The cultures that played a role in bringing the diamond into prominence are numerous. They are Greek, Indian, Old English, French, German, Hebrew, Latin, Arabic, Polish, Japanese, American, African, Korean, and Chinese.
Small numbers of diamonds began appearing in European regalia and jewelry in the 13th century, set as an accent point among pearls in splendid wrought gold. By the 16th century the diamond became larger and more prominent in response to the development of diamond faceting which enhances it brilliance and fire, and in the 17th and 18th centuries it presided as the last word in representing all that was wealth, prestige and power. An act of Saint Louis (Louis IX of France, 1214-70) that established a sumptuary law reserving diamonds for the king bespeaks of the rarity of them and the value conferred on them at that time. Within 100 years they appeared in royal jewelry of both men and women, then among the greater European aristocracy.
The earliest diamond-cutting industry is believed to have been in Venice, a trade capital, starting sometime after 1330. There is no recorded explanation for the European upsurge in the diamond's popularity. Nevertheless, the huge import of diamonds during the 17th and 18th centuries is nothing sort of revolutionary. And the tradition of giving rings in the engagement and marriage ceremony as tokens of everlasting love has taken it into its present-day popularity.
This custom of exchanging wedding rings dates back as far as the comic Roman poet Plautus in the 2nd century BCE. Wedding rings were then valued because of interior inscriptions recording the marriage contracts signed in the presence of the Emperor's image. The custom was continued and mostly Christianized by the 4th century by St. Augustine. Byzantine wedding rings are thick gold bands with round or oval bezels depicting the couple face to face, or receiving Christ's blessing of their union.
Knowledge of diamond and its origin starts in India where it was first mined. The first known reference to it is a Sanskrit manuscript, the Arthsastra ("The Lesson of Profit") by Kautiliya, a minister to Chandragupta of the Mauryan dynasty in northern India. And now over the centuries, the diamond continues to embody deep human expression of purity, strength, solarity and eternal love.
Understanding diamond shapes
The first step to choosing a diamond is selecting from one of the major diamond shapes available. This step of the diamond buying process is one of the easiest and it is strictly dependent upon personal preference. Round brilliant stones are the most popular and are thought to be the quintessential diamond shape. It is important not to confuse diamond shape with diamond cut. One shape is not necessarily better than another is. For each shape, the cut can range from ideal to poor, meaning that the amount of refraction and dispersion of light ranges from ideal to poor.
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cushionScientists: Life on Earth Originated in Diamonds
A new study conducted by German scientists from the University of Ulm finds that diamonds may have played a key role in the origin of life on earth. Scientists have long claimed that life on earth began from a mix of precursor chemicals, or simple amino acids called the 'building blocks' yet just how these were assembled into complex polymers that were necessary to 'jumpstart' life, is still open to speculation. The researchers now claim that hydrogenised diamonds could provide the answer. Their theory is that when primitive molecules landed on the surface of these hydrogenated diamonds in the atmosphere of early Earth, the reaction may have been sufficient enough to generate more complex organic molecules that eventually gave rise to life. JUL 28 2008 LiveScience.com
Diamond Earrings Recovered in New York Landfill
Haya Sharon, a Staten Island jeweler recently breathed easier as her 20,000$ diamond stud earring were recovered in an enormous heap of garbage. The 3- carat earrings were an anniversary gift from her husband and were accidentally tossed in the garbage by an employee at the couple's jewelry store. Sharon, her husband and city sanitation employees sifted through loads of trash at the former Fresh Kills landfill and finally found the tiny jar of cleaning solution that held the gems. Sanitation employees report that engagement rings and other precious items are often recovered in the city trash after some digging: that's what you call a diamond in the rubbish! JUL 23 2008 Source: Associated Press
Entertainment News: Ellen's Pink Diamond Ring Gift
