Diamonds have been forming and hiding in the earth for billions of years, and they’ve been prized by humanity for several thousand. The history of diamonds is a dramatic one, due to the stone’s beauty, strength, and great value.

Ancient History

Diamonds were first discovered as far back as six thousand years ago in ancient India. They were mined there and traded as far away as Rome and Northern China, where they became famous for their hardness and beauty. India remained the only place in the world where diamonds were mined for thousands of years, until they were discovered in Brazil in 1725. Later discoveries towards the end of the nineteenth century made Africa a major source of the gem.

Modern Popularity

In the 1940’s, De Beers Diamond Company started the marketing campaign “A Diamond is Forever” to sell diamonds, which popularized the use of the stone in engagement and wedding rings. This made the gem explode in popularity, and today over 26 tons of diamonds are mined each year. A few years ago, the technology to create synthetic diamonds was developed, although these are mostly used for industrial purposes instead of for diamond jewelry.

Famous Stones

Many diamonds discovered throughout history have become famous because of their size, their color, and the stories surrounding them. The largest diamond ever found was the Cullinan Diamond, which weighed over 3100 carats (almost 1.4 pounds). It was cut into several small diamonds, the most famous of which was the Star of Africa. Another famous diamond is the Koh-i-Noor, or “mountain of light”, which was mined in India sometime before the 13th century. It later passed from ruler to ruler as northern India was repeatedly conquered, including by the British, and it is currently set in the crown of Queen Elizabeth II. The most famous diamond in the world, however, is the blue Hope Diamond, which was owned by Marie Antoinette, the English royal family, and the Smithsonian. It is said to be cursed.

Diamonds are probably the best-known of all gemstones, as well as being some of the most valuable. Their beauty, hardness, and ancient roots have made the history of diamonds long and fascinating. Call (480) 949-9299 today to receive a professional appraisal of your diamond jewelry from the GIA-certified gemologists at Ralph Mueller & Associates.