Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein
The earliest diamonds were found in the 4th century B.C. in India.
Composed of mostly carbon that’s been subjected to extremely high temperatures and pressure, the name ‘diamond’ comes from the Greek word adamas, translated ‘unconquerable, invincible.’
The contrast of uncut diamonds with the polished, cut version in the lower right corner is striking (photo thanks to www.gia.edu (the Gemological Institute of America)
Known as the “king of gems” for its perfect structure, unique light refraction, and hardness ( a perfect 10 on the 1-10 Mohs Scale), Diamond is considered the master healer.
A sign of fidelity, Diamond never needs recharging. In fact, it’s said to enhance the properties of other crystals. It offers fearlessness, clears emotional pain, stimulates creativity, and attracts abundance.
Physically, Diamond detoxifies all the systems in the body, clears sight, treats vertigo and allergies, and thwarts poison.
Diamond is listed as the sixth stone in the breastplate of the Jewish high priest and was said to reveal the guilt or innocence of an accused person. During the Middle Ages, Diamond worn in a ring was thought to serve as an antidote to poison.
Until the middle of the 18th century, it was believed that India was the only source of diamonds in the world. But a teenager exploring a riverbank in South Africa discovered what turned out to be a more than 2000-carat diamond! Shortly after, the Kimberly Mine came into operation.
In 1880, an Englishman formed De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd. to help control the supply of diamonds. But by that time, demand was down, as more people were choosing colored gemstones (emeralds, rubies, sapphires) for their engagement stones.
It wasn’t until 1947, when an advertising agency came up with the slogan ‘A diamond is forever’ that the popularity of the gemstone surged. Today, more than three-fourths of engagement rings sold contain diamond stones.
Now a resident of the Smithsonian Institution, the Hope Diamond was originally 115 carats and probably purchased in India. Reputedly cursed, the diamond has been recut to 45.5 carats. Thanks to 1stdibs.com for this photo.
Besides their function as gemstones, Diamonds are used industrially as an abrasive, embedded into metal drill bits for drilling oil wells, to enhance the performance of high-quality speakers, and in small mechanical devices. And, for those looking to preserve their loved ones after death, some companies now are turning cremated ashes into diamonds.
Diamond is the traditional birthstone for those born in April, as well as the anniversary stone for those celebrating 10 or 60 years.
Feng Shui practitioners consider Diamond an “energy disperser” that should be placed in any window to act as a prism radiating light and energy.
Metaphysical healers advise using Diamond to balance the Crown Chakra, helping connect us to universal truth and remain unruffled by setbacks.
Note: The claims here aren’t meant to take the place of medical advice. They’re based on folklore and other sources, and likely “work” best if one’s belief is strong enough!
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
” Diamond never needs recharging. In fact, it’s said to enhance the properties of other crystals.”
Debbie, in as much as I’ve read and know about gemstones, I had no idea about that. Very interesting!
Love the photo of the Hope Diamond that you included. WOW…how gorgeous is that!
Something that I never knew until I worked for the jewelry company, Bvlgari, is that diamonds come in various colors, they are not all traditionally clear. I think my favorite colored diamond is pale yellow. I saw one in the Bvlgari store in NYC. It was so beautiful!
Thanks again sharing another fascinating and informative gemstone post, my friend! You always teach me something new.
Have a super Sunday!
X
Isn’t that Hope Diamond fabulous?? I wouldn’t be too eager to own it, of course, because of the curses associated with it, but I’d love seeing it in person!
Oh, yes, diamonds do come in colors. I probably should have included a photo of that, too. We get so accustomed to thinking of diamonds as being clear, colorless stones that we fail to remember natural diamonds also appear in yellow, orange, pink, red, blue, green, purple, and violet, as well as hundreds of color combinations!
Glad you learned something from this one, Ron — have a great week! xx
Even those diamonds in the rough are pretty, but who doesn’t enjoy the sparkle and shine of the cut and polished stone? I was especially interested to learn the first diamonds were found in India. I had no idea. I do prefer colored gems myself, but diamonds certainly do set them off nicely!
Linda, I gravitate to the colored stones, too, but there’s something about a huge, flawless, colorless diamond that is incredibly appealing! Perhaps that’s why they’re used as tokens of love?
Yes, I was surprised that India was a source of early diamonds. We’ve grown up with the South Africa mines as being the primary source, and they’ve done an amazing job in marketing the stones. If you’re interested in how diamonds are formed, here’s a 3-minute clip from National Geographic (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z_DkPWUkJQ)
Well done, Debbie. Those rough diamonds were a treat to see. And the Hope diamond, Yowzaa.
Glad you enjoyed them, John. And yes, Yowzaa is a great word for the Hope Diamond! Can you imagine owning something like that? I’d be afraid to wear it, that’s for sure!
I could see going to Wal-Mart with that thing around my neck. Ha ha ha.
Wouldn’t take long for you to get mugged!!
Or hired as a greeter
😉
I remember the first time I saw the Hope Diamond at the Smithsonian, being taken aback by its incredible beauty. Do you know that here in San Diego we have the Gemological Institute of America. You can only go by appointment and you have to go through a lot of security but once you’re in it’s fascinating. I learned so much and got to see so many amazing gems. Here’s the link: https://www.gia.edu/
Have a great week, Debbie!
You’ve actually seen the Hope Diamond?? Wow, Monica, I’m just pea-green over that! I imagine pictures really don’t do it justice.
You know, I didn’t realize the GIA is located in San Diago. It’s one of my favorite go-to sources on gemstones. If I ever get a trip out your way, I’m going to have to see if I can get an appointment and salivate over all that beauty! Thanks for the link!
It’s technically in Carlsbad, CA, which is like a suburb of San Diego, 20 minutes to the north.
Close enough. I’ve never been to San Diego, either, so that would be a fun trip!
Fascinating stuff! I must admit to never having loved diamonds – I prefer the coloured stones. Ha – and I’m not all together sure how I feel about turning my deceased loved ones into a ring! I’d have to give that some thought…
What?? Even after the “A diamond is a girl’s best friend” campaign?? Well, I suppose I can understand your preference — I, too, love colored stones. Maybe if I’d included photos of colored, rare diamonds, you’d have found one to your liking? https://www.naturallycolored.com/images/colored-diamonds/colored-diamonds-mix.jpg