Where Did Diamonds Come From?
Diamonds were created when our planet was born. They were formed deep in the earth, 100 to 200 miles below the surface, some 900 million to 3.3 billion years ago. They are made of pure carbon, crystallized by unimaginable heat and pressure, and were forced toward the earth's surface by volcanic eruption through “pipes” along with other minerals such as Kimberlite. Though some diamonds found their way into streams, rivers and seas, most settled back into the Kimberlite pipes, the primary sources for the world's diamond mines.
Diamonds were first mined in India some 4,500 years ago. Modern mining began in South Africa in the mid-19th century. Legend has it that Erasmus Jacobs, an eight-year-old farm boy, found a 21-carat yellow “pebble” that turned out to be a diamond in 1866 near the Orange River– the first of many discovered in South Africa.
Today, diamonds are found all over the world, including Canada, Russia, Australia, and throughout Africa. Yet, even with contemporary technology, they remain very difficult to find. Geologists search some of the most remote and inhospitable regions on earth to uncover new diamonds, including the frozen tundra of Siberia and Canada, the arid deserts of South Africa and Australia, and deep below the ocean floor.
Diamonds Through the Ages
The ancient Greeks and Romans believed diamonds were tears of the gods and splinters from falling stars. The Hindus believed diamonds were formed by lightning striking rock and attributed them such power they were placed in the eyes of statues. Kings and queens throughout history have adorned themselves with diamonds and fought bitter battles to gain possession of these unique jewels.
To the ancients, diamonds were magical, mystical talismans that could bring luck, wealth and success or bestow power, fearlessness and even invincibility. Roman soldiers wore diamonds in battle for protection and courage. In the Middle Ages, diamonds were used to ward off the effects of poison and illness. Jewish High Priests believed the stone could determine innocence or guilt.
Diamonds Symbolize Love
Diamonds have long been the ultimate symbol of love and romance. The word itself is derived from the ancient Greek word adamas, translated as "unconquerable." Some believed Cupid's arrows were tipped with diamonds. Others felt their power made people fall in love or that their brilliance reflected the flame of love.
Strength and durability have made diamonds an enduring symbol of matrimony and eternal commitment. The diamond engagement ring is a 500-year tradition started by Austria's Archduke Maximillian, who presented one to his fiancé, Mary of Burgundy, in 1477. He placed the ring on the third finger of her left hand, based on an ancient Egyptian belief that this finger contained a “love vein” running directly to the heart. Ever since, couples around the world have pledged their love and devotion with a diamond. Today, nearly 90% of brides in the U.S. receive a diamond engagement ring.
The ancient Greeks and Romans believed diamonds were tears of the gods. The Hindus believed they were formed by lightning striking rock.
