Diamonds in the 18th century

In the 18th century the diamond soars to new heights and abundance in jewelry, now worn principally by women. Substantial quantities of diamonds were now arriving from South America, making conspicuous display of the gem possible. The jewelry is breathtakingly elegant, revealing the full beauty of the rose- and brilliant-cut stones. Claws hold the stones in silver settings, which from the 1760s are backed with gold to avoid tarnishing the wearer's skin and dress. Diamonds were reserved for evening since it was considered vulgar to parade them by day. Rather than a miscellany of jewels of different types, a parure -- a matched set of jewelry -- was now worn at all important social events.