Comedian Ellen DeGeneres gave her wife-to-be, actress Portia de Rossi, an impressive pink diamond engagement ring. The news arrives close to the California ruling that the state legally recognize same sex marriages. In true Hollywood fashion, the couple amade the announcement right on the red carpet at the 35 Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, where Ellen picked up her fourth Emmy award for outstanding talk show host. She revealed that they have set a date for their wedding as De Rossi proudly modeled the ring, a stunning marquis cut diamond set with pink diamonds. JUN 25 2008 Source: Marie Claire
Business News: New Diamond Investment Fund
The first publicly listed fund investing in rare white and colored diamonds is set to be launched on the London Stock Exchange. The fund, headed by independent commodity asset management firm Diapason Commodities Management, will invest in the high-quality segment of the physical polished diamond market, according to a prospectus for the initial public share offer, expected to take place on June 24. Fundraising closes on June 18 and one industry source said institutional investors have raised nearly $100 million. JUN 18 2008 Source: Reuters, HedgeCo.Net
A Spring Festivity: 42 carat Fancy Yellow Diamond
Just in time for the spring, this month Rosy Blue, a leading international diamond company, is set to reveal the world's largest yellow diamond carrying the DeBeers Forevermark. This oval cut diamond is an impressive 42 carats and the largest of its kind to join the exclusive DeBeers Forevermark line, which is currently available in the Far East. The gems in this line are all marked with an inscription and an identification number which cannot be detected by the naked eye. APR 6 2008 Source: Israel Diamond Industry Portal
Limited Edition Diamond Pen Line Launched
The upscale designer pen company, Montblanc, has launched a limited edition line of diamond encrusted fountain pens. The line, which is comprised of only six models of pens, is entitled "Bohéme Papillon" and it is inspired by the butterfly, which is said to be the muse of writers, artists and jewelers alike. The pens are designed with the delicate grace of the butterfly in mind, decorated with diamonds and sapphires artistically sculpted in the images of plant tendrils and butterflies as well as the signature Montblanc diamond on the cap. The six different versions are available in yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold and adorned with over 1400 diamonds. Priced approximately at $273,000 these delicate creatures are a lavish way to greet the spring. MAR 25 2008 Source: Trade Arabia News Service, Luxist
Scientists Introduce Record Breaking Nano Diamond Ring
When we think of diamond rings, we usually think of elegance, an engagement, high fashion, luxury and of course, the bigger the better! But Australian scientists from the University of Melbourne have just revealed their ground breaking new achievement- the world's smallest diamond ring. At only 300 nanometeres thick and with a diameter of five microns, this tiny grey ring is one twentieth the width of a single human hair! And while certainly not fit for any finger, this scientific achievement, which was revealed at the March conference of the American Physical Society, could help develop quantum computing and expand the possibility of information storage, making computers even more powerful than they are today. MAR 18 2008 Source: Gizmodo, Live Science
Thieves Seize $1.8 Million Diamond Necklace in Holland
The Dutch police are hunting for a pricey antique diamond necklace made in 1948, after it was stolen at an arts fair in the southern city of Maastricht. Three suspects, two women and a man have been arrested and are suspects in the case, yet the necklace has yet to be retrieved. Reportedly, the vendor selling the $1.8 dollar diamond necklace noticed it was missing after having a conversation with the two women and was later blocked by the third suspect as she tried to track them down. The Maastricht fair, which closes on March 16, also features Van Gogh's 1880 painting entitled Child with Orange, valued at $30 million. MAR 10 2008 Source: The Associated Press
Canada's New Diamond Discovery
A recent diamond discovery has gotten Canadians excited as large number of diamonds has been unearthed in the James Bay region of Quebec, Canada. 649 diamonds have been recovered from ancient surface rock samples dating back to more than 2.7 billion years ago. In addition, nine purple diamonds were among the 649 unearthed. Natural fancy colored diamonds are extremely rare and unique, with purple being one of the most uncommon; making the Quebec discovery thrilling and of course, very valuable. The find was announced to the press by Metalex Ventures Limited in conjunction with its joint venture partners Dianor Resources Inc.and Wemindji Exploration Inc. MAR 5 2008 Source: Canada NewsWire
Diamond Footwear at the Oscars
