Diamond
Diamond is composed of the element carbon and is the purest of all gemstones. Pure diamond is colourless, although most diamonds are slightly
tinted, the most common colour being yellow, arising from tiny impurities of nitrogen within the crystal. Diamonds can also form in blue, green,
purple, pink, orange, brown and black, these are called ‘fancy diamonds.’ Diamond is the hardest known mineral on earth (10 on Mohs' scale
of hardness), which makes it a perfect gemstone for jewellery.
The word diamond comes from the Greek ‘adamas’ meaning indestructible or unconquerable, referring to its unique hardness. Diamond is created
at very high temperatures and pressures, deep in the earth’s crust, almost 50 miles underground. Most diamonds are found in ‘kimberlites’,
which are pipe-like formations created from volcanic activity. Diamonds were first round in India around 600 BC, and, in 1725, they were
discovered in Brazil. Mines in India and Brazil were almost exhausted when, around 1870, diamonds were discovered in South Africa, which remains
today one of the world’s most important sources of diamonds.
The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that diamonds were the tears of the gods, and splinters from falling stars. The Greeks also believed
that the fire in the heart of the stone reflected the constant flame of love. They were also regarded as talismans that would protect against
poison, intrigues, lunacy and the spells of witches. Warriors wore diamonds, trusting that their hardness would give them courage and protection
in battle. Maidens believed that the diamond’s purity symbolized their own virtue.
Diamond has been used for centuries as a symbol of love and marriage and is the favoured stone for an engagement ring. Diamonds have been
worn by royalty for thousands of years. Queen Elizabeth II owns many important diamonds such as the Cullinan I and Cullinan II, cut from the
largest diamond ever mined.
Diamonds are cut to maximize the stone’s brilliance, sparkle and fire. The most common cut is the round ‘brilliant cut’ but other popular cuts
are marquise, emerald, pear, heart and oval. Diamonds are graded by the four ‘C’s’: Colour, Cut, Clarity and Carat (weight) – the closer a
diamond is being colourless and flawless, the higher it’s value.
Diamond is the birthstone for April and the anniversary gemstone for 60 years of marriage.