On the Arts Round Up, Stéfan Doveton, COO Prins & Prins that operate the atmospheric Museum of Gems and Jewellery, in historic Huguenot House, focuses on the development of the engagement ring dating back to the 1477, and then raises the contemporary issue of laboratory made ‘diamonds’.
Listen to the Arts Round Up on Fine Music Radio FMR 101.3fm on Fridays at 12:45
Stéfan Doveton observes that as we move into wedding season, it’s a good time to talk about the origins of the engagement ring. The wedding ring goes back to ancient Rome. As far as the engagement ring is concerned, the story starts with the major moment in 1447 when Archduke Maximillian of Austria commissioned a diamond ring for Mary of Burgundy,
This established a trend among European royalty and the diamond was integral. Moving into the Victorian era the rings were more romantic and their designs often showed floral motifs. In the Edwardian period the rings became more refined and elaborate and platinum began to be used. In the 1920’s everything became glamour. Art Deco known for its geometry, clean lines and bold designs. The 1930’s was style and elegance. Today – a revival of everything, but it’s about individuality and personal meaning – sustainability and personal issues meaningful to both parties, .
The Museum of Gems and Jewellery is in the cellar of historic Huguenot House, which is the home of Prins & Prins, the manufacturer of jewellery. The exhibitions expose how jewellery and their styles changed through the centuries. There are examples from all the major eras to to see how things have moved over time.
Today, there is a trend for couples to be moving away from diamonds and coloured gemstones are making a big comeback, The biggest, heated topic is lab grown diamonds versus natural. The World Jewellery Confederation has changed their protocols for terminology and trade practice. They no longer allow the use of the words man-made diamonds or lab grown diamonds. They have to be termed synthetic. The Museum has a display , which is a mini-challenge for visitors to identify the one natural diamond among synthetic diamonds.
Although their are fluctuations in the diamond market over time, the market for synthetic has plunged by 97% since 2018. Prins & Prins had firmly decided to only trade in natural diamonds, which they can always guarantee. An important issue to know one is dealing with a reputable firm! So find your way to the Museum of Gems and Jewellery and be reassured of a reputable jeweller, which also offers the experience and context provide by the Museum of Gems and Jewellery..
WHAT: MUSEUM OF GEMS AND JEWELLERY
WHERE: MUSEUM OF GEMS AND JEWELLERY, Huguenot House, 66 Loop Street, Cape Town 8001
WHEN: Mon to Fri 09h00 – 17h00 Sat 09h00 – 13h00
INFO: T 021 422 1090 | E consultants@prinsandprins.com | VISIT
MUSEUM OF GEMS AND JEWELLERY [09]
The WHAT, WHY & WHERE of the
arts scene in around Cape Town
see the 2026 art craft + museums map
and listen in to the
Arts Round Up on Fridays @12;45
on Fine Music Radio FMR 101.3fm
The FMR App makes it even easier to tune into the Arts Round Up on Fridays! i-Phone HERE | Android HERE
Another reason Cape Town is placed 3rd in Time Out’s World’s Best Cities for Culture
