5 Facts about Diamonds

Diamonds are one of the most precious and sought after stones in the world. Here we will discuss 5 facts that makes that diamond gift extra special.

Diamonds are one of the most precious and sought after gemstones in the world, becoming the ultimate symbol of wealth and love. Made from Carbon, diamond is one of the hardest naturally forming substances in the world, making this stone perfect for rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and necklaces. White diamonds (also known as clear diamonds or brilliant diamonds) are completely devoid of any colour. At Diamond Heaven, we love everything about diamonds and gemstones - from how they're formed to their complex history, here are some fascinating facts about diamonds!

1.Historians Believe That Indians Were Trading in Diamonds in Fourth Century BC

According to the GIA, historians believe that India were trading in diamonds in Fourth Century BC. Diamonds would gather in India's streams and rivers, making them easily accessible. At first, only wealthy classes in India could afford diamonds, but this changed when Indian diamonds and other exotic merchandise became available to Western Europe via caravans travelling through the medieval markets in Venice. Diamonds then became a fashion statement for the European elite.

2.Black Diamonds May Have Come From Space

Research published by Stephen Haggerty, a geologist at Florida International University in Miami, US, states that black diamonds (also known as carbonados) only found in Brazil and the Central African Republic have come from a meteorite from Space. Haggerty notes that the black diamond's porosity would not be possible in the Earth's domestic conditions.

Putting his theory to the test, Haggerty and his colleagues subjected the black diamonds  to an infrared synchrotron at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York. They found that the diamonds contained hydrogen, which indicated they had origins in "hydrogen-rich interstellar space". These diamonds"closely resemble" diamonds found in other asteroids, and are between 2.6 and 3.8bn years old.

3.The World's Largest Diamond was Discovered in 1905

The largest diamond in the world was discovered in 1905 in South Africa and weighed 3,106 carats (1.33 pounds). Named after the mine's chairman, Thomas Cullinan, the Cullinan Diamond (also known as The Star of Africa) was gifted to King Edward. The Star of Africa was eventually cut into nine large diamonds and 100 smaller ones. The three largest of these diamonds are now on display in the Tower of London as part of the Crown Jewels. Alongside this, Queen Elizabeth II inherited a private collection of diamonds from her grandmother, Queen Mary, featuring seven of the major cuts and 96 minor cuts.

4.More Than a Million Carats of Diamonds are Mined Each Year

Approximately 133 million carats of rough diamonds are produced each year. Diamonds are used for a vast number of reasons, not just for jewellery. Industrial and medical industries rely on diamonds for their tools as they are the hardest material on earth. Over 110,000 tons of diamonds are now being synthetically produced in laboratories to help meet demand - these are known as ‘man-made diamonds'.

5.Diamond Engagement Rings Date Back to 1477

The tradition of gifting a diamond ring when asking for someone's hand in marriage dates back to 1477. Archduke Maximillian of Austria gifted his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring made from thin, flat pieces of diamonds in the shape of an ‘M'. Diamonds have always been symbolic of wealth, prosperity and love, and they're still a popular choice

Nowadays diamond engagement rings are still the most popular choice, with 87% of women saying there is no alternative when it comes to a diamond engagement ring. Alongside this, diamonds are recognised as 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries, making it a real symbol of love and marriage.

At Diamond Heaven we are dedicated to finding you special diamond jewellery perfect for any occasion. Whether it is to give to a loved one, or a gift for yourself.

For advice and support on picking the perfect gift - book an appointment at one of our branches, or contact us on 0121 200 1300.