The Most Valuable Gemstone - Diamond

By Author: Rajesh Kumar
Total Articles: 16
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No matter how ever much has been said and written about diamonds, it doesn't seem enough. It was, it is and will be the most valuable gemstone. The word diamond comes from the Greek word adamas, meaning unconquerable and indestructible. Diamonds were first recognized and mined in India at least 3000-5000 years ago. Significant deposits were found near the rivers Krishna, Godavari and Penner. Diamonds are in use as gemstones since they were used as religious icons in Ancient India. Initially, India was the only major source of diamonds until they were discovered in Brazil. From India the diamonds reached Ancient Rome. In China, initially, people who didn't have diamonds as jewels used it as knife to cut jade. With the depletion of diamond resources in India, researches in other parts of the world began, which led to discoveries in Brazil and South Africa. Today Antwerp in Belgium is the diamond capital of the world, where most of the trade concerned with diamonds takes place. A company called DeBeers controls most of the diamond trade. This cartel has kept the price values of diamond at a constant level.

With the property ...
... of dispersion of white light into spectral colors, diamonds are one of the most widely used gemstones. An allotrope of carbon, diamond is the hardest mineral. It does not get scratches easily which also makes it popular as a gemstone. This property makes it ideal for daily wear. Only a diamond can cut diamond. Diamonds are virtually fire proof. In order to burn a diamond, a temperature of 1292 degree Fahrenheit is required. An interesting part about diamond is that 80% of the world's diamond is suitable for industrial purposes. Diamonds are formed 190 miles or beneath the earth's surface and rise upward through kimberlite and lamproite igneous pipes.

Diamond also exists in pink, yellow, black, green, red, orange, violet etc. These diamonds are also of astrological importance. The diamonds with a red hue are considered auspicious for kings, politicians, and administrators. Yellow diamonds are used to bring success and prosperity. Diamonds with black hue are considered suitable for people with inferior jobs and professions. Diamonds with white hue are considered good for religious, social and spiritual purposes. It is believed that the wearers of diamonds are protected from evil spirits. It is believed that diamond brings victory to a person no matter the number of enemies. It brings strength and courage.

Some of the most famous Diamonds of the world -

Dresden Diamond- It weighs 41 carats. It is kept in Green Hall in Dresden. It's a pear shaped diamond with an emerald green color.

Hope Diamond - It weighs 45.52 carat. Kept in Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. has an emerald cut and a deep blue color.

Cullian 1, Star of Africa - It weighs a whopping 520.02 carat. It is kept in the Tower Of London and is a part of the crown jewels crown jewel of the British Royal Family.

KOH-I-NOOR Diamond- It originally weighed 191 carats but later it was reduced to 109 carats. It is also kept in Tower of London and is a part of the crown jewels.

Florentine Diamond - It weighs 137.27 carats. It was first used in the Halsburg crown and then as a brooch. But after the First World War its whereabouts are unknown.

As we know that diamonds are the most popular gemstone in engagement rings, it was back in 1477 that the Archduke of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy.