The Power of the Diamond The story of the diamond transcends cultures and localities. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed diamonds were tears of the Gods and splinters from falling stars. The Hindus attributed so much power to these precious stones that they went as far as to placing diamonds in the eyes of some of their statues. Not only was it believed that diamonds could bring luck and success, but also that they could counter the effects of astrological events. Plato even wrote about diamonds as living beings, embodying celestial spirits. Millions of years in the making Under immense heat and pressure, diamonds were formed more than 70 million years ago when diamond-bearing ore was brought to the surface through volcanic eruption. They are the only gem mineral composed of a single, pure element, and therefore it is the purest and hardest of all gemstones. Rated 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, diamonds are the hardest substances on earth, but their appeal goes far beyond durability. Adding to their mystic and the aura that surrounds them, approximately 250 tons of ore must be mined and processed in order to produce a single, one-carat, polished, gem-quality diamond. While two diamonds may appear identical, nature never repeats itself, and so no two diamonds are ever exactly alike. Each possesses its own unique personality and brilliance. Over 4,000 years ago the first diamonds were mined in India. Modern mining as we know it today began in South Africa in the late 19th century. The earliest diamond-cutting industry is believed to have been in Venice sometime after 1330. By the 16th century the diamond became larger and more prominent as the result of the development of diamond faceting which enhances brilliance and fire. The world’s largest gem quality diamond, the Cullinan, was founded in South Africa in 1905. Uncut, it weighted 3025 carats. The Centenary, found in 1986, was polished from a 599 carat gem. The rough diamond was cut into various stones, the largest of which bears the name Centenary, and at 273 carats, is the largest modern cut, top color, flawless diamond in the world. The Power of Love: The Diamond Wedding Tradition Today as throughout history, the diamond continues to embody deep human expression of purity, strength, solidarity and eternal love. Most women fantasize about owning their first diamond and, for many, it all begins with a diamond engagement ring. Until the thirteenth century, there was no engagement ring. Pope Innocent III declared that a waiting period should be observed between the betrothal agreement and the wedding ceremony. This is why today we have one ring for the engagement and one ring for the wedding. The tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring as a promise for marriage began in 1477 with Archduke Maximilian of Austria and Mary of Burgundy. The tradition of the diamond engagement ring was embraced by people around the world, eventually becoming as much of a milestone in one's life as the engagement. The New Ice Age Diamonds continue to hold a deep fascination as the world’s ultimate symbol of love. By far the most popular gemstone, its rarity and natural beauty are the qualities that have contributed to making the diamond such a special and magical gift. Today, the stone is mined all over the world, in many different shapes, sizes and levels of quality. The least expensive diamonds are tiny pointers that measure in fractions of a carat, from .70 to as small as .005. A range of styles means that the once formal diamond now makes the perfect everyday accessory. Easy-to-wear rings, earrings and pendants can be found at very affordable prices. How to care for my Keepsake Diamonds are durable and simple to clean. All types of diamonds can be bathed weekly in warm water with mild soap. Air-dry on a paper towel and then polish with a soft cloth. If your diamond is extremely grimy and the setting looks dark around the edges, take the piece to the jeweler for steam or ultrasonic cleaning. Diamonds are incredibly hard, but they can scratch. When scratches occur, have your stone professionally polished by a your jeweler. For everyday care, store your diamonds singly in jewelry bags.