As soon as mankind discovered diamonds they realized this crystalline carbon piece wasn’t just standard material to harvest and discard. They knew there was something special about this work. Almost immediately upon discovery, diamonds were seen as something divine. Diamonds were used to ornament religious icons and temples and only kings were allowed to collect the most exquisite variety of these “divine gifts.”
The Origins of Diamonds
It’s not surprising that diamonds were treated as something truly divine-after all, their properties were something man had never encountered before. Diamonds had very hard characteristics as well as a high dispersion index, and very high thermal conductivity. Because of these properties, ancient Indians (since it is believed India was the first country in which diamonds were discovered and harvested) used diamonds as ornamentation, making them the eyes of Hindu religious statues. Hindu teaching states that the being Indra uses “Vajrayudham”, a thunderbolt, as a weapon. The world vajra is also the same word uses to refer to diamond. In fact, there are 14 Hindu names in all that refer to a diamond.
The oldest dated print book still in existence is known as the Diamond Sutra, and it dates back to 868 A.D. The book describes some of Buddha’s teachings and includes a passage stating that a “diamond blade will cut through worldly illusion to illuminate what is real.” Jewelry is also a part of Buddhist teachings, since the triple jewel symbolizes Buddha, as well as his teachings in Dharma and in Sangha, the spiritual community.
Diamonds have been viewed as something divine, even outside of Hinduism and Buddhism. In ancient Greek mythology, Zeus transformed some youths into “adamas.” Adamas is still used as a word pertaining to a diamond or something characteristically indestructible. The symbolism of diamonds was at one time so prevalent that Christians refused to wear them as jewelry, because of the association with pagan amulets. This resulted in diamonds being scarce throughout Christian-dominated Europe for nearly an entire millennium.
Diamonds and Eternal Power?
It was also believed that diamonds gave the wearer certain supernatural powers. Among some of the superstitions: that a diamond would help lead a soldier to victory, no matter how many enemies he faced; that panics and pestilences would be thwarted; and that it would operate as a magnet and attract iron. There have also been myths spread that state the only way a diamond can be broken is to smear it with goat’s blood, or that a Hindu man should avoid contact with a diamond that has been cracked or misshapen. Even philosophers and scientists have had some exaggerated views of diamonds, while not exactly calling them divine. It was once believed that diamonds were the result of fermentation happening in the stars or that diamonds were linked to gold, or that diamonds were formed from clear water.
How about in modern civilization? Even the very religious today no longer see diamonds as symbolizing anything divine-even if it is still considered a “natural miracle.” However, diamonds are still highly symbolic of immortal characteristics such as indestructible power, purity and innocence, and of course eternal love. The diamond stone is currently the most popular gemstone for engagements and marriages.
It is stated that the diamond ring in contemporary society only became well-known beyond the 1930s. However, history indicates that the idea of using a diamond to symbolize love and marriage dates back to centuries ago. The very first known recipient of a diamond engagement ring was Mary of Burgundy, who accepted the proposal of Maximilian I, then Archduke of Austria, back in 1477. There is some evidence that ancient Roman civilization also used diamonds in matrimony, as well as tying in superstitions about the diamond warding off insanity and poison. Italy’s history likewise suggests that diamonds were symbolic of marital “concord.” However, this was for clearly symbolic purposes, as much of ancient Italian civilization did not necessarily consider the diamond to be a “beautiful stone,” as indicated by Isidore of Seville.
Diamonds and Romance
How about the symbolic diamond ring in contemporary civilization? Much of the credit for restoring the diamond ring to its original prominence would have to go to the De Beers company, who started an innovative marketing campaign in 1938 emphasizing to customers that diamonds were synonymous with true romance; a gift of love and the ultimate expression of love. This was a brilliant marketing campaign that at once, influenced a generation of youngsters to think of a diamond as the sign of a progressive courtship, and also brought respect back to the diamond as a collectible, which at the time was falling in price and certainly not associated with romance or marriage.
Diamonds have been associated with something above the human standard ever since their first appearance millenniums ago. They continue to represent perfection, an ideal, and a state of flawlessness. Little wonder they are used in marriage proposals, since they are the perfect reflection of what love should be: eternal and divinely romantic.
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March 10th, 2011 at 11:16 pm
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