Rings that Rock: Diamond Rings from the Fifteenth Century to Today
- Date
- 19 Oct 2026 · 6:00PM - 8:00PM
- Price
- Pay what you can: £7 or £10
- Venue
- Online (via Zoom), UK time
- Programme type
- Talks
Why is the diamond ring so widely regarded as the ultimate symbol of enduring love? Is our fascination with scintillation based on centuries of intrigue, or is it just a product of modern marketing? In this talk, curator Catherine Regout’s will reflect on the enduring appeal of diamond-set rings and the research that has shaped her stand-out current exhibition Rings That Rock at DIVA Museum, Antwerp (on show until 8 November 2026).
Exploring the rich and often unexpected history of the diamond ring, the exhibition – and Catherine’s talk – travels through time and our relationship with diamonds: from medieval signet rings to contemporary jewellery. Catherine will lead us through a selection of these rings and introduce their stories as symbols of political power, religious devotion, social standing, romantic attachment and personal expression. Through these rings, Catherine will reveal that behind every diamond ring lies a history far richer than its brilliance alone.
Image: Diamanten ring met hart en handen, West-Europa, 1600-1700, goud, diamant, email Collectie Joods Museum, M005752, Foto: Joods Cultureel Kwartier
FAQs:
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Who is the speaker?
Catherine Regout is Curator at DIVA Museum in Antwerp, Belgium, where she develops exhibitions and manages the museum's collection of diamonds and jewellery, dating from 1830 to the present day.
Her work is driven by a fascination with the stories jewellery can tell. Through exhibitions, research and public engagement, she explores how shifts in society, fashion and technology continue to influence jewellery design and the ways people value and interpret precious objects.
Instagram: @catherineregout