Diamonds - History and Basics

How are Diamonds made?

Many eons past while molten rock was boiling within the inner layers of the earth, the compelling forces of strain and high temperature altered carbon into very rare and amazing diamonds, after building such a great pressure, the volcanic magnitude could no longer be contained beneath the earths crust, and came spilling forth from beneath the earths crust.

- The Ancients Loved Diamonds as well as We Do!

The ancients believed that the diamonds they found were tears of the gods, or that perhaps the diamonds were small particles that had fallen from the stars in the heavens.  In Central Asia, there is legend of an unreachable basin that is watched over by birds of prey and safeguarded by snakes, which have a lethal stare, as the unreachable basin is covered in precious diamonds.

- Diamonds in various Cultures

Romans trusted that diamonds convey gallantry and courageousness during combat.  Jewish high priests made use of diamonds to determine the virtue or responsibility of those charged of crimes, by either lackluster of guilty, or luminosity of virtue.  The Hindus held that the radiant diamond was formed when rocks were struck by lightening, and diamonds must be given as a gift of love or camaraderie to be successful as a lucky charm.

Diamonds were symbolic of the pureness of virtue, integrity, devotion and vigor, the diamond was believed to generate its owner to be endowed with boldness and be successful over their adversary.  The ancients also held that the diamond had mystical powers that influenced clarity, confidence, peace and unconditional love, and used diamonds for purposes of detoxification.

Before the 15th century, royalty were the only people to wear diamonds, as the diamond represented power, gallantry, and unconquerable supremacy.  However through the centuries the precious gemstone diamond which rose from common coal, and has attained its distinctive prominence as the supreme gemstone endowment of love.

- Where did the first Diamond Engagement Ring come from?

The inspiration of the diamond engagement ring began as the Archduke Maximilian of Austria, searched for a gift of love and honor to bestow upon his future bride Mary of Burgundy, and decided that a diamond ring would suit her well.  The 17th century introduced new methods of faceting gemstones, and the diamond became the favored gemstone for the fashioning of jewelry.

- Diamond is a Birthstone!

April holds the honor of the diamond being its representative birthstone.  As April, born people are known for their robust feelings of straightforward energy and strong bonds of love, as well as powerful attitudes.

- Considering the Value of Diamonds

Have you ever considered why diamonds are so valuable?   Precious gem quality diamonds are very rare indeed.  It takes approximately, the mining and processing of 250 tons of ore to produce a single one-carat polished diamond of gem quality.  To recover such a precious gem quality diamond is not an easy task, even at the level of today’s proficient technology.

- Diamond Quality

Each individual diamond is gathered and classified according to size, shape or cut, color and quality, and then categorized.  Gem quality diamonds are dispatched to a major cutting center where each individual diamond is calculated and marked to be fashioned in the best cutting style to compliment the gemstone.  Then they are skillfully cut, polished and sorted.   The complex procedures of extracting and finishing a gemstone from the earth to the gleaming polished diamond in your jewelry takes the expertise of many skilled and experienced craftsmen.

© 2009 Sara Valor