing a Cartier bracelet at the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. Given her high profile and her long-standing relationship with the brand, it’s no wonder that Queen Elizabeth II is considered to be the world’s most valuable customer of Cartier.

Whether you’re a jewelry aficionado or just starting to build your collection, we hope you enjoyed these fun facts about jewelry. We think it’s so important to know the story behind the pieces that we wear – after all, what could be more special than something that has been lovingly passed down through generations? And if you want to learn even more about jewelry and gemstones, don’t forget to check out our other blog posts and don't forget to visit our online store. We know that shopping for jewelry can be a daunting task, especially if you're not sure what you're looking for. But at Hilidaygiftshops, we make it easy to find the perfect piece for any occasion. Whether you're searching for a delicate necklace for a black-tie event or a colorful bracelet to add a pop of personality to your everyday look, we have something to suit every style. And with our wide range of prices, you're sure to find something within your budget. So next time you're in the market for jewelry, be sure to head to Hilidaygiftshops.com for the best selection around.