Diamond
Diamond Stone Meaning and History
Our fascination with the diamond began in India, where these precious stones were sourced from the country’s rivers and streams. Traded as early as the fourth century BCE, diamonds became highly sought after by royalty and the affluent. Later, caravans transported Indian diamonds, alongside other exotic goods, to medieval markets in Venice. By the 1400s, diamonds had become fashionable accessories for Europe’s elite. The first recorded diamond engagement ring was presented by Archduke Maximillian of Austria to his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy, in 1477. Recent evidence suggests that the legendary 45.52-carat blue Hope diamond originated from India’s Golconda mining area and was sold to King Louis XIV of France (then known as the French Blue diamond) in 1668.
In the early 1700s, as India’s diamond supplies dwindled, Brazil emerged as a significant source. Diamonds were discovered as gold miners sifted through gravels along the banks of the Jequitinhonha River in Minas Gerais. Brazil dominated the diamond market for over 150 years.
The discovery of diamonds near Kimberley, South Africa, in the late 1860s marked the inception of the modern diamond market. Entrepreneur Cecil Rhodes established De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited in 1888, ultimately controlling an estimated 90 percent of the world’s rough diamond production by 1900. The largest diamond ever found, weighing 3,106 carats (621 grams), was unearthed from South Africa’s Premier mine in 1905. From this diamond, the pear-shaped 530-carat Cullinan I diamond, also known as the Great Star of Africa, was cut. It now adorns the Royal Sceptre with Cross, housed alongside the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London.
An anonymous second-century poet claimed that diamonds warded off the evil eye—a malevolent gaze believed to cause illness, poverty, and even death. Diamonds were also thought to possess healing powers, antidotes to poison, and protection against the plague. Some believe diamonds bring longevity, strength, beauty, and happiness.
Additionally, diamonds are traditionally gifted for the 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries. Today, the diamond engagement ring has become a ubiquitous symbol of love and marriage.
Where is Diamond found?
Today, diamond mining is a global endeavor. By the early 2000s, South Africa had been joined by other African nations as major producers of rough diamonds, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly known as Zaire) and Botswana. The former Soviet Union initiated significant diamond mining in 1960, and Russia now ranks among the top producers by both volume and value. The diamond industry experienced exponential growth with the establishment of the Argyle mine in Australia in 1983 and the discovery of numerous diamond deposits in northern Canada during the 1990s.
In Botswana, diamonds are found in the typically hot, semi-arid eastern region of the country. These prolific mines have stimulated economic growth, leading to the emergence of a burgeoning middle class. Moreover, Botswana serves as a key diamond hub, where approximately 40 percent of the world’s supply of rough diamonds are sorted and valued.
Diamond Stone Care and Cleaning
Diamond, boasting a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, is typically durable enough to withstand cleaning in an ultrasonic cleaner. However, if your diamond stone contains numerous inclusions or has undergone treatment, it's advisable to clean it using a lint-free cloth, or alternatively, utilize warm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush or a commercial jewelry cleaning solution. Additionally, it's prudent to have your diamond jewelry regularly cleaned and its setting inspected by a professional jeweler to preserve its beauty and structural integrity over time.
