History of the Diamond
Have you ever wondered just how far back our love affair with diamonds goes?
The diamond, as a mineral, goes all the way back to the formation of the earth. Diamond jewelry can be traced as far back as ancient India.
Most of the diamonds that we have today are the result of millions of years of geologic forces on carbon atoms. These forces cause the carbon to crystallize into what we know as diamonds.
The rough diamonds are forced up from the earth through shafts known as "kimberlite pipes" named for the city of Kimberley, South Africa where a large number of these pipes have been found.
Diamonds are either dug out of the earth from mines but can also be found in river beds and coastal ocean floors.
The earliest records of diamond production come out of India where they were often found in river beds and areas prone to flooding.
For centuries, India was the main source of diamonds for the entire world. This meant that solid trade routes with India were essential in bringing diamonds to the rest of the world, particularly the developing culture of Western Europe.
For centuries, the trade routes went through the Middle East, which added taxes and tolls to the already steep prices of the rare diamonds.
In 1725 the Portuguese discovered diamonds in their colony of Brazil. This discovery gave the Indian diamond industry a run for its money.
So, the prices of diamonds began to drop and diamond cutters now began experimenting with cutting techniques and formulas. These new cuts allowed for more light to pass through the diamonds than ever before.
Then, more than a century later in 1867, the entire diamond world was to change forever.
Near Kimberley, South Africa, diamonds were discovered in quantities larger than anyone ever thought possible.
Suddenly, diamonds were no longer the domain of royalty and the wealthy. The newly discovered diamond source in South Africa allowed the European middle class to afford diamonds for themselves.
As the 20th century dawned, new technological advances and diamond cutting formulas developed, such as Tolkowsky's 1919 formulations for the Ideal Cut. These changes brought exciting developments into the world of diamonds and diamond jewelry.
It was also during the 20th century that the United States finally caught "diamond fever". By mid-century, Hollywood stars were seen in films and magazines wearing diamonds, which only made America's hunger stronger.
Today, the U.S. stands as the world's largest consumer of diamonds and diamond jewelry. Although it may remain so for quite a while, the quickly growing economies of China and India are demanding diamonds like never before.
Perhaps it is because diamonds last forever that they will always appeal to the human heart.
Although there is much more to the history of diamonds, we hope we have given you a good idea of just how far back the history takes us. We invite you to explore the world of diamonds on your own to expand your personal knowledge on the subject.
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