| |
The Diamond is the birthstone for April – you lucky people!
 |
The name "diamond" comes from the Greek word "adamas" meaning invincible or unconquerable-suggesting the eternity of love. The Diamond is harder than any other substance on earth. Although diamonds are thought of as being a colourless stone, they are occasionally found with a strong, bright colour-green, red, pink, blue, canary yellow and amber. These "fancy" coloured diamonds are highly-prized. Diamonds usually form deep within the earth under extreme pressure and heat. The volcanic activity from billions of year ago helped bring diamonds up to the surface. The diamond is mainly found in volcanic rock and kimberlite from all over the world. There are several legends and folklore that surround the diamond. The ancients believed they were splinters from the stars, perhaps crystallized lightening or hardened dew drops. In Ancient Greece many warriors wore diamonds on their shields with the belief that the stones could grant them invincibility. The diamond symbolized purity, innocence and joy of faith. In present day the diamond is looked at as a symbol of love. Ever since the Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a diamond engagement ring to Mary of Burgundy, daughter of the Duke of Burgundy in 1477, the diamond became the choice for engagement rings. Diamonds have also been credited for having certain medicinal properties. During the middle ages, these gemstones were thought to heal illness, but only if the ailing person took the Diamond into bed to warm it up first!
|
