Fascinating, pure and sparkling, diamonds are the most coveted precious stone in the world. It has been used since the dawn of time to enhance the fingers, wrists, ears and necks of queens, stars and kings. A symbol of loyalty and purity, diamonds evoke luxury and prestige. History, virtues, price, quality… here’s everything you need to know about diamonds.
Diamond properties
- Type: Precious stone
- Most often colorless, but diamonds come in all colors
- Hardness: 10/10 on the Mohs scale
- Density: 2.9 to 3.5 g
- Birthstone: April
- Zodiac sign: Aries
- Events: 60th wedding anniversary
Diamond history
Diamond is a mineral formed at a melting temperature of 3546.85°C deep in the earth. Its earliest discovery dates back over 4,000 years to India. This gem with its seductive brilliance was used by the Indians to adorn religious objects. Until the early 18th century, India was the world’s main source of diamond mining. Other small deposits were also discovered in Borneo during this period.
The very first diamonds mined in India are said to have been brought to Europe in 327 BC by Alexander the Great. This opened the door to trade between the East and Europe. A diamond route was thus opened up from the 1500s onwards.
Some explorers also ventured to other horizons to find diamonds in new deposits. This led to the discovery of deposits in Brazil (1725), Russia (1829) and Australia (1851). At the end of the 19th century, a new diamond Eldorado was discovered in South Africa, which continues to be mined today.
Diverse origins
Diamonds are formed three billion years ago under enormous pressure, at depths of 150 km. Diamonds are expelled by volcanic eruptions, then carried up through chimneys to the Earth’s surface. They become trapped in volcanic rocks called Kimberlites.
Kimberlite is a type of igneous rock best known for containing diamonds. It is generally blue-gray to greenish in color and is characterized by a porphyritic texture, meaning that it contains large crystals (phenocrysts) embedded in a fine matrix.
Kimberlites form deep in the earth’s mantle under conditions of extremely high pressure and temperature. They are associated with violent volcanic eruptions that occur when magma rises rapidly from the mantle towards the Earth’s surface.
These eruptions can carry diamonds and other mantle rocks to the surface relatively intact. Deposits of these rocks are the main source of diamonds, which are valuable gems with many industrial applications. Consequently, kimberlites are extensively studied by geologists and mining companies in search of economically viable diamond ore deposits.
Diamond characteristics
Whether colorless, yellow, brown, bluish, sometimes black or exceptionally green, diamonds symbolize perfection. Each diamond, by virtue of its originality, is unique. Each gem, with its different color, has a different value, depth and sensitivity. Cubic in shape, diamonds are mainly composed of carbon. This element gives it unrivalled strength.
Here are some of its main characteristics:
- Hardness: Diamond is one of the hardest substances known on Earth, ranked 10 on the Mohs scale, which means it is highly resistant to scratches and abrasion.
- Brilliance: Its ability to refract light and its strong dispersion of white light into spectral colors give diamond its characteristic brilliance, known as fire.
- Origin: Diamonds can be of natural origin, formed underground over millions of years, or synthetic, created in laboratories. Synthetic diamonds have similar characteristics to natural diamonds, but can be distinguished by experts.
- Conductivity: Diamond is an exceptionally good conductor of heat, but it is also an electrical insulator. This means it is highly efficient at transferring heat, but does not conduct electricity. This property is due to its highly ordered crystalline structure, which, by preventing the movement of electrons, makes diamond extremely insulating when it comes to electricity.
- However, due to its rigid molecular structure, the vibrations of the atoms in diamond’s crystal lattice propagate easily, making it a thermal conductor. In fact, diamond is one of the most thermally conductive materials known, with a thermal conductivity around five times that of copper.
Because of its unique characteristics, diamond is one of the most prized gemstones in the jewelry world.
How to recognize a quality diamond?
In gemology as in jewelry, diamond quality is determined, in most cases, by the 4 Cs: Carat (weight), Cut (size), Clarity (clarity) and Color (hue). A fifth criterion is confidence. Diamond cut mainly refers to the reflection of light on the stone, which is already highly refractive. The higher the cut, the greater the diamond’s brilliance.
The diamond color scale ranges from D (colorless, very rare) to Z (light yellow, gray or rough). The rarity of the stone therefore has a major impact on its value. So avoid choosing a diamond with an inclusion, whatever its weight. Inclusions are visible to the naked eye, and alter the stone’s brilliance. They can also weaken the stone. In jewelry, the carat is the unit of measurement commonly used to express the weight of a stone. The number of carats determines the value of the stone.
