Diamonds begin to be fashioned with with flat backs and faceted tops.

The Cheapside hoard contains the largest collection of Elizabethan jewelry ever found. Photo credit Museum of London.

This enameled gold mourning ring commemorates the death of Samuel Nicholets. Photo credit Victoria and Albert Museum.

Diamonds are cut with pavilions, thus introducing the first brilliant cuts.

Named for the four King Georges of England. Georgian jewelry is primarily constructed of gold and silver. Photo credit Doyle & Doyle.

Excavations began in 1748. The unearthing of these artifacts was a source of inspiration for neoclassical design. Photo credit Victoria and Albert Museum.

James Watt's experiments led to great improvements and to the development of the Watt Steam Engine.

Paving the way for more affordable and and accessible stamped jewelry.

Diamonds are set in open backed mountings.

Queen Victoria ascended the throne and became one of the most influential monarchs in fashion. Photo credit Victoria and Albert Museum.

Jewelry starts being manufactured on a large scale in the US.

The first international exhibition of manufactured products. Photo credit Victoria and Albert Museum.

Archaeological excavations sparked interest in ancient techniques. Copy of an Etruscan original. Photo credit Victoria and Albert Museum.

Response to the mechanization of the Industrial Revolution. Adherents looked to nature for inspiration. Photo credit Doyle & Doyle.

15 year old Erasmus Jacobs discovers the Eureka diamond.

The Suez Canal opens, sparking the Victorian wave of Egyptian revival jewelry. Photo credit Doyle & Doyle.

Small commercial synthetic rubies are produced in Paris.

Thomas Edison files a patent for the first commercially viable electric light bulb. Photo credit ASME.

Cecil Rhodes establishes DeBeers in South Africa.

Tiffany & Company debuts their iconic six prong mounting. Photo credit Doyle & Doyle.

Artists wanted to create an entirely new language of design, ornament, and imagery. Photo credit Doyle & Doyle.

Higher temperature torches enabled jewelers to work platinum in their workshops.

The introduction of the bruting machine led to perfectly round diamonds.

Mikimoto cultures mabe pearls. Round cultured pearls introduced in 1916.

King Edward VII reign. Queen Alexandra loved white jewels and pearls.

Ford introduces the Model T, the first car produced for the mass market.

Made to commemorate Louise Mary Eates’ release from prison. Photo credit Museum of London.

The Ballets Russes company brought artistic creativity to new levels with exotic costumes.

White gold becomes a popular substitute for platinum in the 1920s.

Marcel Tolkowsky details the proportions of the modern Round Brilliant.

Streamlined shapes. Art Deco distills design to rudimentary geometry. Photo credit Doyle & Doyle.

Metalsmiths alloyed low karat gold with copper creating soft rose tones. Photo credit Doyle & Doyle.

DeBeers debuts their iconic diamond ad.