Diamond History

Diamond history varies greatly depending on your source of documentation, as diamond history is as rich in myths and folklore as it is in physical facts and records. Diamond history is one filled with mythical stories, such as one where snakes guarded a land full of diamonds, and the history has fascinated people with the romance and beauty that surrounds our most precious gemstones; diamonds.

Early Diamond History

Around 3,000 years ago, in the country of India, the first ever diamond history was recorded. If diamonds had been found prior to this period of time, we have no written record of it Diamonds in this day and age were used for two main purposes, and is quite different from why we still love diamonds today. Diamonds stood as a talisman in order to fend off evil spirits, and to provide protection during battles, and they were also valued because of their ability to reflect the light.


Dark Ages of Diamond History

It is during the dark ages that the diamond history moved into having some sort of medical purpose. St Hildegarde was said to have written an anecdote to heal wounds and cure illnesses that instructed the sick to hold a diamond in their hand and make the sign of the cross. Some people in diamond history went as far as swallowing diamonds, hoping it would cure their illnesses magically.


Middle Ages of Diamond History

It was during the middle ages that diamonds began to gain popularity. It is this point in diamond history that many of the famous diamonds were discovered, including the Blue Hope, and the mountain of light, both found in India. In our current times, India remains the worlds finest polishers of diamonds.

The middle ages also saw a shift in diamond history- where previously diamonds were valued based on their mythical powers, they began to be valued more for their overall worth. As more people learned of the incredible value of diamonds, mine owners began circulating stories that diamonds were poisonous, to prevent the workers from swallowing diamonds as a means to smuggle them out of the mines undetected.

Also during this period of diamond history, people wanted diamonds more than any other time period previously, mostly because they recognized their power and worth. India's diamond supply was dwindling and was unable to meet demands of diamond buyers. South Africa's find of diamonds near the Orange River began the world's largest diamond rush of diamond history, and helped satisfy the demands of those wanting diamonds for themselves.

More Recently

Diamond history began to spread into eastern Australia sometime during the middle of the nineteenth century. During the late 1970's, Australia as a diamond producer became validated. Also in the late 1970's, 1979 to be exact, the Argyle pipe near Lake Argyle was discovered by geologists. Since that day, Argyle has become the absolute largest producer of diamonds in all the world and throughout diamond history, and produces over one third of the diamond volume each year.

Diamond Shapes

Available Diamond Shapes

If you thought all diamond shapes were the same, you may be surprised at the abundant number of diamond shapes that are available.  Most jewelers offer at least nine of the most common gemstone shapes, including:

·                 Round diamonds

·                 Emerald diamonds

·                 Heart diamonds

·                 Princess diamonds

·                 Pear diamonds

·                 Radiant diamonds

·                 Asscher diamonds

·                 Marquis diamonds

·                 Oval diamonds

Two diamonds that are the same shape will appear to look slightly different depending on the size and weight of the diamond, as well as the type of setting that the stone is placed in.  The same ring worn on two different hands can also look quite different, based on the size of the hands. 

Difference Between Diamond Shapes and Diamond Cut

Many people mistakenly use the terms “diamond shapes” and “diamond cuts” interchangeably, but there is a difference between them.  The cut of a diamond refers to how the artisan maximizes the features of the gemstone by creating angles and details, making the light go into the diamond and bounce back in the most brilliant way possible.  The quality of a diamond's cut contributes greatly to the overall value of the gemstone, where as the shape of a diamond does not increase or decrease a diamond's value.  When discussing diamond shapes, you are referring to the actual geometric shape of the diamond, whether it is round or oval, emerald or heart shaped, for example. 

Choosing Diamond Shapes

With all the possibilities of diamond shapes, how do you go about choosing one?  If you are buying yourself a diamond, it's just a matter of looking at all the different varieties and finding one that is most pleasing to your eyes, and the ones that look best when you put them on your finger, or wear in your necklace. 

When choosing a diamond shape for someone else, it becomes a bit more difficult.  For an engagement ring, many women prefer the traditional round shaped diamond, while others may enjoy having something more unique.  A young woman or one who is considered a hopeless romantic may prefer to have a heart shaped diamond. 

