History Of Diamonds

Diamond History

History Of Diamonds

Written by Administrator
Saturday, 19 May 2007
Let’s start with a little bit of history. The word “diamond” comes from the Greek word “adamas” which means invincible or unconquerable, as Diamonds have indestructible qualities. As Shirley Bassey would say and sing, (even 007 himself) “Diamonds are Forever”. And both Shirley and James wouldn’t be far off from the truth. The history of diamonds is nearly as old as the earth itself. Over countless millions of years, they were formed deep down within the earth’s crust. It is the immense pressure and heat down there that forms the diamond. Then over subsequent years, volcanic activity moved the diamonds to the earth’s surface for us to find, and you to buy. How very kind of Mother Nature! Do you know what diamonds are actually made of? And it is their one and only ingredient. Got it? Well, if not, the answer is simply carbon. That’s it! Nothing else, just carbon! That’s what makes a diamond, the purest, most precious and sort after of all Gemstones. Another reason of why they are “forever” is that they are incredible hard, in fact the hardest substance known to man and therefore they have extreme strength and will endure “forever” maybe even eternity, who knows? I suppose it is not too surprising then that they have been the symbol of love for countless years and are, let’s not forget, a girl’s best friend too! (See below) Diamonds represent beauty, perfection and very importantly, status and wealth for the wearer and owner. It is human nature to perceive in some way special, a person who wears a large and expensive diamond. It’s equally human nature to want to be admired and revered for wearing something expensive and coveted by others. People will spend an awful lot of money to buy right diamond. People have also been known to endure great hardship and even kill to possess them. They have the ability to bring out the good and perhaps bad, in all of us. The first record we have of diamonds is about 3,000 years ago in India. In those days it appears that diamonds served two main purposes. They were seen as a talisman to protect against evil spirits and to protect warriors in battle. They were also prized for their ability to reflect light. Later, the diamond was seen as having medical properties. Diamonds were held against wounds to heal them and used to cure illnesses. The sick were instructed to hold a diamond in their hand whilst making the sign of the cross. It is recorded that they were even swallowed by people who believed they could be magically cured by the diamond’s properties. The diamond gained far more popularity within the Middle Ages as this is when many of the world’s most famous diamonds were discovered. (See below.) People started to value diamonds because of their overall worth and not just for their supposed mythical powers. People began to learn of their inherent qualities and how rare they were. The demand for diamonds put increasing pressure on the mines of India to maintain supply however, the find of diamonds near South Africa’s Orange River started the biggest diamond rush. More recently, during the middle of the 19th century, diamond history started moving into eastern Australia. However, in 1979 geologists made a discovery near Lake Argyle, which has become the largest producer of diamonds is history and still produces over one third of all diamonds mined ever year. Diamonds probably will never lose their attraction or significance in our culture. They signify true love, hope and promise for lovers seeking engagement or wedding rings. It is often a romantic and intimate occasion for a couple to go shopping for rings. Luckily, there is a huge variety of Diamond Rings suitable for many budgets and let’s not forget, diamonds last a very long time!