From brilliant cut to 3D printing:ten discoveries and inventions that have transformed the face of jewelry throughout the centuries.
Late 17th century: Brilliant Cut
Brilliant cut was born in the diamond workshops of Paris, Amsterdam and Antwerp. As the precursor of contemporary brilliance, the Brilliant Cut technique has been used for 75% of diamonds worldwide.
1840s: Electroplating
John Wright developed electroplating baths by using potassium cyanide. Wright and his associates George and Henry Elkington patented the electroplating process in 1840.
1886: Tiffany
Today Tiffany setting is one of the most iconic brand in jewelry and fashion; Tiffany has changed the classical solitaire diamond by placing the single Brilliant Cut diamond above the ring band, and secure it whith a circle of prongs.
1900: Platinum
Strong and rigid, platinum became widely use in jewelry after discovering how to melt in 1860s. Cartier will use platinum for his famous “garland”.
1905: Cultured Pearls
Kokichi Mikimoto produced the first hemispheric cultured pearls from Akoya oysters in 1893. After 12 years, Mikimoto created spherical pearls by inserting beads into carefully farmed and controlled oysters.
Early 1930s: Clip-on Earrings
Clip-on earrings were born in the early 20th century as an alternative to the “barbaric” practice of ear piercings. Clip-on earrings encouraged designers to handle differently the ear lobes rather than resorting to hanging pendandts.
1933: Serti Mystérieux
Van Cleef & Arpels created flowing surfaces of gemstones uninterrupted by a metal setting.
1960s: Titanium
Strong and lightweight, titanium pushes further jewelry design by creating shapes otherwise impossible by using gold and silver.
1990s: 3D Computer-Aided Design
3D technology introduced a real revolution in jewelry design. With 3D computer-aided design is now possible to visualize and calibrate a design in three dimensions and clearly visualize details.
2000s: 3D Printing
Pieces designed using CAD software can be 3D printed in wax and then casted in metal.
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