Diamonds throughout the history

Diamonds have undoubtedly came from India where they have been known for more than 3000 years, and some studies say even for more than 6000 years, and India was for centuries greatest source of worlds diamonds, especially in Golconda that was market city of the diamond trade with many gem mines.The earliest written text referring to diamonds is Buddhist’s text, the "Anguttara Nikaya" about 296 AD and later in 1st century AD diamonds are mentioned in some roman texts. For instance great Roman historian Pliny the Elder wrote about diamond's ornamental uses as its usefulness to engravers because of its hardness in his work "Naturalis Historia".Diamonds were first connected with divinity and were often used as religious icons in different religious ceremonies because people believed diamonds were luck-bearers. Diamonds were ever significant as class indicator, because only certain class could own specific color of the diamond and only kings had the right to own all colors of diamonds. But diamonds weren’t just used as gems, they were also used as drilling tools as archaeological evidence from Yemen from the 4th century BCE suggests.With the rise of Christianity diamonds have began losing their popularity in Europe because the Christians were refusing use of diamonds that were before used in Arabic world and also because the Arabic traders restricted their trade with Christian lands. This situation lasted until the beginning of the 14th century when things changed thanks to Venice’s trade network and shortly after this first guild of diamond polishers was established in German city of Nurnberg. This was really a turning point because that marks ending of taboo against cutting diamonds into gem shapes that lasted for more than 1000 years.Later Europeans began trading diamonds on a regular basis early in the 15th century with the opening of trade routes to the east. Various diamond cuts were introduced which demonstrating the fire and brilliance that makes diamonds treasured today: the table cut, the briolette (around 1476), the rose cut (middle of the 16th century), and by the mid-17th century, the Mazarin, which was the first brilliant cut diamond design.Legendary diamond cutter was Marcel Tolkowsky who developed an ideal round brilliant cut design which really become standard for modern diamond cutters. No matter what time it was in the human history, diamonds were always connected with richness and prestige. For instance great French Emperor Louis XIV issued a law under which only king could possess diamonds. 15th century also means beginning of diamond’s use in wedding rings although they didn’t gain widespread popularity all the way to its presentation in cinemas in the 20th century.India was the only source for diamonds all the way to 1726 when diamonds were found in Brazil. Today South Africa is leading producer of diamonds but substantial diamonds alluvial deposits have been found, in other parts of Africa, including Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Ghana, and Sierra Leone. Other major diamond producers are Australia, Siberia in Russia, Brazil, Venezuela, and Guyana and big newcomer is Canada due to the discovery of diamond deposits in the Northwest Territories and Alberta in the 90s. Location of most commercially viable diamond deposits are currently found in Russia, Botswana, Australia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Canada and Russia (Siberia). In USA diamonds were found in Arkansas and Colorado which are up to this moment only states with a verifiable source of diamonds.

Famous diamond quotes and quotations

One reader from UK wants to know some famous quotes and quotations related to diamonds. So here are some famous diamonds quotes & quotations that we find:

"Diamonds never leave you...men do..." was a famous quotation by Welsh singer Shirley Bassey. It looks like diamonds are more trustworthy than men:)

"Diamonds are nothing more than chunks of coal that stuck to their job" is a famous quotation by Malcolm Stevenson Forbes, publisher of the famous Forbes magazine that was founded by his father B.C. Forbes. This quotation may look a bit funny but it certainly has a lot of truth in it.

"I never hated man enough to give him his diamonds back" is a famous quotation by legendary Hungarian-born actress, and former sex symbol Zsa Zsa Gabor. As you can see Zsa Zsa had always found impossible to separate from diamonds, regardless of love.

"Big girls need big diamonds" is a famous quotation by acting legend Elizabeth Taylor. You'll barely find "bigger actress" than Liz, so it's really no surprise that her former hubbie Richard Burton payed entire fortune for famous Taylor-Burton diamond".

And one funny quotation to finish the topic. "I don't work out. If God had wanted us to bend over, He would have put diamonds on the floor." is quotation by Joan Rivers, famous American comedian and actress. Well Joan workout is still good for our health despite there are no diamonds on the floor, though we definitely get your point.

World's greatest diamonds

KOH-I-NOOR- Meaning Mountain of light is one of the world's largest diamonds and was weighing incredible 186 carats when first discovered in 1304. This extraordinary diamond is believed to have been set in the famous peacock throne of Shah Jehan . In the time of British Queen Victoria this beautiful diamond lost some of its original carats and now weight 108 carats and is significant part of the British Crown Jewels. Some authorities believe that the Koh-i-noor diamond was originally part of the Great Mogul.

