What You Didn't Know About Diamonds
Posted on: 22/01/2018As one of the most precious gems around today, diamonds are uniquely beautiful stones. As a nation we celebrate so many different milestones - from engagements to weddings and birthdays to special anniversaries, you can bet that diamonds will make an appearance in our lives somewhere along the way! Even though we've seen them, owned them and treasured them, there's still a lot that we don't know. Read on to discover what you didn't know about diamonds.
- In Ancient Roman and Greek history, diamonds were said to be 'splinters from falling stars'
- The Romans and Greeks also believed that diamonds were the tears of the Gods
- The Romans placed diamonds at the tip of Cupid's arrow, making this one of the earliest associations to love. No wonder diamonds are the perfect engagement ring stone!
- The word 'diamond' comes from the Greek word "adamas", which translates to invincible or indestructible. This makes perfect sense because diamonds are the world's hardest naturally occurring substance
- No two diamonds are the same. Like snowflakes, they're uniquely beautiful
- Research shows that diamonds are almost as old as our earth! They were formed between 1-3 billion years ago about 100 miles below the earth's surface, making them the oldest object most of us will ever hold!
- Diamonds are a completely natural substance, formed billions of years ago under intense heat and pressure
- The only thing that can scratch a diamond is another diamond
- Diamonds are made from 100% carbon, which is what makes them so pure. Other gemstones have more complicated chemical compositions compared to diamonds
- The biggest gem-quality diamond ever found is The Cullinan Diamond. Found in South Africa, It weighed 1.22 pounds and was 3,106 carats!
- Diamonds are rare, with the last big discovery being more than 20 years ago
- More than 10 million people are supported by the diamond industry
- Diamonds provide employment opportunities for mine workers and help them to obtain healthcare and a better home environment
- Due to the huge revenues brought in by diamonds, every child in Botswana receives free education up to age 13
- Respect is shown for the wildlife at diamond mining sites, and leading mining companies take major steps to try and protect it
- 99% of diamonds are tracked in the Kimberley Process, meaning that they're 100% conflict-free
- Did you know that we were the first UK jeweller to receive World Diamond Mark (WDM) accreditation? The WDM aims to boost demand for natural, ethically sourced diamonds.