What’s Special About Diamonds?

A few images come to mind just from hearing the word "diamond," including those of engagement and wedding rings that are rare, valuable, attractive, gorgeous, and glittering. Most of the diamonds glinting on fingers now are more than 100 million years old; they were formed deep beneath the earth's core and brought to the surface by a volcanic eruption.

Even before they were mined in abundance at the tail end of the 19th century, these spectacular marvels of nature were a source of intrigue and value to prehistoric man. Diamonds were viewed as tears of the gods by the Greeks, while the Romans believed they were shards of fallen stars. The term "Adamas," from the Greek for "unconquerable," is where the word "diamond" gets its origin.

What Is A Diamond?

Diamonds are composed of carbon, the same element found in your pencil, and this may come as a surprise to you. The way they were handled by the earth's interior for millions of years is what sets them apart.

Diamonds are, without a doubt, the eternal epitome of all that is alluring, exquisite, and spectacular. These rare, brilliant gems have been treasured by people across cultures and time periods because of their rarity and beauty. Shop with confidence knowing that all Temple & Grace lab diamond rings are crafted in-house by our team of master jewelers.

The name "diamond" originates from the Ancient Greek word "adámas," which means "unbreakable," making diamonds the most valuable and long-lasting gemstones.

They are more valuable than any other gemstone because of their unparalleled beauty, inner fire, and special properties. Due to their uniqueness, no two diamonds have the same personality.

Diamonds are one of the earliest substances discovered by humans, with their formation estimated to have occurred between one and three billion years ago. Scientists are very interested in diamonds because of the information they can provide about geological processes and ancient environments that would otherwise remain hidden from us due to their immense antiquity and their origin from 140 kilometres below the surface of the Earth.

These formed in the mantle close to the Earth's core and then ascended to the surface via the eruption of ancient volcanoes, a process that required immense heat and pressure. At near-sonic velocities, the magma tore off chunks of the mantle, carrying the diamonds in their crystalline host rocks with them to the surface (either kimberlites or lamproites). While not all diamonds would have made it up the mountain, each one is a miraculous feat of nature.

Diamonds are coveted not just for their striking beautiful genes and durability, but also for the mystical powers some believe they hold; in ancient India, even looking at a diamond was thought to boost one's vitality.

There is no need to be surprised by the fact that diamonds are among nature's most prized possessions, given that there are only about 30 diamond mines of any substantial magnitude now operating.

Diamonds are not only the hardest material known to man, but also have unrivalled thermal conductivity (100 times greater than copper), and their inertness makes low-quality "boart" diamonds perfect for a wide variety of cutting-edge technologies.

Diamonds have been used as a declaration of love, a status symbol, a fashion icon, and a prized family relic over the course of their billion-year history. In addition to their obvious allure, these stones have also been instrumental in shaping some of the most iconic moments in cinematic and pop cultural history. An intriguing query is prompted by this.

History And Meaning Of Diamonds

It was probably around 800 or 1000 B.C. when diamonds were first discovered along the banks of Indian rivers. For a long period of time—hundreds of years—they dominated the diamond trade. Even before gem cutting was established, the royal family and nobles of ancient India cherished diamonds. Alexander the Great transported diamonds from India to Europe in 327 BC, and they quickly became a hot commodity in the Medieval Venice Markets.

Diamonds were revered in Ancient Greek religion. Diamonds were once thought to be the tears of the gods. The Greek word for a diamond is Adamas, which means "unconquerable." They believed that having it on their breastplates would give them an advantage in battle.

A diamond is the most heartfelt token of affection there is. You've probably heard the slogan "a diamond is forever" numerous times. The combination of the stone's reputation as the hardest material on Earth with its symbolic meaning of unending devotion makes it an attractive investment. The diamond is the April birthstone and the traditional gift to celebrate 60 years of marriage. It is thought that diamonds were first unearthed in India between 3,000 and 6,000 years ago. Diamonds were revered across Ancient India as symbols of the divine.

Light is reflected inside a diamond and then exits the top, adding to the diamond's attractiveness. This amazing invention in gem cutting was developed in the 1400s. This enhances the diamond's brilliance and clarity, making it much more desirable among European nobility.

Unfortunately, the 1700s saw the beginning of the end for Indian diamonds as mining activity collapsed. After being out of production for more than 150 years, the market was revived with the discovery of diamond mines in Brazil.

