Among different gemstones, there are none to rival the diamond for beauty and elegance. The word, "diamond," comes from the Greek and literally means "unbreakable," an appropriate name for the hardest naturally occurring substance in the world. They were probably first mined in India anywhere from 3,000 to 6,000 years ago. Today, they are mined all over the world: from Russia, South Africa, to North America and Australia. Improved technology and shaping methods have meant that diamonds are more valued than ever before; for wedding rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets to suit every occasion.
World Famous Diamonds
- The Great Star of Africa is the largest cut diamond in the world at 530.2 carats. Is set into the Royal Scepter and part of the British Crown Jewels. The Star Africa Diamond weighs 106 grams.
- The Koh-I-Noor ("Mountain of Light"), at 105.6 carats, has a long and interesting history, steeped in legend. First mentioned in writing in 1304, it has passed from the hands of Mughal and Persian rulers to Queen Victoria during the Indian colonial era, and is now also part of the British Crown Jewels.
- The Excelsior was the second largest diamond to have been discovered at 970 carats befor being cut into 10 diamonds.
- The Regent is relatively small in comparison to other famous diamonds, weighing 140.50 carats, but is distinguished by its perfect cut and clarity. Some have called it the most beautiful diamond in the world. The Regent was discovered in India in the 17th century and is held at the Louvre museum in Paris.
Cultural Status
There's no doubt that diamonds enjoy an challenged status in many cultures when it comes to prestige, glamour, beauty and quality. They are seen as a long-term investment in some countries, but everywhere, their startling beauty expresses a distinctive sophistication. Modern film stars and those from Hollywood's golden age have had love affairs with diamonds. Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, and Elizabeth Taylor are just some of the celebrities who have made their passion for diamonds well-known, with the Taylor-Burton diamond - a gift from Richard Burton to his then-wife Elizabeth Taylor -- being one of the most famous and admired diamonds of all time.
Types of Diamonds
Only 20 per cent of diamonds are used for jewellery. The remaining 80 per cent are used for industrial purposes. Diamonds come in five natural colours: white, yellow, blue, pink and champagne, with white diamonds being the most common and often the most sought-after. The clearer the white diamond, the more valuable it is. Yellow diamonds range from pale yellow to a deep rich yellow. Blue diamonds are also popular, ranging from a pale sky blue to indigo. Champagne diamonds range from a light, almost bronze shade to deep gold.
Pink diamonds are among the rarest diamonds; the Argyle mine in Western Australia produces around 95 per cent of the world's supply. Of the Argyle mine's production, only 1 per cent qualifies as true pink. Pink diamonds from other mines in India, Africa and Brazil tend to be lighter in colour. Pink diamond rings can be 10 to 100 times the price of white diamond rings though jewellery made with other coloured diamonds are generally less expensive than white diamonds.
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