Diamond History
Diamonds are considered to be the most beautiful substance on
earth. There is so much history behind diamonds and so much to know however most
people only know that they either like a diamond or they dont. The glittering,
shining and astonishing way they sparkle in the light makes diamond lovers
shiver when they see a quality, beautiful diamond. When one thinks of diamonds,
they think of love and romance, which is funny because the Greek word Adamas
meaning unconquerable is the root word for diamond. Does that mean that a
diamond is unconquerable because it cant be broken, as diamonds are the hardest
substance known to man, or does that imply that two people in love are
unconquerable.
Diamonds have stood for many things in the past such as power, and wealth.
Diamonds are brought to the earths surface so that they can be mined by
volcanic eruptions that leave a pipe-like path of tell-tale ore, called
kimberlite. The biggest and best diamonds are regularly found at the top of
this pipe. The first recorded history of the diamond dates back some 3,500 years
ago to India, where diamonds were first valued for their ability to refract
light. Back in history diamonds possessed dual functions, they were used for
decorative purposes and as a talisman to ward off evil and therefore provide
protection in times of battle and war. The diamond was also used for some time
as medical aid. Up until the 15th Century only Kings were allowed to wear
diamonds as they were a symbol of strength and courage and therefore only fit
for a king.
As we progress through time and hit the Middle Ages more emphasis began to be
placed on the value of diamonds, as opposed to their meanings and powers. As the
value and the worth of diamonds became better known mine owners created myths
that diamonds were poisonous to prevent mineworkers swallowing the diamonds and
then smuggle them off the mine site.
At this stage diamonds began to be worn by many as lucky charms as they believed
that diamonds could increase sexual prowess and be an agent used to attract
others. Plato even wrote about diamonds as living beings, embodying celestial
spirits.
But what are these things that are so valuable nowadays? They are simply made up
of carbon that was buried deep within the Earth. They are so durable and
immensely strong and therefore do not easily break, crack or chip, but can be
cut by a single blow or chip when hit by another diamond. Today, 90 percent of
diamond jewellery is made from diamonds mined in African countries, with the
remaining 10 percent in Australia, America, Israel and Russia. It is estimated
that only one fifth of all mined diamonds are considered to be of good diamond
quality that can be used. Even with todays technology anywhere between 45 to
240 tons of gravel and sand must be processed to recover one rough diamond from
the worlds depleting diamond deposits. Experts have estimated that all known
supplies of diamonds will be depleted within 30 to 40 years.
The most common and popular diamond jewellery item is the diamond engagement
ring. The tradition of a diamond engagement ring started with Archduke
Maximilian of Austria when he gave the first diamond engagement ring to Mary of
Burgundy in 1477. A romantic fable tells that placing the ring on the third
finger of the left hand dates back to an early Egyptian belief that the vein of
love runs directly from the heart to the tip of the third finger. Today there
exist many substitutes for diamonds, including the extremely popular and
affordable cubic zirconia. However do not be fooled there is a big difference
between a real and a fake diamond and no woman wants to receive a fake diamond.
Diamonds are everlasting and timeless. The large range of diamond jewellery that
is made from beautiful diamonds exemplifies the fact that every woman loves
diamonds and would love to be wearing some.
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