The ancient Greeks gave the diamond the name "Adamas," which means "unconquerable" or "unconquerable" in English. Diamonds were worn by ancient Greek soldiers because of a widespread belief that they gave their wearers superhuman strength and immunity to injury. The diamond's strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal have made it highly sought after by cultures old and new. 'The rainbow is imprisoned in a diamond forever,' Hafiz, a renowned Persian poet, once said. Throughout history, people have associated diamonds with chastity and virtue. Diamonds were likened by the ancient Greeks to the tears of a pleading deity. Diamonds were once believed by ancient Romans to be pieces of stellar accretion discs that had fallen to Earth.

Where And How Do Diamonds Form?

Diamonds are formed between 75 and 120 miles (120 to 200 kilometres) below the surface of the Earth. Geologists estimate that the first diamonds were delivered around 2.5 billion years ago, with the most recent delivery being 45 million years ago. Scientists believe that the carbon used to create diamonds originates from the subduction of meteorites into the Earth's upper mantle. Carbon is particularly plentiful in the mantle.

Carbon atoms are pushed deeper by fluctuations in the upper mantle's temperature, where they melt and eventually solidify into a new rock. The carbon atoms in the molten crystal rock can join to form diamond crystals under the right temperature, pressure, and chemical conditions.

The formation of diamonds from these carbon atoms is not guaranteed. Diamond crystals can partially melt or dissolve if the temperature or pressure is too high or too low, respectively. If diamonds do form, it will be thousands of years before they reach the earth's surface, if ever.

Modern Diamond Mining

Large diamond reserves in Africa were initially identified in the late 1800s, and this discovery is often credited as the impetus for the modern diamond mining industry. Diamonds were previously extracted from the ground. Nonetheless, advances in technology have allowed for deeper diamond exploration. This resulted in a massive shift in the market, increasing yearly rough diamond production from below 1 million carats to about 100 million carats.

Diamond producers rethought their advertising tactics to sell the extra supply caused by the dramatic uptick in output. Although coloured stone engagement rings were popular at the time, the idea that diamonds forever have since taken hold. White diamonds are the most sought-after gem right now, while any other colour will make your jewellery stand out as "bold."

Since then, diamonds have been discovered in two additional places, causing widespread excitement. The first diamonds were found in Australia in the 1980s, and they came in colours ranging from white to a very unusual pink. Australia's Kimberley region has become renowned for its one-of-a-kind, strikingly coloured pink diamonds. Northern Canada has quickly become a well-known diamond mining region. Canada diamonds are renowned for their flawless white lustre and for being mined in a way that is both ethical and sustainable.

What Makes A Diamond Special?

Beauty

Diamonds have been highly sought for millennia due to their rarity, hardness, and inherent beauty and fire within them. Due to their unique and intricate makeup, no two diamonds are ever the same. As with its owner, every diamond has its own personality and traits that set it apart.

Purity 

Diamonds are in short supply despite ongoing efforts to identify and develop new sources of precious metal. This makes sense when you consider that only one carat of rough diamond requires almost 250 tonnes of ore to be blasted, crushed, and treated. In addition, only 20% of all rough diamonds can be polished into usable gemstones.

Durability 

A diamond's durability to wear and tear comes from its status as the world's hardest substance. Diamond jewellery, if properly cared for, can be worn frequently and even passed down the generations.

Enduring Value 

Diamond prices rise and fall like those of other precious commodities. Even after being worn and appreciated for a long time, the value of these beautiful diamonds will not diminish.

