Diamond Necklaces 'gain Value With Interesting Stories'

Published on 28/07/08

A diamond necklace with an intriguing history may be more interesting to consumers, it has been suggested.

Lisa Jardine of the BBC notes that items of jewellery, such as diamond bracelets or diamond necklaces, can be historical documents as well as decorative accessories.

"It is provenance - the story of how particular pieces of jewellery have been lovingly kept and passed down - that provides precious stones with a history," the writer notes.

She adds that this enables them to enhance our understanding of the past in an evocative way.

The article cites the new William and Judith Bollinger Jewellery Gallery at the V&A, located on Cromwell Road in South Kensington, London, as an example of the lure of important pieces of jewellery, with the exhibition spanning the entire history of the form.

Highlights are said to include a diamond tiara worn by Princess Margaret at her wedding, as well as a gold Celtic breast ornament - the earliest item in the display.