Diamonds have a rich and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. They have been treasured for their exceptional beauty, rarity, and durability and have been used as symbols of wealth, power, and love for centuries. In this blog, we will explore the history of diamonds, from their discovery to their use in modern times.
Back in the day
The first recorded diamond was discovered in India over 2,000 years ago. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that diamonds were splinters of stars that had fallen from the sky and were considered sacred stones with magical powers. In ancient India, diamonds were used to adorn religious icons and were believed to bring the wearer good luck and protection.
Diamond trade
The diamond trade flourished in India for over 1,000 years until the discovery of diamonds in Brazil in the 17th century. This led to a significant increase in the supply of diamonds and a decline in their value. It was only in the late 19th century, with the discovery of the diamond mines in South Africa, that diamonds became more widely available and regained their status as a symbol of wealth and luxury.
Modern times
In the early 20th century, the development of new cutting and polishing techniques led to an increase in the brilliance and fire of diamonds, further increasing their popularity. The advent of the modern diamond engagement ring can be traced back to the 1930s, when a company launched a marketing campaign that encouraged the use of diamonds in engagement rings. The campaign was hugely successful and the diamond engagement ring became a symbol of love and commitment.
Fair conditions for the miners
During the 1960s and 1970s, concerns about the ethical sourcing of diamonds led to the development of the Kimberley Process, a certification scheme that ensures that diamonds are responsibly mined and traded. This has helped to reduce the trade in conflict diamonds, also known as blood diamonds, which are diamonds that are mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict against governments.
More popular than ever
In recent years, diamonds have become even more popular as a result of advances in technology and the availability of new and innovative designs. Diamonds are now used in a wide range of jewelry and luxury items, from engagement rings and necklaces to watches and other accessories.
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