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Sunday, April 4, 2010

Facts about Diamonds:


  • The name Diamond is derived from the Greek word, Adamas. This means the unconquerable.
  • Did you know that most diamonds that are found are not suitable to be used as jewelry?
  • Diamonds are also the hardest substance on this earth and also the most sought after!
  • Diamonds are always valued in terms of the 4 Cs. This is the cut, color, clarity and the carat of the diamond; it is said that the concept of the 4 Cs were introduced in 1939.
  • Diamonds are found in various colors such as blue and pink, which are very rare and yellow and brown, which are amongst the most common types available. In its purest state, diamonds are colorless and brilliant in appearance.
  • In the year, 1994, Pauline Willemse cut a diamonds that was 50 times smaller than the head of a ballpoint pen. This was the world’s smallest diamond.
  • If one has to produce a single one-carat diamond, around 250 tons of earth will have to be mined.
  • Diamonds were formed billions of years ago; under extreme heat and deep within the earth’s crust. They come to the surface when there is any form of volcanic eruptions. Such activities bring the diamonds closer to the surface of the earth.
  • Diamonds are one such gemstones that are composed of only one chemical element-carbon.
  • The cut of the diamond is very crucial as it is the cut that defines the beauty of the diamond.
  • As per the old beliefs and customs, it is believed that the engagement diamond ring was worn on the third finger of the left hand because the ancient Egyptians believed the vein directly connected to the heart.
  • The largest diamond was known as the Star of Africa (Cullinan). This adorned the scepter of King Edward VII of England and is now at the Tower of London.
  • Diamonds also have the highest melting point of any natural substance.
  • Amongst the other stories that are associated with diamonds, one such fact about these precious stones exists that the wearer gets more courage and good fortune and diamonds also act as a shield against all evils.
  • Diamonds are rock hard and almost fire proof. Therefore, in order to make a diamond burn, it needs to be heated to 1292 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • The first diamond ring (for engagement) was gifted by Archduke Maximillian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy in the year, 1477.

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