Other considerations for selecting diamond shapes for rings should be based on the size of a woman's hand.  If she has long, slender fingers, can elegantly wear a pear shaped diamond, marquis, or oval shape.  Place the same shaped diamond rings on a woman with shorter, wider fingers, and it will cover up too much of the finger and look bulky, and perhaps even awkward.  Small hands typically look best with round shaped or princess shaped diamonds.

Most Popular Diamond Shape for Engagement Rings

Even though there is a wide variety of diamond shapes available, the most commonly purchased diamond shape for engagement rings is the round diamond.  Round diamonds are considered the “classic engagement ring”, and the stones are often set in yellow gold or platinum.  In fact, any diamond shape other than round is considered to be a “fancy” shape, since the round diamond is so popular.

Famous Diamonds

Around the world there are many diamonds that have been talked about or written about in various stories and official documents.  Famous diamonds are part of our world's history, and have been found in various parts of the world, by all types of people.  From royalty to the gods, famous diamonds are often as well known as the people who owned them.

For centuries diamonds, famous diamonds or otherwise, were used in the armor of warriors and the crowns of our kings and queens as a symbol of fearlessness. 

The Mountain of Light

One of the few oval shaped famous diamonds, the “mountain of light” was first mentioned in the year 1304.  It weighed an astounding 186 carats, and it is said that the diamond was set in the peacock throne of Shah Jehan as an eye of one of the peacock's.

During Queen Victoria's reign, the famous diamonds shape was altered a bit and it was recut to weigh 108.93 carats.  The diamond is currently one of the British Crown Jewels.

The Orloff

When the Orloff diamond was found, it was said that it weighed around 300 carats.  This gemstone of the famous diamonds is held at the Diamond Treasury of the former Soviet Union located in Moscow.

A story about the Orloff claims that the diamond was actually placed in the eye of a god, in the temple of Sri Rangen, which is how it became known as one of the world's famous diamonds.

The Regent

Before this incredibly large diamond of the famous diamonds was cut it weighed 410 carats!  Originally called “The Pitt”, after the English Prime Minister, William Pitt, it was cut into a rounded shape and consisted of more than 140 carats. 

In 1717, the diamond was sold to the Duke of Orleans, Regent of France.  It was then that the diamond was renamed “The Regent”.  When Louis XV had his coronation, the stone was set into his crown.

When the French Revolution ended, “The Regent” was owned by Napoleon Bonaparte, and was placed into the hilt of Bonaparte's sword.

Currently, the diamond is on display for all to enjoy in the Louvre.

The Blue Hope

The most well known of all famous diamonds, the Blue Hope is currently in the Smithsonian Institution located in the state of Washington.  It was owned by Louis XIV, and at the time was called “the blue diamond of the crown”. 

Sometime during the French Revolution, the Blue Hope diamond was stolen.  It was later found in London in the year 1830, where it was later purchased by Henry Philip Hope.  The blue hope diamond received it's name from this individual, as well as it's reputation for causing bad luck to those who owned it.  While Henry Philip Hope owned the precious blue diamond, each of his family  members died in extreme poverty. 

Continuing with the bad luck, a later owner of the Blue Hope, Mr. Edward McLean also lost many family members to poverty while he possessed the diamond.

Fashion Jewelry: How to Familiarize Yourself with It

Are interested in updating your appearance, fashion wise?  If you are, your first thought may be to buy a new wardrobe.  While new clothes are a great way to update your fashion appearance, did you know that clothes are not all that fashion includes?  Fashion also includes fashion accessories, like jewelry.  If you are looking for a relatively easy and affordable way to update your fashion, you may want to think about buying new fashion jewelry.

When it comes to buying fashion jewelry, there are many individuals who wonder what is the best way to go about researching fashion jewelry, particularly the “hottest,” jewelry trends at the moment.  In all honesty, there are an unlimited number of different ways that you can go about doing so.  A few of those ways are briefly touched on below.

