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Terms Of Use
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Shipping Policy
American Jewelry Exchanges LLC ships standard shipping via USPS or UPS. Standard shipping time will vary by your location, but typically means your order will ship and deliver within 2-3 business days! Shipping rates vary by size, weight, and location.
Please note: It is very important that you verify the shipping address. If the wrong address is provided to American Jewelry Exchanges your account will not be confirmed with shipping delivery and may result in handling fee of $10.00 and reshipment fee cost. Please make sure the shipping address is accurate so we can get your products to you quickly.
Return Policy
You have up to 7 days from the date of purchase to request an exchange. Please see our updated Return Policy via our website.
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RMA Policy
All returned merchandise must be accompanied by a valid RMA (Returned Merchandise Authorization) number issued by our Customer Service Department. All merchandised received without a valid RMA# will be refused. To obtain an RMA number you may email or call us at the updated contact information provide directly within our website.
Privacy and use of information
Please see our updated Privacy Policy listed on our website.
Recording phone calls and Privacy Policy
Calls may be recorded for quality and assurance. In some cases we may use them to help quickly resolve any potential misunderstandings or situations.
Customer Service Best Practices Policies and Procedures
We realize that in the course of normal commerce there may be situations where the customer and the company disagree. Consequently, American Jewelry Exchanges has a dedicated team to review specific customer situations to achieve a satisfactory resolution.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Unless indicated otherwise, all text, photographic images and other graphics, video audio, design elements, information, links, code, scripts, programming, software, interactive features, and other materials and files (collectively, the “content”) used on or incorporated into this Website are protected by copyright, trademark, or other proprietary rights as the intellectual property of American Jewelry Exchanges. Except as expressly provided in this agreement, or permitted by the Copyright Act of other applicable law, you agree not to copy, download, modify, use, display, publish, transmit, sell, license, reproduce, or distribute, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, any of the Content of this Website without the prior written consent of the American Jewelry Exchanges in each instance. If permission is granted by American Jewelry Exchanges to all third-party use of the Content available through the Website, you further agree to comply with, and keep intact, any copyright notices, trademarks, logos, author attributions, legends or restrictions contained therein. Without limiting the foregoing and for the avoidance of doubt, you must abide by all additional copyright notices and other restrictions contained on the Website.
The History of Diamonds
The diamond is more than just aesthetically beautiful—it’s an enduring symbol of love, romance, and commitment. The stone’s name is derived from the Greek word adamas, which translates to “unconquerable.” This symbolic meaning lends itself well to the diamond’s historic commemoration of eternal love.
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The earliest diamonds were found in India in 4th century BC, although the youngest of these deposits were formed 900 million years ago. A majority of these early stones were transported along the network of trade routes that connected India and China, commonly known as the Silk Road. At the time of their discovery, diamonds were valued because of their strength and brilliance, and for their ability to refract light and engrave metal. Diamonds were worn as adornments, used as cutting tools, served as a talisman to ward off evil, and were believed to provide protection in battle. In the Dark Ages, diamonds were also used as a medical aid and were thought to cure illness and heal wounds when ingested.
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Surprisingly, diamonds share some common characteristics with coal. Both are composed of the most common substance on earth: carbon. What makes diamonds different from coal is the way the carbon atoms are arranged and how the carbon is formed. Diamonds are created when carbon is subjected to the extremely high pressures and temperatures found at the earth’s lithosphere, which lies approximately 90-240 miles below the earth’s surface.
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Until the 18th century, India was thought to be the only source of diamonds. When the Indian diamond mines were depleted, the quest for alternate sources began. Although a small deposit was found in Brazil in 1725, the supply was not enough to meet world demands.
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In 1866, 15-year-old Erasmus Jacobs was exploring the banks of the Orange River when he came across what he thought was an ordinary pebble, but turned out to be a 21.25-carat diamond. In 1871, a colossal 83.50-carat deposit was unearthed on a shallow hill called Colesberg Kopje. These findings sparked a rush of thousands of diamond prospectors to the region and led to the opening of the first large-scale mining operation which came to be known as the Kimberly Mine. This newly discovered diamond source increased the world’s diamond supply substantially, resulting in a significant decrease in their value. The elite no longer considered the diamond a rarity, and began to replace this “common” stone with colored gemstones. Emeralds, rubies, and sapphires became more popular choices for engagement ring stones among the upper class.
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In 1880, Englishman Cecil John Rhodes formed De Beers Consolidated Mines, Ltd in an effort to control the diamond supply. Although DeBeers was successful in their efforts to control the supply of diamonds, demand for the stone was weak. By 1919, diamonds were devalued by nearly 50%.
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Diamond Engagement Ring History
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The use of rings as a symbol of commitment dates back to ancient history, specifically to the betrothal (truth) rings of the Romans. These early rings, often formed from twisted copper or braided hair, were worn on the third finger of the left hand. The placement of the ring was significant, as Romans believed that a vein in the third finger (vena amorous) ran directly to the heart. For Romans, betrothal rings were given as a sign of affection or friendship, and did not always represent the rite of marriage.
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The history of the engagement ring began in 1215, when Pope Innocent III, one of the most powerful popes of the Middle Ages, declared a waiting period between a betrothal and the marriage ceremony. The rings were used to signify the couple’s commitment in the interim. It was around this same time that rings were introduced as a major component of the wedding ceremony, and it was mandated by the Roman government that all marriage ceremonies be held in a church. In addition to serving as symbols of an intention to marry, these early rings also represented social rank; only the elite were permitted to wear ornate rings or rings with jewels.
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The first recorded presentation of a diamond engagement ring was in 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed marriage to Mary of Burgundy. Although engagement rings were common at this time, diamonds were a rarity and were reserved for royalty and the upper elite class.
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A Modern-Day Resurgence
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In 1947, DeBeers commissioned the services of leading advertising agency N.W. Ayer, and the slogan “A diamond is forever” was coined. The premise of this large-scale marketing campaign was the suggestion that diamonds should be the only choice for engagement rings. The DeBeers advertising campaign was wildly successful, and was a contributing factor to today’s widespread embracing of the tradition of diamond engagement rings. In today’s fine jewelry market, more than 78% of engagement rings sold contain diamonds.
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With the surge in popularity of the precious stone, many companies and organizations began campaigns to educate jewelers and consumers about what to look for when selecting a diamond. As jewelers experimented with ways to enhance the diamond’s visual appeal and presentation, new cutting techniques were adopted to help increase the stone’s brilliance. Over time, several prominent shapes emerged as the most popular varieties, including round, oval, marquise, square (princess), and rectangular (emerald).
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Today, the world’s diamond deposits are slowly becoming depleted. Less than 20% of the diamonds mined are of gem quality; less than 2% are considered “investment diamonds.” 75-80% of mined diamonds are used for industrial applications, such as grinding, sawing, and drilling. Typically, more than 250 tons of ore must be mined in order to produce a one-carat, gem-quality stone.
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The diamond’s rarity, beauty, and strength make it a fitting symbol of the resilience and longevity of marriage. In addition to engagement rings, diamonds are traditionally given as gifts to commemorate the milestone of the sixtieth anniversary. With their rich history, sense of permanence, and lustrous brilliance, diamonds are a natural choice to signify a lasting union.