The Story of Diamonds

The word "diamond" is derived from the Greek adàmas (related to the modern word adamant).  This word, meaning "unbreakable," is an apt term for diamonds, one of the hardest substances on earth.  Diamonds are a carbon allotrope formed under high pressure within a volcano many miles beneath the earth's surface.  Archaeological data indicates that diamonds were first used on the Asian continent about 3,000 years ago (1,000 BCE).  But newer finds suggest that they may have been used as early as 2,500 BCE in China.

Archaeological and historical evidence shows that diamonds were first used in India around 800 BCE.  Though they were most often used for ornamental decoration, they were also used for religious and ceremonial purposes.  For example, diamonds often accompanied a deceased person on his or her journey to the afterlife.  Diamonds were also useful as an effective tool for polishing and sharpening stone axes and other types of weapons.

It wasn't until the rise of the Greek and Roman Empires that diamonds became widely used as medium of trade.  Owing to their rarity, they soon became a symbol of luxury, as well as a sought-after gem with magical properties.  Legend has it that diamonds were dispersed throughout Europe after being discovered by Alexander the Great and his army at the mythical Valley of Diamonds in Northern India.  The Valley was thought to transfer hidden powers to the diamonds, putting them in high demand as talismans.  These talismans were thought to provide the wearer with superhuman strength and protection from earthly and spiritual foes.  Diamonds were also thought to aid women in the childbirth process.  Called parturition stones, they were believed to influence the development of a strong and healthy child during pregnancy.

There may actually by some truth to this legend of how diamonds were dispersed throughout Europe.  Alexander the Great was a Greek, and this civilization was among the first European empires to recognize and exalt the diamond for its indestructible nature and multitude of uses.

This idea that diamonds possessed supernatural qualities continued well after the fall of the Roman Empire and on through the Byzantine age.  Interestingly, it was during this time of the dark Middle Ages that diamonds were rumored to harbor evil powers.  This myth may have been concocted in an attempt to prevent thieves from taking the valuable gems.  It turns out that miners, who were well aware of the myths touting diamonds as giving vitality and strength, were actually swallowing them in small amounts.  This new myth sought to deter the practice by claiming that diamonds were a poison, requiring superhuman intervention to counteract their evil powers.

Moving into the renaissance era, the demand for diamonds began to sharply increase.  The Indian mining consortium couldn't keep up with the demand.  Diamonds became so highly prized that worldwide supply simply couldn't meet the insatiable demand for the gem.  The subsequent discovery of a large deposit of diamonds in South Africa in the proto-Industrial era kicked off the world's greatest diamond rush.

Since then, mining companies have multiplied wherever newly discovered diamond deposits are found, and continue to work to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for these fascinating gems.