1. In some cultures, huge earrings are a sign of stature—among men.
2. The ancient Egyptians may have worn live bejeweled beetles into battle to help keep them safe (or at least grossed out, as far as we’re concerned). Cockroaches seem to have been popular, too.
3. The strange superstition about opals may have started with a novel by Sir Walter Scott where the protagonist who wore an opal died.
4. Pearls come from living animals.
5. Diamonds aren’t just gorgeous bling; we value them for their usage in machinery due to their durability and hardness. They’re almost unbreakable.
6. Sapphires and rubies are really the same gemstone. A red corundum sapphire is called a ruby.
7. And, speaking of sapphires (September’s birthstone), the most recognized piece of jewelry in the world is probably Kate Middleton’s sapphire, which originally belonged to Princess Diana.
8. The word “jewel” comes from the old French “joeul” which connoted a plaything or little game.
9. 24-karat gold is so soft it can be bent and twisted in your hands. That’s why, when used for jewelry, it’s always alloyed with other metals to add durability.
10. Tons of ounces of ore have to be mined to produce just one small ounce of platinum.

Interested in learning more? Check out the American Gem Society’s timed jewelry quizzes or stop on in to David Craig Jewelers. Try to stump our jewelry experts. Our beautiful selection of fabulous diamonds, precious metals and gemstones is as broad as our knowledge of fine jewelry!