One of the easiest ways that you can go about familiarizing yourself with the latest in fashion jewelry trends is by turning to the internet.  Online, you can find a large number of online fashion websites.  Many of these websites offer fashion tips, as well as cover some of the latest fashion trends in jewelry, as well as other fashion accessories.  If you are looking to not just own any piece of fashion jewelry, but the latest piece of jewelry to hit the stores and make a splash, online fashion magazines are the best way to go.

In keeping with fashion magazines, you can also learn about the latest in fashion jewelry by buying printed fashion magazines. Many individual, possibly just like you, prefer buying printed fashion magazines, as opposed to reading online fashion magazines.  It is hard to explain, but some people just prefer seeing things in print. The only downsides to buying fashion magazines to learn more about fashion jewelry is the cost of doing so. While affordable priced, fashion magazines can get expensive overtime and they may not necessarily cover fashion jewelry; therefore, you may want to skim through any magazines that you want to buy.

Another easy way that you can go about familiarizing yourself with popular fashion jewelry pieces and styles is by going shopping.  Window shopping is a great way to learn about new, popular pieces of fashion jewelry or fashion jewelry sets.  If you are shopping in a storefront retail location, you will likely find the popular fashion pieces, including fashion jewelry, displayed in the window of a fashion store or positioned on an elaborate display.

In addition to traditional window shopping, you may want to think about trying to shop or at least examine fashion jewelry pieces online. You may want to visit the online website of a popular fashion store or a well-known jewelry store.  One of the biggest signs that a piece of fashion jewelry is popular or in style at the moment is if it is displayed on the front page of an online retailer’s website.  This is a great way to quickly find information on what is hot and what may not be so hot in the world of fashion jewelry.

As you can see, you have a number of different options when it comes to familiarizing yourself with the latest trends in fashion jewelry.  Whether you are interested in complimenting your new wardrobe with fashion jewelry or if you just want to experiment with it, you have a number of fashion jewelry research methods at your fingertips.

Treated Diamonds

Why Treated Diamonds Exist


For centuries, people have always tried to improve objects that are a result of nature. We've cross bred plants and even animals to produce new species, and we prune and shape trees and bushes to make them more pleasing to the eye or to create fancy borders around our yards and in front of our homes. When it comes to diamonds, many become treated diamonds by the jeweler, in order to improve their appearance.


Treated diamonds can have improved clarity, improved color and even be completely coated to improve it's overall appearance. On the positive side, treated diamonds can help people with limited budgets have the ability to purchase a gorgeous looking diamond.


Clarity Improved Diamonds


In order to improve the clarity of diamonds, sometimes tiny cracks in the diamond are filled with molten glass. This can cause the diamond to move up a grade in the GIA grading system, and it does not affect the overall weight of the diamond. The process was invented by Israeli diamond cutter, Zvi Yehuda in 1982. Since this invention, some companies have begun a new process that fills the cracks with bromine instead of the molten glass, however, bromine will sometimes discolor the diamond under certain lighting conditions. It's always best to ask what method the diamond has been treated with when considering treated diamonds, so that you are not surprised when you view the diamond in light outside the jeweler's.


Colored Diamonds


There are a few different types of color treated diamonds. Colored diamonds are actually painted in order to take away a yellowish tinge, and make the diamonds appear more white and transparent. Some are colored darker, in order to permanently alter a diamond to a different color by using electron bombardment. Others become treated diamonds by way of laser drills. In the 1970's people began using lasers to drill miniscule holes into the diamonds to reach dark colored spots. Once they reach the dark colored areas within the diamonds, they are able to bleach them with acid so that they are not as noticeable. Sometimes they finish the laser treated diamonds by then filling the tiny holes with molten glass.


Coated Diamonds


Coated treated diamonds are much like a colored diamond, except for the entire diamond gets a coating of a substance that is designed to make the diamond appear brighter and more translucent to the naked eye. In fact, the coating is so good on most treated diamonds that it can go undetected unless an experienced gemologist studies the diamond for it's value.


Treated diamonds are often very beautiful, and can be more affordable than diamonds that are not treated. If you decide to purchase a treated diamond, just be sure you inform the jeweler when you bring your diamond in for cleaning, as they may need to use different chemicals to clean it and maintain it's treatment.