Interesting Facts About The Diamond Watch
Many people would probably not think that diamonds and watches go well together. Diamonds are usually known and used for luxury purposes while watches are functional pieces of equipment. Diamonds are definitely more scarce than watches. They have been cherished as treasures since antiquity, which is a far longer time than the watch, whose development came much later. The combination of the two, the diamond watch, is an even more recent creation but one that seems enduringly popular.
Diamonds have been mined for various purposes ever since they were found in ancient India. Back then diamonds were used in religious ceremonies. Another use for these stones, also dating back to ancient times, is for adornment. Civilizations in Africa had their own sources of diamonds and they used them to adorn their temples and fashion jewelry for noblemen.
More functional uses such as cutting and engraving also emerged in early history. Today, diamonds are in use throughout the industry. For instance, doctors may use a type of scalpel with diamonds embedded onto it. The construction industry also has diamond tipped drills and saws. Around 80% of all mined diamonds eventually go into industrial use.
The diamonds used in watches however, do not serve such functional roles. These gemstones serve to make the watch look better and add value to the timepiece because of their scarcity. The beauty of these timepieces make them very attractive to women while their stable value appeals to businessmen who look to purchase equipment that also serves as an investment.
While diamonds are foremost on the minds of consumers today when they think of precious stones, diamonds were not actually the first gemstone to be put into watches. Rubies were used first. Also, diamond watches were not really popular until the late 19th century. Prior to this time, portable timepieces were mostly pocket watches, which were already costly by themselves.
These designs were greatly varied. What is reputedly the first diamond wrist watch was actually a diamond bracelet with a tiny watch on it. One such watch belonged to Queen Elizabeth. These wristwatches were at first considered to be for women only. It was only during the First World War in the early 1900s that men started using wristwatches, as they needed to estimate fuel use while keeping both hands on the controls.
Around the time that wristwatches were gaining popularity, diamonds as engagement presents were also becoming fashionable. Soon after, makers of watches incorporated diamonds into the timepiece to serve both as a functional device and an elegant engagement present for men and women. From then on until now, three companies stood out as top makers of diamond watches which are Cartier from France, Citizen from Japan and Movado from Switzerland.
Among the products that straddle the categories of pure luxury items and elegant products, the diamond watch is king. It combines the pure class and quality of diamonds with one of the most important innovations in the watch. Many have taken to incorporating it into their formal wear and have valued them as gifts for special occasions. What is so attractive about these products is their perfect combination of high class, durability and functionality.