The Basics of the Beautiful Diamond

The Diamond is the subject of this article…the world’s most precious gemstone. We start our article off by exploring some of the myths that have been associated with this gemstone over the years, and then we examine some of the finer properties as well.

The king of gems, the diamond, has been one of the most desired gems in the history of man. While uncut diamonds were worn on the armor of knights, the cut versions adorned the crowns of kings and queens alike. In today’s world the diamond is recognized around the world as the symbol of love, and they have attracted a lot of attention as a source of diversity for one’s investment portfolio.

Magical powers have been a subject of much interest over the years. Years ago it was thought that the diamond was endowed with magical powers. The holder of this precious gemstone (it was believed), would possess bravery, courage, and superior strength. Is there any wonder that knights wore this gem on their armor? It was also believed that the diamond could ward off evil creatures of the night, and the devil as well.

Diamonds have been attributed to many different things over the years. Here’s a short list: (1) Invincibility, (2) Spiritual Ecstasy, (3) Sleepwalking, and (4) Sexual Prowess. Ah, but there is a catch to this list. In order to obtain these benefits, the person has to have found the diamond in its natural setting, in the wild. If they purchased it from someone else, this supposed “contract” was void. There is one exception though. If the diamond was offered as a symbol of friendship or love, such as a setting in an engagement ring, then these magical powers may return.

The Hindus classified diamonds into four separate castes. These castes were: (1) The Vasiya, a diamond the color of the “kodali flower” which brought success. (2) The Brahmin diamond, a colorless diamond that provided friends, riches, power, and good luck. (3) The Kshatiya, a champagne/brown colored diamond that prevented old age. (4) The Sudra, a diamond that was gray or black and glistened like a polished piece of metal, which brought about good fortune. In addition we have the red and yellow diamonds, which were gems exclusively for kings.

The simplest gemstone in the world. Do you know what it is? It’s the diamond (surprise, surprise). A diamond is composed of just plain ole’ crystallized carbon…the same substance that is found in our lead pencils. Since pencils are infinitely more inexpensive than diamonds, it’s the crystallized pattern of the diamond that makes the difference. This is the reason that this gemstone is so prized by collectors.

The diamond is the hardest known substance, but it can be cut or chipped…if it is hit from a certain angle that is. It’s this ability to be “chipped” that permits a gemologist to create the beautiful “cut” versions of the diamond that we love so much.

Although diamonds can come in every color imaginable, it is the white diamond that is the most popular version of the gemstone. Regardless of the color, a diamond makes a perfect addition to any piece of beautiful jewelry.

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