Discover the Radiance of Diamonds: More Than Just a Shimmering Stone
A diamond is not merely a sparkling gem but a testament to the marvels of our planet. While you might be familiar with its luster and symbolism, there are facets (pun intended) of its story that may still surprise you.
Unearthing Diamond Facts: Test Your Knowledge!
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Roots of the Name: Derived from the Greek term 'Adamas', which translates to 'unyielding' or 'indestructible', diamonds were once seen by ancient Greeks and Romans as the teardrops of gods or the tips of Cupid's arrows, signifying protection.
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Simple Chemistry, Stunning Result: It's fascinating that a diamond is essentially made up of carbon. Individual carbon atoms come together in a unique 3D crystal pattern, thanks to their chemical bonds, resulting in this gem.
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Heat, Pressure, and a Grand Entrance: For diamonds to form and make their way to the Earth's surface, an intense 725,000 pounds per square inch of pressure and scorching temperatures of around 2200°F are required. And they emerge on the surface courtesy of volcanic eruptions!
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Cosmic Gem: In a startling revelation from 2007, astronomers identified a celestial diamond named 'Lucy', a nod to the Beatles' classic. This 10-billion-trillion-trillion-carat wonder is a staggering fifty light-years away.
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India's Shining Legacy: Celebrated as the pioneer in diamond discovery, ancient India revered these gems, often embedding them in divine statues. As India's reserves waned, the quest for diamonds spanned the globe.
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A Royal Affair with Diamond Rings: The regal practice of diamond engagement rings dates back to 1477, with Archduke Maximillian of Austria's proposal to Mary of Burgundy.
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Transformation through Craft: The journey from a rough diamond to a dazzling gem means sacrificing nearly half of its original size during the cutting and polishing phase.
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The Color Spectrum: Diamonds aren't just about clarity. They boast a range of colors - from yellow, red, and blue to pink, orange, and brown - each with its unique charm and features.
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Yellow – The Color of Choice: Representing 60% of naturally colored diamonds, yellow diamonds, or 'Canary yellow diamonds', stand out for their distinctive shades and allure.
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Legacy of the Cullinan Diamond: A monumental discovery, this 3106-carat gem from South Africa circa 1900 was presented to King Edward. You can admire parts of it at the Tower of London.
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Eureka Diamond's Serendipity: In 1867, a 15-year-old Erasmus Stephanus stumbled upon this 21.25-carat brownish-yellow diamond in South Africa.
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Industrial Strength: Despite their beauty, a majority (80%) of mined diamonds don't make it to jewelry stores. Their robustness makes them perfect for industrial uses, from cutting to drilling.
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Mine Your Own Sparkle: Fancy mining your diamond? The Crater Diamond State Park in Arkansas lets you do just that! With its volcanic backdrop, the park yields diamonds in shades of white, yellow, and brown.
Dive deeper into the dazzling world of diamonds with our exquisite collection. For an experience of unparalleled elegance and ageless allure, explore our website. Your journey into brilliance awaits.