Amazing Facts About Diamonds

• Diamonds were thought to have originated as the gods' tears or as shards of fallen stars, and in Roman mythology, Cupid's arrows were always tipped with diamonds (Diamonds have been associated with romantic love for quite some time).
• Diamonds have been around for billions of years, sometimes for almost three billion years.
• Deep volcanic eruptions bring diamonds to the surface from around 100 miles below Earth, where they originate.
• Diamonds are nearly pure carbon, the only element they contain. Diamonds' exquisite crystalline structure is the consequence of a special bonding of carbon atoms that can only occur under extreme conditions deep inside the Earth.
• The Ancient Greek word adamas, from which we get the word "adamant," meant to be impenetrable.
• In terms of natural materials, diamonds are indestructible. Only another diamond can scratch a diamond. A diamond is up to 58 times harder than any naturally occuring substance, according to studies. Therefore, obviously, the only thing that could possibly cut through a diamond is...another diamond.
• Diamonds have been prized and sought after for aeons. Around the fourth century BC, there was already evidence of diamond trading and collection in India. Pliny, a Roman naturalist who lived in the first century AD, is credited with saying that diamonds are the most valuable material object in the world.
• Ancient Hindus believed that diamonds offered protection from harm and were used in the eyes of devotional idols.
• Diamonds were worn by some ancient monarchs atop their armour as a symbol of strength and courage, a belief held by many civilisations.
• Diamonds were believed to have medicinal properties throughout the Medieval Ages and were used to treat everything from exhaustion to mental illness.
• The primary countries producing diamonds have shifted over time. Beginning in the 1400s, when they were first traded in Venice and other European trade centres, India was the original source of diamonds for the world. From the middle of the 1700s until the late 1800s, when a massive diamond deposit was discovered in South Africa, diamonds came primarily from India. Diamonds are now being mined in a wide variety of locations. Beyond Conflict Free DiamondsTM from Canada, Botswana Sort, or Russia are offered by Brilliant Earth, beyond current industry standards.
• In 1867, a South African kid named Erasmus Stephanus, just 15 years old, made history by discovering the magnificent Eureka diamond. The rough diamond weighed in at 21.25 carats and was discovered close to Hopetown on the Orange River. The diamond's final weight after being polished was 10.73 carats.
• The Cullinan diamond, at an incredible 3,106 carats (1.33 pounds), was the biggest diamond ever unearthed. The diamond was given to King Edward by the mine's owner and the South African government after it was discovered in that country in 1905. Three of the biggest diamonds that were cut from the Cullinan are part of the crown jewels that are on exhibit at the Tower of London.
• Mary of Burgundy's engagement ring was a gold band with the initials "M" and "B" spelt out in diamonds, given to her by Archduke Maximilian of Austria in 1477.
• Physical, chemical, and visual qualities of lab-grown diamonds are identical to those of naturally occuring diamonds. These are environmentally friendly diamonds that won't deplete resources.
• The most mind-blowing information about diamonds is: A planet made largely of carbon and possibly a third pure diamond has been discovered, according to scientists. The planet, designated 55 Cancri e, was discovered in 2004 and follows the path of a neighbouring star in our galaxy (which we do not think does justice to the amazing nature of this world). The fact that scientists have found a star that is virtually a diamond, ten billion trillion trillion carats in size, is possibly even more astounding. Lucy was given her name in honour of the Beatles' song of the same name.
• Most diamonds sold today are extracted from deep inside the earth or from deep within the ocean using sophisticated technology and heavy machinery. Before diamonds were extracted from the ground, miners uncovered them along riverbanks and at riverbeds. Alluvial mining describes this practice.
• SCIENTISTS CAN TRANSFORM A LOVED ONE'S REMAINS INTO A DIAMOND. Compressing a loved one's ashes and fusing them into a synthetic diamond is one approach to keeping their memory alive forever. In this way, you can keep them close to your heart.
• IN SPACE, THERE ARE DIAMONDS. Researchers have discovered white dwarf stars with diamonds at their cores. More intriguing still is the fact that the largest diamond in the universe weighs up to 10 billion carats and 2.27 trillion tonnes.

The old adage goes, "A diamond is eternal;" with that in mind, it stands to reason that you should select the most stunning gem available. Well, Temple & Grace fulfils all those wishes and more by helping you pick only the most special diamonds of all.

Two diamonds may look similar at first glance, but closer inspection will reveal significant differences. Even if two diamonds are the same size, they will have different values because of the features that make them distinctive. The 4 C's, or "cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight," explain these distinctions. The worth of a diamond is based on the interplay of these four factors. Visit our shop and have one of our diamond specialists give you a more in-depth explanation of the 4 C's.

Conclusion

Diamonds have always symbolised beauty, rarity, and uniqueness due to their scarcity and beauty. Carbon, like pencils, made them, and a volcanic outburst exposed them. Because of their beauty and fire, they cost more than normal diamonds. Diamonds' 140-kilometre-deep origins excite specialists. Diamonds are the toughest and most heat-conducting substance.

They have symbolised love, status, fashion, and heirlooms for billions of years. Ancient India treasured them as sacred emblems since their discovery 3,000–6,000 years ago. Light bouncing inside a diamond before entering the top enhances its brilliance. The 1500s refined gem cutting. The Greeks termed diamonds "Adamas" for their strength, durability, and beauty.

The Roman legend associated diamonds with Cupid's arrows, gods' tears, or falling stars. 