Diamonds on the red carpet have always been glamorous and fashionable- and shoes are no exception. This year designer Stuart Weitzman has chosen Juno screenwriter, Diablo Cody, to slip her feet into his million dollar diamond shoes. Each year, Weitzman makes a $ 1 million dollar pair of shoes to be worn at the Oscars and one lucky lady gets to wear them. This year's diamond creation, called the "Retro Rose" is a throwback to the 1940s; it is adorned with diamond roses and incorporates over 1,800 diamonds weighing over 100 carats in its design. FEB 24 2008 Source: ''WENN
Diamonds and Art: Hirst Style
The controversial British artist Damian Hirst has created art's priciest piece ever- using diamonds. Hirst took a cast of a life-sized human skull in platinum and covered it with no less that 8,601 pave set diamonds weighing 1,106.18 carats to complete the world's most expensive piece of art. The huge single diamond placed in the center of the skull's forehead is reportedly worth 4.2 million dollars alone. At an estimated cost of 10 to 15 million dollars, the project was financed by the prominent artist himself. Hirst, who made a name for himself in the art world with works such as his dissected cow and a shark placed in formaldehyde, explains his creation, entitled 'For the Love of God': "I just want to celebrate life by saying to hell with death… What better way of saying that than by taking the ultimate symbol of death and covering it in the ultimate symbol of luxury, desire and decadence? The only part of the original skull that will remain will be the teeth. You need that grotesque element for it to work as a piece of art. God is in the details and all that". According to ABC News, the work has been sold to an unnamed investment group for 100 million dollars; and Hirst will be paid in cash. FEB 20 2008 Sources: ABC News, The Guardian UK
Racing for the Ring- A Valentine's Day Tradition in New York
Sometimes the search for the perfect diamond engagement ring doesn't require any more than sheer dedication– and some time at the gym! Last week 21 lucky men participated in Bridal Guide's 6th Annual "Race for the Rock", which sent them on a scavenger hunt all over Manhattan in order to win a 1.26 carat diamond engagement ring and hopefully the heart of their beloved. The men followed the clues, dashing all over town in subways, equipped with cell-phones and family members aiding them in the hunt. The race ended with the breathless winner arriving at the final destination- FAO Schwartz, in just under two hours. He will propose live on the CW11 on Valentine's Day with the new diamond engagement ring. Congratulations! FEB 11 2008 Source: NY Daily News
Diamond Greeting Card to be Auctioned for Charity
Although Mother's Day is not until spring, this February Hallmark Cards is teaming up with UK diamond jeweler Beaverbrooks to make a bejeweled Mother's Day card- and its all for a good cause. Together, the companies will create four diamond studded Mother's Day cards in order to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer charities. The project is part of Hallmark's "Cards for a Cure" campaign. A greeting card adorned with a one-carat diamond, at an estimated worth of 5,000 pounds (almost 10,000 dollars) will be auctioned off for UK breast cancer charities next month and its owner will receive a one-of a kind card designed by Hallmark's leading designers and later have the diamond set in a piece of jewelry by Beaverbrooks. Surprising mom with a diamond was never so rewarding! FEB 05 2008 Source: Creativematch, UK.
Picture Perfect Diamonds
Recent developments in nanotechnology have made it possible to inscribe high resolution photographs on diamonds and other gems without harming the precious stones. Up until now, only letters and numbers could be inscribed using advanced inscription technology and the focus has been primarily on addressing security issues. However Gemory LLC, a company specializing in the development of the technology, has now announced that they have found a way to inscribe your unforgettable moments on diamonds. The pictures are viewed with the aid of a special device and while they remain invisible to the naked eye, the company claims that it has even found a way inscribe several pictures on a diamond, creating a dazzling and definitely unique photo album! JAN 23 2008 Source: The Israeli Diamond Industry Portal
A Glowing New Discovery
Researchers at the Smithsonian and Naval Research laboratory have recently found that the famously blue Hope Diamond glows red when exposed to ultraviolet light. While most blue diamonds glow blue when exposed to this kind of light, the Hope Diamond's uniquely reddish glow is attributed to its special chemical compounds. Scientists claim that this discovery could help "fingerprint" authentic blue diamonds, which are very rare, and distinguish them from artificial ones by measuring their different glows. The Hope Diamond is currently under display at the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History, and while conditions do not allow for it to be shown in ultraviolet lighting, the museum may make a video of its reddish glow for visitors to enjoy. JAN 19 2008 Source: Associated Press
