SafeMailServices.com

Monday, March 23, 2009

The History of Diamonds

By Mark P.

Diamonds, from the Greek, admas, (archaic root word of adamant) meaning unbreakable, are the hardest substance of carbon allotropes. It was discovered roughly around 3000 years ago, in Central Asia. A lot of experts, however, surmise that it could have been used as early as 6000 years ago. Recent finds indicate that the Chinese have been using them around 2500 BCE or later, although no sufficient evidence is enough to rewrite the decreed historical data.

Historical evidence along with archaeological evidence indicate diamonds at 800 BCE were used in India. They were used, however, mostly for decoration in ceremonies and for religious proposes. Often diamonds were used in funerals and their purpose was to accompany the deceased to their journey into the afterlife. Also useful and effective for sharpening tools, such as stone axes, polishing them and other weapons as well.

Not until the Roman and Greek Empires did diamonds become used as a means for trading. Because of the rarity of diamonds they became symbolic of prosperity and then was sought after for it properties, thought to be magical. Thee are legends about the diamond and that it was distributed in all of Europe. After Alexander the Great uncovered the Valley of Diamonds of Northern India. It was thought that the diamonds hidden in the valley received their magic from the valley and responsible for their value and high demand as talismans. The wearer of these talismans believed the were given superhuman strength and protection from all their enemies, both spiritual and earthly. They were given the name of parturition stones and believed strongly influenced a woman's pregnancy to bear a healthy and strong child.

The myth concerning the importation of diamonds into Europe may have some truth embedded into it. The Greeks were certainly the first Europeans to praise the substance for its indestructible quality and laud it for its multiple applications.

The myth of the diamonds as having supernatural qualities survived well through the passage of years, after the fall of The Western Roman Empire and through to the Byzantine era. However, it was only during these times, in the dark years of the Middle Ages, that the diamond began to have a reputation for having evil effects.Miners, who were well aware of the myths of vitality-imbued characteristics of the gemstone, began stealing the jewels by swallowing them in small amounts. This led to the rumor injected by mining owners to discourage the theft of the valuables. They disseminated the rumore that the diamonds were poisonous and required spiritual guidance and almost divine intervention to reverse the side effects.

As the years passed and into the renaissance period, the mining consortiums of India began to experience a salient decline in its production of diamonds as demand began to increase. Even other mining syndicates around the world could not keep up with the ever-increasing need for diamonds. It was only when in South Africa, during the proto-industrial age, large deposits of the precious commodity were discovered, that the world's largest diamond rush began.

Mining companies multiplied as new deposits were discovered and worked to keep up with the unending demand of these sought after gems.

These days diamonds are mostly used in industry and for jewelry. In engagement rings, for example, they are a symbol of lasting love. In 14k daimond pendants they are used for their brilliance and beauty. Diamonds are often used as adornment for watches also, as well as many other things.

About the Author:

No comments: