Fabulous Love Story Anniversary Rings are on Display
at Harry Ritchie’s Jewelers in Springfield, Oregon

The perfect anniversary rings in Springfield, Oregon are on display at Harry Ritchie’s Jewelers. Beautiful diamond jewelry including diamond pendants , earrings and bracelets make great gifts for any special celebration. And our bridal sets are beyond compare! Come check out our selection of fine jewelry today!

Harry Ritchie’s Jewelers
3000 Gateway #128
Springfield, OR 97477  Map Link
(541) 672-4707
www.harryritchies.com

History of the Diamond

The diamond has a history as old and fascinating as any ever told -- it is filled with mystery, myths, and wondrous truths. The name "diamond" comes from the Greek word for "unconquerable," and its actual and symbolic strength was revered by ancient kings from China and India to Egypt and Rome.

Until the 18th century - with the discovery of diamond deposits in Brazil and South Africa - nearly all diamonds came from India. Historically, diamonds were traded along two routes that ended in Europe. Starting from India, traders followed a land route that led to Constantinople. From there, they were shipped to Italian cities like Venice. The other route imported diamonds by water through the Saudi Peninsula and then to Europe from Egypt.

Even during the 16th century, the biggest and best diamonds never arrived in Europe -- they were bought by Arab princes who lived along the traders’ routes. In China, diamonds were long a popular stone, too. The Chinese honored the diamond as an unbeatable stone cutting and engraving tool, to be used by only the richest and most noble men.

The French Dukes of Burgundy made wearing diamond jewelry popular in the second half of the 15th century. Before then, the diamond was generally used as a talisman -- more revered for its curative and strengthening powers than loved for its beauty. During the Renaissance, the diamond’s reputed killing powers were almost as great as its curing ones. Rumors about "diamond poison" grew, linked to the likes of Catherine De Medici (1519-89), whose "powder of succession" (probably arsenic) eliminated many unlucky enough to have hopes of sitting on the French throne.

Fortunately, the diamond’s appeal outlasted the nasty rumors. The tradition of giving diamonds as tokens of love and commitment began at the end of the 15th century when Austrian Archduke Maximilian gave a diamond ring to his fiancé. They chose to place the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand because legend held that this finger provided a direct link between tokens of love and the heart.

Currently, most diamonds are mined in the following countries: South Africa, Zaire, the former USSR, Australia, Botswana, Angola, Namibia, Brazil, Ghana, and China. The major cutting centers of the diamond world are in Antwerp, Bombay, Tel Aviv, and New York.

Love Story Diamonds

Harry Ritchie’s Jewelers is part of the Leading Jewelers Guild. By joining together with other jewelers across the country and eliminating the middleman, we can buy beautiful diamond jewelry at lower prices and pass the savings along to you. We still get the top quality diamonds, just at a better price.

The Leading Jewelers Guild has created its own line of fine diamond jewelry called Love Story^® Diamonds, inspired by five classic stories of love that endured despite insurmountable odds.