Diamond history varies greatly depending on your source of
documentation, as diamond history is as rich in myths and folklore as it is in
physical facts and records. Diamond
history is one filled with mythical stories, such as one where snakes guarded a
land full of diamonds, and the history has fascinated people with the romance
and beauty that surrounds our most precious gemstones; diamonds.
Early Diamond History
Around 3,000 years ago, in the country of India, the first
ever diamond history was recorded. If
diamonds had been found prior to this period of time, we have no written record
of it
Diamonds in this day and age were used for two main purposes, and is
quite different from why we still love diamonds today. Diamonds stood as a talisman in order to fend
off evil spirits, and to provide protection during battles, and they were also
valued because of their ability to reflect the light.
Dark Ages of Diamond
History
It is during the dark ages that the diamond history moved
into having some sort of medical purpose.
St Hildegarde was said to have written an anecdote to heal wounds and
cure illnesses that instructed the sick to hold a diamond in their hand and
make the sign of the cross. Some people
in diamond history went as far as swallowing diamonds, hoping it would cure
their illnesses magically.
Middle Ages of Diamond
History
It was during the middle ages that diamonds began to gain
popularity. It is this point in diamond
history that many of the famous diamonds were discovered, including the Blue
Hope, and the mountain of light, both found in India. In our current times, India remains the
worlds finest polishers of diamonds.
The middle ages also saw a shift in diamond history- where
previously diamonds were valued based on their mythical powers, they began to
be valued more for their overall worth.
As more people learned of the incredible value of diamonds, mine owners
began circulating stories that diamonds were poisonous, to prevent the workers
from swallowing diamonds as a means to smuggle them out of the mines
undetected.
Also during this period of diamond history, people wanted
diamonds more than any other time period previously, mostly because they
recognized their power and worth.
India's diamond supply was dwindling and was unable to meet demands of
diamond buyers. South Africa's find of
diamonds near the Orange River began the world's largest diamond rush of
diamond history, and helped satisfy the demands of those wanting diamonds for
themselves.
More Recently
Diamond history began to spread into eastern Australia
sometime during the middle of the nineteenth century. During the late 1970's, Australia as a
diamond producer became validated. Also
in the late 1970's, 1979 to be exact, the Argyle pipe near Lake Argyle was
discovered by geologists. Since that
day, Argyle has become the absolute largest producer of diamonds in all the
world and throughout diamond history, and produces over one third of the
diamond volume each year.
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