Discover April's Birthstone Diamond

Hey there, diamond fans! Are you curious about the history of these sparkling gems? Well, you're in luck, because today we're going to take a trip back in time to explore the fascinating history of diamonds.

How are diamonds formed?

Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme heat and pressure. They are formed from carbon, the same element found in graphite, coal, and even our own bodies. However, the process that turns carbon into diamonds is anything but ordinary. When carbon is subjected to intense heat and pressure, it undergoes a process called crystallization, which transforms it into a diamond. This process can take millions of years, and diamonds are brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions or other geological activity.

Properties of Diamonds

Diamonds are known for their remarkable properties, including their hardness, clarity, and brilliance. Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, which means they are incredibly resistant to scratching, chipping, and other types of damage. In addition to their hardness, diamonds are also known for their clarity, which refers to the absence of internal or external flaws or inclusions. The clarity of a diamond is determined by a grading system, with the highest grade being "flawless" and the lowest being "included." Finally, diamonds are renowned for their brilliance, which is the amount of light that reflects off the surface of the diamond. The cut of a diamond plays a critical role in its brilliance, as a well-cut diamond will reflect light more effectively than a poorly cut one.

History

Diamonds have been around for a long time. Like, seriously long. The earliest evidence of diamonds dates back to around 400 BCE in ancient India, where they were first discovered in alluvial deposits along rivers. At that time, diamonds were primarily used for religious purposes and as talismans to protect against evil. They were considered to be magical and powerful, and only the wealthiest and most powerful people could afford them.

Diamonds didn't become popular in Europe until the 15th century, when they started to be used in jewellery. It was around this time that diamond cutting and polishing techniques were developed, which allowed diamonds to be cut and shaped into a variety of dazzling designs. By the 18th century, diamonds had become a symbol of wealth and status, and they were worn by royalty and aristocrats all over Europe. The famous Koh-i-Noor diamond, for example, was presented to Queen Victoria in 1850 and is now part of the British Crown Jewels.

But it wasn't until the late 19th century that diamonds became associated with love and marriage. In 1886, the jewellery company Tiffany & Co. introduced the "Tiffany setting," which elevated the diamond above the band to maximize its brilliance and fire. This setting became the standard for engagement rings and has remained popular to this day.

Diamonds have continued to be a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewellery throughout the 20th century and into the present day. And with the development of lab-grown diamonds, it's now possible to enjoy the beauty and sparkle of diamonds without the environmental and ethical concerns associated with some traditional diamond mining.

So there you have it, a brief history of diamonds. From their ancient origins in India to their status as a beloved symbol of love and luxury, diamonds have come a long way over the centuries. And who knows what the future holds for these timeless and dazzling gems?

In the meantime, have a look at our selection of dazzling diamonds!

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Until next time jewellery makers!

JM