The symbolism of the diamond is abundant; first and foremost, it symbolizes strength, resilience, and eternal love, making it the ideal gift for a significant other. Diamonds are believed to increase one’s power, courage, creativity, imagination, self-respect, and faithfulness. It is said to protect against all sorts of man-made and natural disasters, prevent cardiovascular disease, leukemia, and bone problems, and aid against glaucoma, vertigo, dizziness, memory loss, fever, fatigue, and nightmares. In their most natural form, diamonds are clear and colorless, but when mixed with elements like nitrogen they can also appear in colors including orange, green, blue, pink, black, yellow, and brown. The brilliance of diamonds is thanks to refraction; rays of light passing through it are bent at different angles, dispersing them in multiple directions.
Few gems are as well-known, coveted and highly renowned. Nothing is as strong as the diamond, which derives its name from the Greek ‘adamas’ for invincible, due to the sheer strength and hardness of the jewel. Formed 900 million years ago, diamonds are formed in the mantle of the earth through extreme heat and pressure on modified graphite, brought to the surface through eruptions. Diamonds were first discovered by humans in 4th century India, soon finding their way into other countries via the famous Silk Road trade route. The gems were naturally prized for the beauty and sheen, but because of their hardness were also utilized as cutting tools. Greeks wore them into battle and believed them to be the tears of the gods, While Romans thought them to be stars that had fallen to Earth. Up until the 18th century it was believed that India was the sole source of diamonds, until new areas were found in Brazil and later (and most significantly), South Africa. In the late 19th century the famous DeBeers company was formed. In the late 40s, DeBeers coined the term “a diamond is forever”, leading to the gem’s surge in popularity, especially in regard to its place in the engagement ring industry, a tradition that can be traced all the way back to the time of the Romans. Diamonds can be found around the world, although South Africa, Russia and Botswana are the biggest source of gem diamonds while Australia produces the largest amount of industrial diamonds.
C
2.417 - 2.419
0
2.417 - 2.419
10 (Moh's Scale)