Written By Alex Wong.
Last updated: 20 Nov 2024.
Diamond History: The Timeless Journey of Earth's Most Coveted Gem
Diamonds have long captivated humanity with their unmatched brilliance and resilience. Their story spans billions of years and crosses continents, from ancient trade routes to modern-day jewellery stores. This article explores the fascinating history of diamonds, revealing their origins, rise to global prominence, and the intricate craftsmanship that has elevated them to the pinnacle of luxury.
1. The Origin of Diamonds: A Geological Marvel
Diamonds are formed deep within the
Earth’s mantle, approximately 150-200 kilometres below the surface, where extreme pressure
and temperatures fuse carbon atoms into the hardest natural substance known to humankind. These gems
are brought to the Earth's surface through volcanic eruptions, encased within kimberlite
pipes. This process began billions of years ago, making the diamonds we see today some of
the oldest materials on Earth.
The first diamonds were discovered in India around the 4th century BCE. Prized for their unmatched
clarity, these diamonds were reserved for royalty and religious use, sparking tales of opulence and
mystique. Thus, the world’s fascination with diamonds began in ancient India, setting the stage for
their global allure.
2. The Rise of Diamond Trade: From India to Europe
India held a near-monopoly on the diamond trade for centuries, exporting gems to Europe
through the Silk Road and other trade routes. European royalty and nobility quickly adopted
diamonds as symbols of wealth and power. One of the most famous diamonds from this era is
the
Koh-i-Noor, a legendary gem that journeyed
through the hands of emperors and monarchs before becoming part of the British Crown Jewels.
In the 18th century, the discovery of new diamond deposits in Brazil shifted the centre of
diamond production from India to South America. However, the real revolution in the diamond
industry came in the 19th century when a young boy named Erasmus Jacobs found a diamond on
the banks of the Orange River in South Africa. This discovery sparked the diamond rush that
led to the development of major mining operations, such as the famous Kimberley mine, and transformed the
global diamond market.
3. The De Beers Legacy and Modern Marketing
The modern diamond industry owes much of its structure and global reach to the De Beers company,
founded in 1888 by Cecil Rhodes, a British businessman and imperialist who played a significant role
in southern Africa's colonial history. De Beers played a pivotal role in shaping the diamond market,
influencing supply and demand dynamics and establishing diamonds as valuable and sought-after gems
worldwide.
A pivotal moment in diamond marketing came in 1947 with the launch of De Beers' campaign, "A Diamond is Forever." This iconic slogan cemented the
diamond’s place as the ultimate symbol of enduring love, revolutionising engagement traditions.
Before this campaign, diamond engagement rings were uncommon, but it
didn’t take long for them to become an essential part of marriage proposals around the world.
4. The Evolution of Diamond Cutting Techniques
The
history of diamond cutting reflects the
ingenuity and craftsmanship that have shaped the gem’s appeal over the centuries. Early
diamonds were polished with minimal alteration to preserve their natural crystal shapes. By
the late Middle Ages, European cutters began experimenting with techniques to enhance a
diamond’s sparkle and brilliance.
The 15th-century introduction of the table cut marked the first major advancement in diamond
cutting, followed by the rose cut and old mine cut in the 17th and 18th centuries. The
breakthrough came in 1919 when Marcel Tolkowsky created the round brilliant cut, maximising
brightness and brilliance through precise facet calculations. Modern technology now enables
intricate cuts and precision, producing a wide array of fancy
shapes that highlight each diamond’s unique characteristics.
5. The Emergence of Fancy Colour Diamonds
While most diamonds are colourless or have subtle yellow hues, fancy colour diamonds
hold a special place in history. These rare gems, which come in shades of blue, pink, yellow, and
even red, are coveted for their striking beauty. Famous examples include the Hope Diamond, renowned for its deep blue colour and legendary
curse, and the Pink Star, a record-breaking gem that became
one of the most valuable diamonds ever sold.
The sources of these vibrant colours vary; blue
diamonds contain traces of boron, while pink diamonds' origins remain an intriguing
scientific mystery. These fancy diamonds continue to captivate collectors and connoisseurs for their
unparalleled rarity and allure.
6. The Legacy of Diamonds in Modern Times
Today, diamonds remain a universal symbol of status, commitment, and luxury. They play a central role in personal milestones such as engagements, anniversaries, and other celebrations of success. Modern consumers, however, are becoming increasingly aware of ethical sourcing. The Kimberley Process, established in 2003, aims to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds and ensure that diamond mining benefits local communities.
7. The History of Synthetic Diamonds: Man-Made Marvels
The history of synthetic diamonds began in the 19th century, with significant progress made in 1954 when General Electric produced the first lab-grown diamonds using high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) methods. Over time, the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) method emerged, making gem-quality synthetic diamonds more accessible. Originally used for industrial purposes, synthetic diamonds gained acceptance as ethical and sustainable alternatives, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. Today, they are nearly indistinguishable from natural diamonds, valued for their affordability, traceable origins, and wide-ranging applications.
Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Diamonds
The history of diamonds is a tale of natural wonder, human ambition, and enduring
allure. From their formation deep within the Earth’s mantle to their dazzling display
in jewellery, diamonds are a testament to nature’s brilliance and human
craftsmanship. Whether given as symbols of love, worn to celebrate milestones, or
cherished as heirlooms, diamonds remind us of the moments that make life extraordinary.
At Alex Wong Jewellery, we specialise in exquisite diamond jewellery, offering pieces that embody
this rich history and unmatched elegance. Explore our carefully curated collections and discover the
perfect piece to mark your own special moments. Visit us today to
experience the timeless beauty of diamonds firsthand.
What Our Clients Say
4.9/5.0 STARS ON GOOGLE
Finding a jeweler you can trust isn't always easy. That's why at Alex Wong, we're committed to building trust with every piece we craft. Explore our Google Reviews to see the experiences and trust our customers share.
Alex Wong Jewellery
Based on 156 reviews
Why Choose Us?
0
0
Choose Your Diamond
We highly recommend booking a personal viewing appointment for the best experience. Seeing and testing our
diamonds in person allows you to truly appreciate their beauty and ensures the perfect fit.
When scheduling your visit, please share your preferences and budget with us. We are dedicated to providing
tailored recommendations and are eager to assist you in selecting the ideal
gift.
10% Off Everything From Now Till 31st December 2024
Celebrate the joy of Christmas with timeless and sparkling diamonds that make perfect holiday gifts for your loved ones and friends.
Diamond Earrings start from $100, Diamond Rings start from $500. T&C applies.
Navigate with Google
Frequently Asked Questions
The history of diamonds dates back to around the 4th century BCE, when they were first discovered in India and prized for their clarity and brilliance, often reserved for royalty and religious use. The diamond trade expanded through the Silk Road, reaching European nobility by the Middle Ages as symbols of wealth. The discovery of diamond mines in 18th-century Brazil and 19th-century South Africa transformed the global diamond industry, cementing their status as coveted luxury items.
Diamonds were first discovered in India over 2,000 years ago. The Golconda region in India was particularly famous for producing some of the earliest known diamonds.
1) Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth, ranking 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. 2) They form under extreme heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s mantle. 3) Diamonds are made of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure, giving them unique properties. 4) The largest diamond ever found is the Cullinan Diamond, weighing 3,106 carats before being cut. 5) Diamond engagement rings became widely popular after De Beers' "A Diamond is Forever" campaign in 1947.
Diamonds were originally found in India, where they were first mined and valued for their beauty and rarity. Over time, new diamond sources were discovered in Brazil, followed by South Africa, which became a major supplier in the 19th century.
Diamonds are expensive due to their rarity, the complex and costly mining process, and the meticulous cutting, polishing, and grading required to turn rough stones into gemstones, all of which contribute to their high value.
Diamonds form deep within the Earth’s mantle under extreme heat and pressure, approximately 150-200 kilometres below the surface. They are created when carbon atoms are subjected to these conditions and crystallise. Volcanic eruptions then bring them closer to the surface, encased in kimberlite pipes.
Russia is currently the leading producer of diamonds by volume, with extensive mining operations that contribute significantly to the global diamond supply.
Yes, a laser can cut a diamond. Lasers are used in precision cutting and shaping of diamonds due to their ability to make clean, accurate cuts that traditional tools may not achieve.
The secret of a diamond’s sparkle lies in its cut. A well-cut diamond has carefully proportioned facets that reflect and refract light efficiently, producing maximum brilliance and fire. The quality of the cut determines how well the diamond interacts with light.
Diamonds are incredibly durable and can last forever under normal conditions. As the hardest natural material on Earth, ranking 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, they are highly resistant to scratching and wear.
Diamonds are renowned for their unmatched hardness, stunning brilliance, and natural rarity. These qualities make them ideal for both industrial applications and fine jewellery. Beyond their physical attributes, diamonds are universally recognised as symbols of love, commitment, and luxury, making them a timeless choice for celebrating life’s most cherished moments.
The history of diamonds spans thousands of years, beginning with their discovery in ancient India around the 4th century BCE, where they were prized for their clarity and used for religious and decorative purposes. Diamonds gained international prominence through trade with Europe in the Middle Ages. The discovery of new sources in 18th-century Brazil and 19th-century South Africa revolutionised the diamond market, solidifying their status as symbols of love and wealth.
Determining if a diamond is real is best done through a professional appraisal by a gemologist. Certifications from reputable organisations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) provide assurance by detailing the diamond’s characteristics and verifying its authenticity. Real diamonds have distinct traits that set them apart from synthetic or imitation stones like cubic zirconia.