The word diamond comes from the Ancient Greek term “adamas,” meaning and indestructible and unconquerable. Diamonds have been used by humans for almost 4,000 years. Initially, uncut diamonds were found along riverbeds. The water slowly polished the stones and made them similar to what they are today. They may not have the brilliance and luster of the diamonds of today but they are still diamonds, nonetheless.

Ancient Greeks believed diamonds were “splinters of stars fallen to Earth” or “teardrops of the Gods.” Diamonds are made of pure carbon compressed under tons of rock ad earth after many millions of years into the uncut diamonds that we see today. Kings in the earlier times used diamonds for studding their leather breastplates which made these harder to penetrate with swords and arrows. Uncut Diamonds were worn as is for the longest time because of their hardness and the superstition that surrounds them. There was also nothing to cut diamonds with all those years ago, so people wore them as is.

Diamonds Representing Love

The use of diamonds in engagement rings occurred when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. Since then, offering the women they love diamond rings became a tradition that lasts up to now. Diamond rings’ (not anymore uncut diamonds) popularity took a step higher in the 16th Century in England. Lovers at that time etched pledges on their window panes with their diamond rings. These rings were known as “scribbling rings” during that time.

The Source Of Diamonds

India was initially the major source of diamonds but when the Indian source of uncut diamonds diminished, Brazil became the diamond supplier of the world. In 1867, Kimberlite peridotite pipes were discovered in Africa and the rest was history. These volcanic formations became the origin of the majority of the diamonds available today. The De Beers Company which trades uncut diamonds and cut diamonds in South Africa has the biggest share of the export of diamonds.

Up until today, miners still mine old volcanic fissures for uncut diamonds to be transformed into the beautiful stones we know today. Diamonds are not a rare commodity nor are they the most expensive gems in the world when compared per carat to others but they are the most sought after. This is due to the diamond producers’ manipulations of the diamond market. Diamonds of high quality which have no fissure, cracks or clouds are rare, though. High quality diamonds are colorless or “white” and very brilliant.