History of diamonds

Diamond Buyer's Guide

Diamond history, mythology and legend

From the ancient Greeks to the modern day, diamonds have been considered to be magical, powerful and potent symbols. They are also revered for their physical properties, durability, sparkle and the many legends and myths that have been attached to them through history.

Diamond engagement rings

Perhaps the most famous tradition for diamond rings is using them as engagement rings. The diamond has been considered the ultimate symbol of love since 1447 when Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring as a promise of marriage. However, this influential tradition can be traced back to the Middle Ages and even Roman times. The Romans valued the diamond for its supernatural powers and later Italians believed that the diamond could maintain good relations between a married couple so they recommended it as the stone to be set in wedding rings.

Diamonds and power

Beyond marriage ceremonies, diamonds have always been sought after by the world's most wealthy and powerful people. The word diamond comes from 'adamas' which is the Greek word for 'invincible' and Monarchs have used them as symbols of power by wearing them in their swords, scabbards and as status symbols in their clothing and crowns. The Koh-I-Noor diamond, for example, has been worn in the crown jewels of British Monarchs since 1877. Throughout history, diamonds have been used to represent power and royalty from empires and royal houses to Hollywood glamour.

Diamonds and mythology

In addition to symbolic power, diamonds are also said to possess supernatural powers. Throughout history, diamonds have been used as adornments and symbols of love, but different cultures have also seen more mystical and mythological powers in this dazzling gemstone.

Many cultures consider diamonds to be of such worth that they could only have been created as a result of divine intervention. The ancient Greeks even thought that diamonds were the tears of the Gods. In the Old Testament Book of Exodus, diamonds are said to be set in the Urim and Thummim which was worn by Hebrew High priests when they communicated with God or sought oracular guidance.

One of the earliest symbolic uses for diamonds was as the eyes of Hindu devotional statues. Also in Hinduism, Indra uses the Vayrayudham, or the thunderbolt as a weapon. Vajra is the Hindu word for diamonds and ayudham means weapon in Sanskrit.

In North West China the oldest printed book, the Diamond Sutra, dates from AD 868. The title refers to a diamond blade that will cut through worldly illusion to illuminate the real and everlasting. In fact, jewel imagery forms a central part of Buddhism.

More diamond myths

As you can see diamonds are central to many of the world's oldest and greatest cultures. Here are a few more myths connected to diamonds:

• In India, diamonds were considered to be good luck charms that warded off evil so to they were set into the eyes of statues.
• Romans believed that diamonds were shards from fallen stars.
• Cupid's arrow was said to tipped with diamonds.
• Plato considered diamonds to be living beings, embodying human spirits.

Modern diamonds

Today, diamonds are regular fixtures on red carpets and catwalks all over the world because they represent wealth, success, glamour and power like no other gemstone. Diamond jewellery became more widely accessible with the discovery of diamond mines on the African continent in 1870. Since then jewellery has been designed to perfectly enhance a diamond's beauty. Diamond engagement rings are as fashionable today as ever in history and are available as solitaire rings, cluster rings and three stone rings. Wedding rings increasingly feature diamonds. Diamond necklaces, bracelets and earrings are an essential in every woman's jewellery wardrobe.

Diamonds are a truly historic, mythological and fashionable gem associated with a rich history of mythology and tradition beyond merely being jewellery or engagement rings. Diamonds capture the human imagination and heart like no other gemstones or material and have, through history, come to represent our gods, kings, queens, rulers and especially, our love for each other.