History shows that most “objects” of any value tend to cause trouble. Wars occur over land, oil, water or other items that have a specific value at a specific point in time. People fight over possessions, money and material goods as well, and one item that has a long history of controversy and material value is the diamond.Even the stone’s name comes from ancient times, when the Greeks called them “adamas” (the unconquerable). The strength and durability of a diamond was quickly recognized, and soon it was regularly seen on the leather “armor” of royalty, more as an amulet of protection than as an actual barrier against physical harm. Soon however, the beauty of diamonds for ornaments was recognized and royals began crafting elaborate crowns and ornamental jewelry. Continue reading »
When thinking about diamonds most people don’t think of a rainbow of color, with every hue or shade possible, but actually diamonds come naturally in over three hundred possible colors. They range from “pumpkin” orange, to pale pink and “canary” yellow. In fact, some of the world’s most well-known and largest stones are not clear, glass-like examples of a diamond, but enormous colored gems.In the history of diamonds there are ten on record that weigh more than two hundred carats each. Some belong to royal families, governments and private individuals. Some have passed from public notoriety into complete secrecy, and some have even been used to do good deeds. They all come from different sources, and some have a great deal of mystery attached to their origins, but they are all remarkable for their size and notoriety. Continue reading »
Diamonds come in a variety of sizes and colors. This variety has made affording a diamond possible for a wide range of people. However, there have been famous diamonds in world history that only the very wealthy could ever own. It is the popularity of these famous diamonds that have provided energy for the diamond business. Some of these famous diamonds have been recreated in natural stones or in synthetic stones as a tribute to their beauty. The Hope Diamond is a 45.52 carat blue diamond surrounded by many clear white diamonds. It has been around since the 1600’s and is now kept at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. An imitation of the Hope Diamond has been recreated in the past for the movie “Titanic.” In addition, other synthetic stones, as well as real stones, have been created into jewelry to resemble the diamond. The Hope Diamond is considered one of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry. Continue reading »
Diamonds have fascinated most formal cultures and societies throughout the ages. Their beauty and value have brought about great disputes, warfare and bloodshed. They were generally only available to royalty or the super wealthy until the nineteenth century, when they began to enter the market at more affordable prices and at larger numbers than ever before. Until that time they were highly sought after objects that were used to display great wealth and power. Continue reading »
People have long heard the words, “A diamond is forever“, which it is. Throughout history, many rich and famous people have wowed the public with amazing diamonds, rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, tiaras, and more. Without doubt, famous people have a significant love for diamonds, creating a fairytale that the majority of people can only appreciate from afar. Continue reading »
There are some really notable diamonds in the history of jewelry and gemology. Some are remarkable for their perfection and color, others just for their enormous proportions. Many pieces of famous jewelry contain tremendous diamonds, such as the well known Taylor-Burton diamond that was given to Elizabeth Taylor by her twice-husband Richard Burton. After his death the actress sold the incredible piece of jewelry and used the funds to create a charitable hospital in Africa. There are other diamonds that have equally famous stories, and equally famous size, and the world’s top ten are listed below. Continue reading »
In recent months, millions of dollars have been spent on some very impressive diamonds at auctions around the world. A colorless diamond in Hong Kong sold for $6.2 million, while a blue diamond in Geneva sold for more than $8 million.There is something romantic about the history of the diamond, something magical, and this is why so many people become enthralled by the stones and the stories they can tell. With all of the large diamonds being bought and sold in recent auctions in Geneva and Hong Kong, many people are remembering some of the famous diamonds of years past.
There is plenty to love about diamonds. In Hollywood, diamonds are always flawless (though the people wearing the diamonds are usually very flawed). Can you think of 8 movies in Hollywood that have immortalized the idea and image of a sparkling diamond? These 8 movies are some of the most popular suggestions and had audiences thinking about more than plot by the time the final facet glowed. Continue reading »
When we think of diamonds we often think of clear brilliant gems. However, diamonds are not only clear colored stones. For example, the blue diamond is one of the most fascinating diamonds around. The blue diamond is also one of the rarest varieties of diamond, which makes it extremely sought after and expensive.The blue diamond is special. Natural blue diamonds come to be from traces of boron in the stone’s chemical composition. This is not a common occurrence, because this is something that happens in less than 0.1 percent of natural diamonds. Continue reading »
Even the smallest of well-cut diamonds glitters and sparkles, but there are some world-famous diamonds of such epic proportions and size that they certainly have extraordinary sparkle and glitter. Historically the ten most well-known and largest diamonds begin at a “lowest” weight of 203 carats! These huge stones are known by formal names and titles and some have equally colorful and mysterious histories surrounding them. Continue reading »
