Natural diamonds undergo a remarkable journey from their origin to becoming the world's most valuable heirloom. Let's discover the brief history of natural diamonds tracing their path from formation to the present day.
Approximately three billion years ago, an extraordinary process began that would create one of the most rare and beautiful gemstones. Originating some 100 miles beneath the earth's surface, natural diamonds emerged through extreme heat, pressure, and geological phenomena. During their formation, the earth bore no semblance of life, rendering natural diamonds among the oldest artifacts one might encounter, possessing an age that eclipses all else.When natural diamonds formed, there was no life on earth, making a natural diamond perhaps the oldest object you will ever touch, let alone possess.
When and where were natural diamonds first discovered?
Nearly 4,000 years ago, humans first discovered natural diamonds in caves in India. However, the exact identity of the individual who made this groundbreaking discovery remains a mystery to this day. The journey of natural diamonds from their formation to their discovery spanned billions of years. Most diamonds surfaced through ancient volcanoes, where they became trapped in magma and eventually transported to the Earth's surface. No one knows exactly who discovered the very first diamond or the first diamond itself. It could be on your finger right now.
After humans first discovered diamonds, they were immediately captivated and bewildered by their unique properties. A natural diamond’s brilliance and unwillingness to be cut and shaped led people to believe they must have come from the gods. These rough, unpolished, and uncut diamonds were a remarkable find and quickly made their way on trade routes to Europe and China, where they became symbols of status and power among kings and queens. India remained the only source of natural diamonds for over a thousand years. Most natural diamonds are found in the remnants of ancient, underground volcanic pipes, formed through millions of years of geological processes. Without the eruption of these volcanoes millions of years ago, diamonds would have remained hidden deep within the Earth's mantle. Today, the journey of natural diamonds continues to fascinate and inspire, tracing back to their origins and the remarkable forces that brought them to the surface.
When were diamonds first cut?
The shaping, cutting, and polishing of diamonds weren’t possible for hundreds of years after their discovery due to their extreme harness. The first diamond-cutting techniques began in the 14th Century and were initially very rough because natural diamonds are the hardest natural materials on earth. It wasn’t until the 20th Century that we were able to cut and shape diamonds with the precision we know today. Even still, the process is done almost entirely by hand by skilled artisans, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship involved in transforming the diamonds into a wonderful jewellery.
Why are diamonds linked to love?
The folklore surrounding natural diamonds grew over time, connecting their extreme strength and distinctive physical properties to concepts of power and protection. This belief led to their influence among royalty, who viewed diamonds as symbols of invincibility. The term "diamond" originates from the Greek word "adamas," translating to "unbreakable" or "unalterable." This durability paralleled the enduring nature of love, forming the basis of our association between diamonds and expressions of affection. In Roman mythology, diamonds were believed to adorn Cupid's arrows, reinforcing their significance in matters of love and romance.
What was the first diamond engagement ring?
One of the most significant moments in diamond history unfolded shortly after the discovery of diamond cutting. In 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria, a renowned European royal, proposed to his beloved, Mary of Burgundy, presenting what is now recognized as the first diamond engagement ring. The idea of an engagement period before marriage was relatively new, as the Pope of that time had only recently suggested it. Maximilian wanted to symbolize his love and affection and publicly declare his commitment by gifting a gem that had long symbolized love and resilience since its discovery. This extraordinary gesture filled diamonds with a deeper significance, embodying sentiments of dedication, romance, and enduring love as the tradition of diamond engagement rings grew popular worldwide.
Today, natural diamonds remain timeless symbols of affection, strength, pure and all natural beauty. Throughout the ages, diamonds have entered every part of our culture, influencing music, cinema, fashion, and interpersonal relationships. They serve as markers of life's most important celebrations, representing achievement and expressing love in a manner only nature's marvels can achieve. Each diamond is as unique as the individual who wears it, often becoming cherished heirlooms passed down through generations, representing a narrative that traces back billions of years to the depths of the earth, where their journey began.
Learn more about the timeless beauty of natural diamonds at La Mine d'Or Jewellers in Downtown Moncton, NB, and Bedford Halifax, NS.