THE HISTORY OF DIAMONDS
More than 2000 years ago, according to Indian history from the 4th century, raw diamonds were important economic goods. The wondrous effects of the stones, which were believed to include protection from hardships and enemies, as well extending power and health, were highly praised.
The extremely rare, beautiful clear crystals were reserved for the Indian rulers alone. The white octahedrons were dedicated to the God Indra, while the black diamond belonged to the Death God Yama.
With the first diamonds imported from India to ancient Europe also came the myths of the wondrous and metaphysical power of diamonds. Romans treasured the rare, inspiring diamonds, calling them, ‘the most valuable ones under all terrestrial things’.
The diamond was considered the most valuable treasure at the time, because it served the carrier as a talisman, providing health, energy, courage and power. Beyond that, it was also highly estimated by the Romans because of its hardness. The optical beauty of the stone itself meant little. What did matter was its usefulness in sharpening other stones.
It wasn’t until the 14th century that people discovered that one could improve the appearance of the stone by cutting the diamond. In what was called the cross sections, the gem cutter would polish the naturally existing surfaces to a smooth finish. By 1910 the cross section form was the most popular cut and from this that the modern brilliant cross section cuts developed.
This modern brilliant cross section remains popular because it makes the highest degree of light reflection possible and it gives the stone its irresistible ‘fire’. The characteristics of the modern brilliant cross section include: a circular girdle, at least 32 facets, board in the upper section, at least 24 facets and, if necessary, a culet in the lower part.
Although not confirmed it’s believed that one of the largest diamonds ever found has been located in recent times. Weighing approximately 1.5 kg, the diamond would be twice as heavy as the diamond of the Cullinan, a gem that weighted over 3100 carats and was presented to the English King Edward VII on his 66th birthday by the governor of South Africa, General Louis Botha.
That jewel, the Cullinan, was later split in Amsterdam into 105 pieces, whereby the nine largest pieces became part of the British crown jewels and the others were placed within scepters, crowns, and various pieces of the jewelry of the monarchy.
Today, like in early times, we grant the diamond, which originated more than two billion years ago from volcanoes, the privileged position as the king of the jewels. Although the diamond today isn’t used for practical purposes, it still remains a symbol of beauty, rarity, stability and preciousness.
