Diamonds are the iconic symbol of engagement and betrothal but it is has not always been so. Throughout history, different cultures have placed different value and interpretation on the beauty and brilliance of one of the rarest, but most sought after precious stones.
Let’s dispel a modern myth immediately; the vast majority of diamonds are mined not to go on your finger or into a piece of jewelry, but to be fixed on the end of drill bit or other industrial use. Diamond is one of the hardest materials known to man, both artificial and naturally occurring and while a well-cut diamond may look like a million dollars, the hardness of the stone makes them invaluable in many industrial processes. Many people make the mistake of thinking that diamonds are “the” hardest material known to man which is incorrect, a man-made substance known as “nonorods” is actually the hardest substance known at this time.
Most diamonds are not clear or colorless; most of them are actually a shade of yellow which varies widely. An uncut stone will typically have the same color as dirty dishwater! Many stones once cut have a yellowish hue but this is minimized by clever cutting of the stone and skillful placement in a ring or jewelry setting. Pink diamonds are the rarest of all diamonds and of course, the most expensive!
The most expensive wedding dress in the world is worth a whopping $12 million, not least, because it is made with over 150 carats of diamonds!
Diamonds are thought to have been discovered over 3,000 years ago by Indians but the consumer-driven public did not believe that diamonds are a girl’s best friend until the 1940’s. The largest miner and producer of diamonds is De Beers who are based primarily in South Africa; it is they who came up with arguably the most successful marketing campaign in history. Firstly, the slogans, “Diamonds are Forever” and “Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend” where coined by their marketing people. They also managed to convey the idea that a diamond engagement ring was part of Anglo-Saxon Christian tradition and, best of all, they have been entirely successful in persuading millions of eager young men that when they come to buy a diamond engagement ring it should cost at least three months of their salary!
Is any of this steeped in any form of tradition?
Not a bit of it!
Diamonds themselves are amongst the oldest stones on the planet and are believed to have been formed around 3 billion years ago and 100 miles below the surface of the Earth.
The Ancient Romans monopolized the diamond trade from India which was then the only source of diamonds in the world until the 6th Century. The Romans also adopted the Indian belief that diamonds could ward off evil spirits and demons, and diamonds were heavily used in the manufacture of decorative talismans to protect the wearer.
The Cullinan diamond is the largest diamond ever discovered and in its rough, uncut form weighed 3,106 carats. It was cut into nine major diamond pieces and the largest, the Star of Africa, now forms the centerpiece of the Royal Sceptre forming part of the British Crown Jewels and is on display at the Tower of London in England.
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