18th Century
In the 18th century the diamond soars to new heights and abundance in jewelry, now worn mainly by women. Substantial quantities of diamonds were now arriving from South America, making prominent display of the gem possible. The jewelry is breathtakingly stylish, 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 ruining the wearer's skin and dress. Diamonds were reserved for evening because it was considered vulgar to parade them by day. Rather than a collection of jewels of different types, a parure -- a matched set of jewelry -- was now worn at all important social events.