The History of Diamonds

Throughout history, diamonds have captured theSaint Louis IX of France established a sumptuary law
interest of mankind with its brilliant sparkle and itsthat mandated reserving diamonds for the king,
durability and hardness. There are ancient myths andemphasizing its worth and value. Kings wore diamonds
beliefs about diamonds, from it being the tears of godsto symbolize strength, invincibility and courage. Over
to pieces of stars fallen from the sky.time, the European aristocracy and even the wealthy
One legend even tells of a valley of diamonds inmerchant class, both men and women, also began
Central Asia protected by murderous snakes and birdswearing diamond jewels.
of prey.Because of the worth and value of this precious
The earliest accounting of diamonds date back somemineral, diamonds have also become a source of
3000 years ago in India, where it was first mined. In theconflict. Today, diamonds mines in Central and West
ancient language of Sanskrit, the word diamond isAfrica have come under the control of revolutionary
taken from vajra, meaning thunderbolt, and indrayudha,groups. These profits from the sales of these "blood
meaning the weapon of Indra, who is warrior god fromdiamonds" have been used to finance their operations.
Vedic scriptures. No diamonds have actually beenBut the common household might know more about
found in ancient Indian sites, but instead history leavesdiamonds from a De Beers commercial than from
us with diamond "footprints", cylindrical holes in ancientnews of conflict diamonds. De Beers is a well-known
beads, with noticeable grooves left by a twin-diamonddiamond store and its "A diamond is forever"
drill.advertising campaign is one the most successful and
These diamond drill holes are not similar to any otherinnovative campaigns in marketing history.
kind of drilling technique and are unique to diamondAnd that is why the diamond has in history, also
drilling technology. In India, the diamond had abecome a symbol of love. In 1477, Archduke
multi-purpose use, one for its decorative properties,Maximillian of Austria gave an everlasting symbol of his
and another to ward off evil and to serve as aaffection to Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring that has
talisman during battle. It was likely that it was first highlystarted the tradition of diamond engagement rings.
priced in ancient India due to its light reflectingSince then, women have been dreaming of wearing
properties.their own diamond engagement ring on their hand
Diamonds began appearing again in history in the 13thbefore getting married.
century as part of European royalty, sharing settingsThroughout history, diamonds have been known for its
with gold and pearls. Instead of its popularity due toexcellent physical properties and even its ties to
mythical powers, as diamonds were once also used inspiritual and seemingly mystical powers. Its value and
the Dark Ages as a medical aid, diamonds wereworth have only increased during the centuries and will
featured prominently in jewelry and royal regalia,endure on, as diamonds are forever.
especially by the 17th and 18th century.