Whether you want to buy a ring or a necklace set with diamonds, this information will help you make the right choice. Planetys offers you diamond-set jewelry of impeccable quality. All our gemstones come with a certificate of authenticity issued by our laboratory to attest to the quality of the crystal.
How to determine the price of a diamond?
The price of a diamond is also determined by what are known as the 4Cs. To define the value of a diamond, you need to take into account its clarity, its hue, its clearness and, above all, its weight. The number of impurities in the stone will also greatly influence its price.
Astrology and diamond symbolism
Diamonds are associated with a number of astrological signs and therefore have a variety of meanings. This gem is associated with Aries, the symbol of energy, impulsiveness and drive. It symbolizes youth, eternal love and understanding. Diamonds also interact with the zodiac signs of Leo and Taurus.
In Chinese astrology, carbon stone is associated with the Pig sign. This sign is associated with delicacy, luxury and diplomacy.
Lithotherapy: the benefits of diamonds
Diamonds resonate with the coronal chakra, aligning the energy and vibrations of each individual. Diamonds promote harmony, both within ourselves and around us.
It brings clairvoyance and enables us to develop our abilities in the fields of meditation and telepathy.
Diamonds are also energy amplifiers and purifiers. According to certain beliefs, it protects its wearer from harmful energies and negative waves that impede action and hinder clarity of thought.
On a physical level, diamonds are also beneficial, particularly for the heart and brain. Here, the gem’s color may be important. Green diamonds, for example, are extremely rare and favour childbirth. Drinking “diamond” water is also said to help manage stress and strengthen the muscular system.
This coveted stone encourages us to face life’s difficulties with positivity, and to learn from them. It motivates us to be a model of courage in times of adversity. Blue diamonds are said to accelerate healing when they come into contact with the skin around a diseased organ.
Diamond myths and legends
In Greco-Roman mythology, the diamond was a symbol of eternal love. This is still true today. Over the course of time, and particularly during the Middle Ages, diamonds were considered to be anti-poisonous. The healing properties of diamonds took precedence over their aesthetic appeal.
In Indian culture, diamonds have indestructible strength and protective virtues. According to ancient legends, a diamond wearer will be spared all dangers (witchcraft, fire, disease, venom) and will surround himself with good, positive vibes. The Greeks, for example, saw these stones as an allegory for the tears of the gods or stardust. This belief made diamonds a veritable jewel of covetousness, leading to numerous wars and conflicts.
It wasn’t until the Renaissance that diamonds came to be regarded as the precious stone par excellence: they were placed at the top of crowns, as pendants or on objets d’art. Diamonds represented loyalty, strength and nobility.
The French tradition of giving a diamond ring dates back to 1477, when Mary of Burgundy received such a jewel from Archduke Maximilian of Austria. It was then that the prestigious nature of diamonds became apparent.
Why give a diamond?
Diamonds are eternal precious stones. They are resistant, very hard and, above all, valuable. That’s why they’re featured on engagement rings.
The gift of a diamond demonstrates your commitment to your loved one. A diamond-set engagement or wedding ring symbolizes the indestructible and eternal nature of the bonds that unite a couple.
The transparent white diamond also evokes the probity of feelings between the two lovers. This gem therefore symbolizes fidelity as well as eternal love. Since it survives any ordeal, whoever gives a diamond-set jewel (ring, necklace or bracelet) to his or her partner symbolically protects the couple from the trials of a lifetime.
A natural diamond or diamond-set jewel is handed down from generation to generation. This stone carries the memories of many lives. It has great patrimonial value, but also sentimental value. So passing on a diamond is a wonderful way to leave a lasting impression on your descendants.
When to give a diamond?
You can give a diamond on many occasions, both formal and informal. In general, diamonds are associated with :
- engagement (ring topped with a solitaire diamond),
- wedding (diamonds to decorate a gold ring, for example),
- diamond wedding anniversaries (60th wedding anniversary).
Diamond jewelry (rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, necklaces) can also be offered on Valentine’s Day, birthdays or wedding anniversaries. You can also offer a diamond promise ring to a loved one. This stone will symbolize the precious bond between you and your companion. A diamond is always the perfect gift for your loved one.
Diamond as a gift
The diamond is the symbol of the 60ᵉ wedding anniversary. Offering such a gem at engagement or wedding, thus represents a sincere commitment. Giving a diamond ring on declaration symbolizes a strong and lasting union.
Choosing a diamond bracelet or pendant is a more subtle choice: there’s nothing like it to let your soul mate know how you feel about her.
Diamonds are ideal for people with great sensitivity. Intuitive, imaginative people, those who let their feelings and ideas show, will wear diamonds like no other.
