|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Style
Tip
|
|
|
|
| |
Jewelry
is an important part of dressing up. Depending ont he
occassion, you can complement your clothes with the
right kind of Jewellery. Initial pendants are a great
option!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
History of Diamond
|
|
Diamonds are made from
pure carbon, earth's most common element and the hardest natural substance
known to man.
Diamonds were formed eons ago under incredible heat and pressure deep in
the earth. Great volcanic upheavals millions of years ago forced the "blue
earth" containing diamonds to the surface where they were scattered along
rivers and into the oceans.
It is believed that diamonds were first recognized and mined in India.
Significant alluvial deposits of this natural stone were found their
in old ages. |
Diamonds were associated
with divinity in India and they were used to decorate religious icons. It
was believed that diamonds bring good fortune to those who possessed or
carried them. Diamonds ownership was restricted among various castes by
color and only kings could possess all colored diamond.
As far as earliest
written reference is concerned, it was mentioned in Sanskrit text
Arthashastra as well as in a Buddhist text. This text date back
to 296 BCE and describes diamond's qualities such as hardness, luster,
and dispersion. After years, the fury of nature in the form of winds,
water, heat and cold reworked landscapes while these gems stayed
intact and hidden, awaiting for their radiance to sparkle to the
world unknown.
Just a few
managed to survive, out of which a small amount with an appropriate size
and good quality were cut and polished to be renowned as some of the
finest pieces of jewelry. Diamonds are rare and are found only in a few
secluded sites, spread among the oldest parts of the continents. For
years, the only source known to man was one remote area in India, where
diamonds were first appreciated for their capacity to disperse light.
New discoveries were made in Borneo in the 7th century and in Brazil in
the 18th century. Despite its insignificant size, the Brazilian finding
was so popular that the ruling Portuguese marked the occasion with great
joy. Festivals were staged in Lisbon, with special masses said and
messages of congratulations were sent by the Pope and European monarchs.
|
|
More celebrations came in 1866 when, at last, a truly significant source
of diamonds was discovered in South Africa. Strangely, it owed nothing to
the art or energy of the world's eager prospectors. A farmers' child was
playing with some brightly colored stones found beside a river, one of
which was recognized as a diamond. |
The gem cut from it
was appropriately named "Eureka" and it marked the start
of a remarkable new episode in the story of the emergence of diamonds.
At present, in spite of modern
technologies, diamonds are still difficult to discover. Geologists
search relentlessly for these precious gems, usually in very remote
places, like the frozen tundra of Siberia and Canada to the parched
deserts and ocean floors of Africa.
The popularity of diamond continued to grow as new cuts were developed
that dramatically enhanced the diamond's aesthetic appeal and beauty.
Diamonds are popular among all classes in society. Some large diamonds
became historically very significant, some of them were even included
in various sets of crown jewels.
Contributing Author: Adney Harris is a writer
at http://www.diamondstudsofamerica.com where
you can find a variety of diamond studs jewelry and items including
necklaces, rings and bracelets. Visit us for additional jewelry
information. Email:
adney_harris@yahoo.com
|
|
|
|
