The History and Symbolism Of Diamonds
Many of us will recognize diamonds as the stone of eternal love, but diamonds have had a long history before they became the gem of choice for engagement rings. They have been revered for centuries for their fiery brilliance and unbeatable strength.
The name diamond is derived from the Greek word “adamas”, meaning invincible, unbreakable, or unconquerable. This powerful title reflects the high durability and quality of diamonds, which are widely regarded as the hardest gemstones on the planet. You’ve likely heard that diamonds can only be cut by other diamonds, an interesting fact which is completely true. This is why diamonds are such a popular choice for fine jewelry pieces that are meant to last a lifetime, like engagement rings or family heirlooms.
Diamonds first gained prestige in ancient India, where they were discovered in deposits along the banks of the Penner, Godavari, and Krishna rivers. Members of the royal family began adorning their jewelry with diamonds after falling in love with their radiance. Eventually they were traded into Europe via Venice, where they gained the universal popularity that remains to this day.
Ancient civilizations across the globe established their own otherworldly myths about the origins of diamonds. Hindus believed that diamonds were formed by lightning bolts falling towards the earth, while Greeks deemed the sparkling gems to be tears of the gods. People in the Middle Ages believed that diamonds had healing powers, and would use them to aid the treatment of a variety of ailments.
Nowadays, diamonds are still mostly associated with love as they reign supreme in the engagement ring industry. However, their strength and transparency also make them a symbol of balance, clarity, and endurance. Diamonds come in a wide range of colors, from dramatic black to soft pink and purple hues, but colorless or white diamonds remain the most sought-after varieties.
Diamond Care
Diamonds are the only gems that are rated a ten out of ten on the Mohs scale of hardness. This makes them exceptionally durable for everyday wear, and relatively easy to clean. They’re strong enough to be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner, but if you prefer to treat your jewelry more delicately you can always use warm, soapy water and a soft toothbrush on your diamonds.
April Birthstone Jewelry
Diamond jewelry is always a highly treasured and meaningful gift. At Didier Dubot, we use unique rough rose cut diamonds to give our birthstone jewelry a romantic flair and highlight the natural beauty of the stone. This time-honored cut gives diamonds the appearance of a delicate rosebud. It exudes old world elegance and creates an understated sparkle. Treat the April babies in your life to some beautiful birthstone jewelry featuring magnificent diamonds!
Eternal love will never go out of style.
Explore our full April birthstone collection today!
Writer: Maria Polansky