Holiday Shopping is Happening Online
This holiday season even more shoppers are finding their gifts and comparing prices online. A survey conducted by AOL indicates that this year a whopping three out of four internet users will do at least some of their holiday shopping in front of the computer screen. During the holiday rush, online shopping is particularly rewarding, as it may help save money due to easy price comparison and definitely saves the time spent in parking lots or waiting in those long lines. Unsurprisingly, more and more people are discovering the rewards of shopping for the perfect gift from the comfort of their own home. DEC 07 2007 Source: Israel Diamond Industry Portal: Diamond News
Diamond Credit
Will that be cash or …diamonds? A South Korean credit card company has reached way beyond the platinum and will begin producing a diamond embedded black and silver credit card. The company producing the cards, GK Power, claims that banks are hoping to attract special VIP (conspicuous) consumers. NOV 27 2007
Seeing Red- And Breaking Records
A new world record has been set for the highest price per carat for a red diamond. The record price of $1,180,340 per carat was paid at Christie's latest Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva; where Mr. Lawrence Graff purchased a 2.26 carat octagonal-shaped purple-red diamond. The total price paid for the red diamond was $ 2.67 million. NOV 20 2007
Empress Josephine's Diamond Watch Sold
A timepiece belonging to Empress Josephine, wife of famed French ruler Napoleon Bonaparte, was auctioned in Geneva Switzerland for 1.4 million$ on November 13, 2007. Made in 1800, the watch is gold and enamel and was ordered by Josephine for the sum of 3,000 francs. In 1804, shortly after Napoleon was crowned as Emperor of France, the timepiece was set with diamonds patterned in a crown, to indicate Josephine's new status. The identity of the watch's new owner was not disclosed. NOV 18 2007
In a new survey conducted by De Beers, most women in the Gulf States prefer to be given the gift of diamonds more than any other present. The survey had the women choose between diamonds, designer clothing, fragrances, luxury watches and vacations, with diamonds topping the women's wish list. Luckily, not only do women prefer diamonds, the same survey also found that men in the Gulf States see diamonds as their first choice for a declaration of love. According to studies conducted the Middle Eastern propensity to give diamond jewelry ranks highest in the world. NOV 18 2007
Digging for Diamonds
Most of us dream of striking it rich in the lottery, but how many people can say that they actually dug up a precious diamond? On Monday, November 5th Chad Johnson of Murfreesboro, Arkansas discovered that the rock caught in his sifter was actually a 4.38 carat tea-colored diamond. Mr. Johnson had been digging for diamonds at the Crater of Diamonds State Park, an Arkansas park open to the public, and the only site in the world where visitors can keep the diamonds that they discover. Open since 1972, the largest diamond found in the park was the Amarillo Starlight, a white 16.37 carat diamond unearthed in 1975. Out of approximately 700 diamonds found in the park this year, Mr. Johnson's discovery is the second largest one, and his largest to date. NOV 05 2007
The Scent of Diamonds- Armani Style
In honor of "Diamonds", Giorgio Armani's new fragrance, the classic Italian designer has launched a small collection of jewelry, including diamond encrusted sunglasses and watches. In addition to his apparel, fragrance, and now jewelry lines, the famous designer has also recently added his unique touch to interior design, after celebrating the newly constructed Armani designed residences in Dubai. NOV 05 2007
A Royal Diamond Wedding Anniversary
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip 60th wedding anniversary is being commemorated this month by special Diamond Wedding Anniversary stamps, issued by the British Royal Mail. The Queen and Prince Philip's diamond wedding will be celebrated at a service Winchester Cathedral on November 18; and they have invited other British couples sharing 60 years of marriage to join in the festivities. NOV 05 2007
Diamonds Calling
Rings, bracelets, necklaces, even dental diamond jewelry- thought you heard it all? Think again, because now, even your bling can ring. A British-based phone customization company, Amosu, is now offering i-Phone owners interested in flashing their goods the chance to show off with gold-plated and diamond bejeweled i-Phones. And what about the price? A diamond-crusted i-Phone, the upscale Ansou Diamond Apple i-Phone, can be purchased for just more than 20,000 pounds (over 40,000$).
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