Diamonds are hailed as the most precious gemstones because they have unique and exclusive qualities, proving that each stone is graded differently. This is why diamonds are a highly prized possession. Moreover, diamond has become the symbol of class and elegance when it comes to luxurious jewelry worn on special occasions.
To know more about these brilliant stones, we listed 15 cool facts and tidbits about diamonds and their origins.
1. Diamonds came from the Greek word “Adamas,” which means unconquerable or indestructible. Ancient Greeks believe it has mystical power and spirit, and that it came from the tears of gods.
2. Diamonds have formed around 3.3 billion years ago. This indicates that diamond is already present even before the existence of dinosaurs or the Mesozoic Era between 245 and 66 million years ago.
3. It is a known fact about diamonds, huge fans probably knew, that it is made of carbon which makes it the “hardest natural substance” for humans.
4. Another well-known fact about diamonds is that Russia is the top producer and largest resource of these stones across the world. This is followed by Botswana (South Africa), the Democratic Republic of Congo, Australia, and Canada.
5. In India, the first diamonds were discovered in alluvial deposits along the river. Indians value them because of the stone’s hardness and not its brilliance.
6. These gems were initially used as accent decoration by Europeans dedicated to the royal family only.
7. It is believed that the first diamond cutting started in Venice, Rome.
8. The first engagement ring made of diamond was given by The Archduke Maximillian of Austria to his wife to be, Mary of Burgundy. History says that it was worn on the third finger of her right hand.
9. During the year 1600 to 1750, diamonds were worn to symbolize wealth and prosperity.
10. Diamonds in South Africa were first discovered by a 15-year-old boy named Erasmus Jacobs. He found them on a transparent rock near the Orange River. Eventually, tradesmen were attracted to this news which led to the growth of the diamond industry in the country.
11. According to history, the largest gem-quality rough diamond found was called the Cullinan Diamond.
12. An interesting fact about diamonds when it comes to grading its quality lies in its 4Cs – cut, color, clarity, and carat. This standard was originated by the Gemological Institute of America.
13. A chemistry professor named Dr. Wuzong Zhou of St. Andrews University discovered that you could find diamond particles in a candle flame. The estimated 1.5 million diamond nanoparticles produced every second came from “hydro-carbon molecules at the bottom of the flame and are converted into carbon dioxide by the top of the flame.” However, the sampling technique to remove the particles from the flame would only lead to degradation of diamond cost.
14. Aside from their usual brown and yellow colors, diamonds come in a variety of shades such as natural pink, black, gray, blue, orange, red, and violet. But these colors are extremely rare and the intensity may not be noticeable unless the gemstone is held in a face-up position.
15. Scientists revealed that there are diamonds in space. The so-called giant dying star or white dwarf star contains crystallized carbon that forms into a giant diamond. It is considered the largest diamond in the universe with a size of about 10 billion carats in weight.
