It has not always been so that diamonds were the symbols of engagement and betrothal they are today.Different cultures throughout history 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.
Diamonds are not all clear or colorless, in fact most are a shade of yellow.An uncut diamond typically has a color like dirty dishwater!Once cut, some stones 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 million, not least, because it is made with over 150 carats of diamonds!
Diamonds, discovered by Indians over 3,000 years ago, were a girl's best friend by the 1940's thanks to the consumer-driven public.d producer of diamonds; they came up with what might be the most successful marketing campaign in history.First off, the slogans, “Diamonds are Forever” and “Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend” were 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 tradition?
Not even a bit of it!
Diamonds are among the oldest stones known to man - they are believed to be 3 billion years old and to come from 100 miles below Earth's surfact.
India was the only source of diamonds in the world until the 6th century, and up until then the Ancient Romans monopolized the diamond trade.The Romans, as well as the Indians, believed that diamonds could ward off evil spirits and demons, so many diamonds were used in the manufacture of decorate talismans designed 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.