STAR OF THE AFRICA or Cullinan I, as it sometimes called in honor of Sir Thomas Cullinan that was owner of the mining company that found this wonderful example that is at this moment largest cut diamond in the world and the largest rough diamond ever found weighed 3106 carats (1.37 lb) before cutting and was pronounced by crystallographers to be a cleavage fragment of a considerably larger stone: this magnificent diamond was cut by Asscher in Amsterdam, weighing 530.20 carats and having extraordinary 74 facets. Today this king among diamonds has its deserving place being set in the Specter of the King where it resides in London Tower.
THE EXCELSIOR- Another giant among diamonds, second biggest diamond that was ever found, real monster of the diamond that originally weighed 995,2 carats and was later cut to 10 pieces, with three largest cut diamonds weighing 158, 147 and 130 carats and this pieces were then later cut in the 21 gems from 1 to 70 carats. This giant also holds quite interesting story of how it was found. African worker that found this giant diamond, found it as he was loading his truck and was afraid to tell it anyone so he kept this secret until he could safely turn this magnificent diamond to the grateful mine owner that rewarded him with some money, horse and the saddle. What a small price for such a giant diamond. ORLOFF- This is the third world largest cut diamond in the world, weighing 194 carats. In past this diamond was located in the Temple of the Brahma until the moment when Shah Nadir acquired him. Later this diamond was given to the legendary Russian Queen Catherine II by her lover Grigori Orloff whose name this giant diamond ever since that time proudly wears.
GREAT MOGUL- this legendary and famous diamond in his rough form was discovered in 17th century and was weighing incredible 793 carats. This large diamond was named after Shah Jehan who was builder of Taj Mahal. IDOLS EYE - Another famous and large diamond, weighing just more than 70 carats. His name comes from ancient legend according which Sheik of Kahmir stole this diamond from an idols eye to pay the Sultan of Turkey ransom for princess Rasheetah. Quite a romantic legend - love saved by diamond. THE CENTENARY - another huge diamond that was discovered in South Africa's mines in 1986 and was weighing 599,10 carats before Gabby Tolkowsky transformed it into a world's largest diamond that is cut flawless. This beautiful diamond has remarkable 75 facets on top, 89 on bottom, and 83 on the girdle , giving a total sum of incredible 247 facets. Now it weighs 273,85 carats and is like KOH-I-Noor part of the British Jewels.

THE PREMIER ROSE - this relatively "young" diamond was found in 1978 and was originally weighing 353,9 carats before it was cut to three pieces known as "Premiere Rose Family". The largest piece of the family holds original family name "Premier Rose" and is weighing 137,2 carats with incredible 189 facets just behind Centenary that has 247 facets. This beautiful diamond was sold in 1979 for incredible $10 million. THE REGENT- Another of the big diamonds found in India in 1701, weighing 401 carats in original rough state. With time this beautiful diamond came to possession of British Prime Minister where was cut to brilliant of 140,50 carats and then sold in France in the time of Louis XV where it got its name since was put in to the crown of Louis XV during his coronation. Even Great Napoleon once possessed it and currently this fine diamond has its residence in Louvre.

THE BLUE HOPE - this big diamond was once possessed by the Louis XIV and was later stolen during the French revolution, and in 1830 bought from Englishman Henry Phillip Hope and that's how this diamond got its name. However this diamond is very unlucky to its owners, some say it carries curse because two of its owners had their entire family died in just one year apart. Currently this "cursed" diamond has its residence in Smithsonian in Washington.
THE SANCY – This diamond got its name after French ambassador de Sancy that owned him in the 16th century. This diamond changed many owners and is currently weighing 55 carats and is one of the smallest of the world's biggest diamonds.

TAYLOR-BURTON - Another big and very famous diamond, that had original weight of 240,80 carats when it was found in 1966 and was then bought by Harry Winston and later cut in pear shaped diamond weighing 69,42 carats. This diamond was later auctioned and his new owner became famous Richard Burton who gave it to his wife Elizabeth Taylor and that's how this diamond got its name. When Elizabeth and Richard were divorced in 1978, Elisabeth put this diamond on auction to raise funds for one hospital in Africa. At present time owner of this great diamond is Robert Mouawad.

SEFADU - This big diamond was found in Sierra Leone in 1970 and was weighing huge 620 carats, making it as one of the greatest diamonds ever to be found.

THE VARGAS diamond that was found in Brazil in 1938, weighed 726.6 carats in its rough state, after it was cut in 1945, 29 smaller diamonds were made with a total sum of 411 carats. JONKER - this diamond was found in 1934 and is the finest-quality large diamond ever found and was later cut into 12 gems ranging from 125.4 to 5.3 carats in weight.
DRESDEN GREEN - This diamond got its name from the capitol of Saxony where it was displaying for more than 200 years and weighed over 100 carats in its rough form. It s unique among world famous diamonds because this diamond originally probably an elongated unbroken stone since greenish diamonds rarely occur as cleavages. At present time this wonderful diamond can be found in Albertinium Museum in Dresden.

Interesting diamond facts

• Mary of the Burgundy was the first known recipient of a diamond engagement ring when she married with Maximilian I.
  
• In traditional Hinduism diamond with some kind of flaw or flat or uncut should be avoided because it carries bad luck.
  
• Arabic diamonds are said to attract iron even better than a magnet.
  
• In ancient Arabic world diamond was considered to give victory to his bearer who carries it on his left arm regardless of enemies.
  
• In ancient and middle age time it was believed that diamond's hardiness can only be broken if diamonds is smeared with fresh goat's blood.
  
• Greek historian Pliny wrote that diamond baffles poison, keep of insanity and dispels vain fears.
  
• Diamond is a birthstone for people born in the month of April.
  
• Diamond jubilee means 60 or 75-year anniversary.
  
• There are white dwarf stars in space that have a diamond core. This evidence was found in 2004 in the sky above the Australia when white dwarf star known as BPM 37093 was discovered and this is the biggest diamond known in universe that weighs 2.27 thousand trillion trillion tons which is 10 billion trillion trillion carats, or a 1 followed by 34 zeros. This great discovery confirmed theory that was developed in 60s that cool white dwarf stars should have diamond core.
  
• Diamonds are typically billions years old.
  
• Graphite in the pencil is made of same stuff as diamonds.
  
• Termites may suggest where diamonds can be found.
  
• Every year 3, 5 millions tons of rocks get blasted with purpose of finding diamonds.
  
• Diamonds in fact don’t last forever, but “only” several million years before they disintegrate.
  
• Diamond resists attack by acids or bases.
  
• Diamond has very large melting point of 3820 K (3547 °C / 6420 °F) and a boiling point of 5100 K (4827 °C / 8720 °F)
  
• Antwerp in Belgium is the center of diamond industry.
  
• First synthetic diamonds were produced in 1955 by General Electric.
  
• Diamonds were first discovered in India and then in Brazil.