Northern Canada is known for white diamonds and sustainable mining. Ancient Hindus thought diamonds safeguarded devotional deities. Medieval people believed they could cure anything from fatigue to mental illness. Erasmus Stephanus unearthed the 21.25-carat Eureka diamond in Hopetown, Orange River, in 1867.

Content Summary

• Most of the diamonds glinting on fingers now are more than 100 million years old; they were formed deep beneath the earth's core and brought to the surface by a volcanic eruption.
• People across cultures and periods have treasured these rare, brilliant gems because of their rarity and beauty.
• Diamonds are one of the earliest substances discovered by humans, with their formation estimated to have occurred between one and three billion years ago.
• Scientists are very interested in diamonds because of the information they can provide about geological processes and ancient environments that would otherwise remain hidden from us due to their immense antiquity and origin from 140 kilometres below the surface of the Earth.
• Diamonds are the hardest material known to man and have unrivalled thermal conductivity (100 times greater than copper). Their inertness makes low-quality "boart" diamonds perfect for various cutting-edge technologies.
• Diamonds have been used as a declaration of love, a status symbol, a fashion icon, and a prized family relic throughout their billion-year history.
• In addition to their obvious allure, these stones have been instrumental in shaping some of the most iconic moments in cinematic and pop cultural history.
• Alexander the Great transported diamonds from India to Europe in 327 BC, and they quickly became a hot commodity in the Medieval Venice Markets.
• Diamonds were revered in Ancient Greek religion.
• Diamonds were once thought to be the tears of the gods.
• It is thought that diamonds were first unearthed in India between 3,000 and 6,000 years ago.
• Unfortunately, the 1700s saw the beginning of the end for Indian diamonds as mining activity collapsed.
• After being out of production for more than 150 years, the market was revived with the discovery of diamond mines in Brazil.
• Ancient Greek soldiers wore diamonds because of a widespread belief that they gave their wearers superhuman strength and immunity to injury.
• The diamond's strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal have made it highly sought after by cultures old and new. '
• Throughout history, people have associated diamonds with chastity and virtue.
• Ancient Romans once believed diamonds to be pieces of stellar accretion discs that had fallen to Earth.
• Large diamond reserves in Africa were initially identified in the late 1800s, and this discovery is often credited as the impetus for the modern diamond mining industry.
• This resulted in a massive shift in the market, increasing yearly rough diamond production from below 1 million carats to about 100 million carats.
• Australia's Kimberley region has become renowned for its one-of-a-kind, strikingly coloured pink diamonds.
• Canada diamonds are renowned for their flawless white lustre and for being mined in a way that is both ethical and sustainable.
• Diamonds have been highly sought for millennia due to their rarity, hardness, and inherent beauty and fire within them.
• Diamonds are in short supply despite ongoing efforts to identify and develop new sources of precious metal.
• A diamond's durability to wear and tear comes from its status as the world's hardest substance.
• Diamonds have been around for billions of years, sometimes for almost three billion years.
• Ancient Hindus believed that diamonds offered protection from harm and were used in the eyes of holy idols.
• Diamonds were believed to have medicinal properties throughout the Medieval Ages and were used to treat everything from exhaustion to mental illness.
• Beginning in the 1400s, when they were first traded in Venice and other European trade centres, India was the source of diamonds for the world.
• From the middle of the 1700s until the late 1800s, when a massive diamond deposit was discovered in South Africa, diamonds came primarily from India.
• Diamonds are now being mined in a wide variety of locations.
• The Cullinan diamond was the biggest diamond ever unearthed at an incredible 3,106 carats (1.33 pounds).
• Three of the biggest diamonds cut from the Cullinan are part of the crown jewels on exhibit at the Tower of London.
• Lab-grown diamonds' physical, chemical, and visual qualities are identical to those of naturally occurring diamonds.
• The planet, designated 55 Cancri e, was discovered in 2004 and follows the path of a neighbouring star in our galaxy (which we do not think does justice to the amazing nature of this world).
• Scientists have found a star that is virtually a diamond, ten billion trillion trillion carats in size, which is possibly even more astounding.
• Lucy was given her name in honour of the Beatles' song of the same name.
• Researchers have discovered white dwarf stars with diamonds at their cores.
• More intriguing still is that the largest diamond in the universe weighs up to 10 billion carats and 2.27 trillion tonnes.
• Even if two diamonds are the same size, they will have different values because of their distinctive features.
• The 4 C's, or "cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight," explain these distinctions.
• Visit our shop and have one of our diamond specialists explain the 4 C's in more in-depth.