History of Diamonds
Diamonds have been sought the world over, fought over, worshipped and used to cast love spells. The Romans believed that diamonds brought courage and bravery during battle. For ancient Greeks, diamonds were star fragments fallen over the Earth. The Greek word "Adamas" meaning unconquerable and indestructible is the root word of diamond.
Until the XV century, only kings used diamonds because they were symbol of tenacity, courage, power, invulnerability and invincibility. From myths about valleys of diamonds protected by snakes, to the production of millions of carats in rough diamonds each year, the history of diamonds is one of mystical power, beauty and commercial expertise.
The history of the diamond dates back about 3,000 years in India, where it is likely that diamonds were first valued for their ability to refract light. In those days, the diamond was used in two ways-for decorative purposes, and as a talisman to ward off evil or provide protection in battle.
Through centuries diamonds have been a symbol of fidelity, love, and excellence. For this reason, it is customary to give a diamond ring as a present in an engagement.
The custom of giving a diamond ring for engagements started in the XV century, when the Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave the first diamond ring engagement to Maria of Mary of Burgundy in 1477.
Throughout much of history, diamonds were mined from the sand and gravel surrounding rivers. But in South Africa in 1870 diamond was found in the earth far from a river source, and the practice of dry-digging for diamonds was born. More sophisticated mining techniques allowed deeper subterranean digging, as well as more efficient river (and, most recently, marine) mining, than ever before.
