The History of Diamonds: From Ancient Times to the Modern World
The History of Diamonds
From Ancient Times to the Modern World
Faustas Svencionis
Managing Director, Mozeris Fine Antiques
The Eternal Fascination with Diamonds
Diamonds have long been a symbol of beauty, wealth, and power. Over the centuries, these precious gems have been shrouded in myth, coveted by royalty, and sought after by people from all walks of life. This fascinating journey begins in the ancient world and continues to the present day, where ethical concerns and technological advancements have forever changed the diamond industry.
From the mystical beliefs of ancient India to the sophisticated mining operations of modern South Africa, diamonds have captivated the human imagination for millennia. Their journey through history reflects not only our evolving understanding of these remarkable stones but also the changing dynamics of global trade, technology, and social values.
Today, as we face new challenges around sustainability and ethics, the diamond industry continues to evolve, offering both traditional mined stones and innovative laboratory-grown alternatives that promise a more sustainable future.
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Ancient Origins: Diamonds in India
The story of diamonds begins in ancient India, where they were first discovered around 800 BC. In those times, Indians valued diamonds not just for their beauty but also for their strength. They believed diamonds had supernatural powers and used them as talismans to protect against illness and other misfortunes.
Ancient Indian texts, including the Arthashastra by Kautilya, mention diamonds as precious stones worthy of royal treasuries. The Sanskrit word "vajra," meaning thunderbolt, was used to describe diamonds, reflecting their perceived indestructible nature and divine origin.
For over 2,000 years, India remained the world's only known source of diamonds. The famous Golconda mines in the Deccan region produced some of history's most legendary stones, including the Hope Diamond and the Koh-i-Noor, establishing India's reputation as the birthplace of diamond civilisation.
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Sacred and Mystical Properties
Ancient Indian culture attributed numerous mystical properties to diamonds:
- Divine Protection: Believed to ward off evil spirits and negative energies
- Healing Powers: Thought to cure various ailments and promote physical strength
- Royal Authority: Symbols of divine right and imperial power
- Spiritual Purity: Associated with clarity of mind and spiritual enlightenment
- Invincibility: Worn by warriors for protection in battle
Diamonds in Ancient Rome and Greece
The use of diamonds spread to the Western world through trade with India. The ancient Greeks and Romans admired these gems and believed they were tears of the gods or splinters of falling stars. Pliny the Elder, a Roman scholar, wrote about diamonds in his work "Natural History," stating that they were the hardest substance on Earth and could even cut through iron.
Pliny's Natural History
Pliny the Elder documented diamonds as "adamas," describing their exceptional hardness and rarity. His writings became the foundation for European understanding of diamonds for centuries to come, establishing their reputation as the ultimate precious stone.
Classical Beliefs and Uses
Greek and Roman civilisations developed their own interpretations of diamond properties:
- Divine Origin: Believed to be fragments of stars or tears of gods
- Invincibility: The name "adamas" meaning unconquerable
- Truth and Justice: Associated with moral purity and divine judgment
- Medicinal Properties: Thought to neutralise poisons and cure madness
Ancient Trade Routes
Diamonds reached the Mediterranean world through complex trade networks spanning thousands of miles. These precious stones travelled along the Silk Road and maritime routes, making them among the most valuable commodities in ancient commerce.
The Middle Ages: Diamonds in Europe
By the Middle Ages, diamonds had become increasingly popular among European royalty and nobility. The 14th-century French king, Charles V, had a collection of diamonds that he believed would protect him from enemies. In 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a diamond engagement ring to Mary of Burgundy, thus beginning the tradition of diamond engagement rings.
The Diamond Trade
During the Middle Ages, the city of Venice became a major hub for the diamond trade. Venetian jewellers were renowned for their skill in cutting and polishing diamonds, and their expertise spread to other European cities, such as Bruges and Paris.
First Diamond Engagement Ring
Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented Mary of Burgundy with the first recorded diamond engagement ring, establishing a tradition that would eventually become global. This moment marked the beginning of diamonds' association with romantic love and commitment.
Medieval Diamond Cutting
Medieval craftsmen developed the first systematic approaches to diamond cutting:
- Point Cut: The earliest cut, preserving the natural octahedral shape
- Table Cut: Flattening the top point to create a table surface
- Rose Cut: Early faceted cut with triangular facets
- Polishing Techniques: Using diamond dust to polish other diamonds
Brazilian Diamond Mines: The New World Source
In the early 18th century, Brazil emerged as a significant source of diamonds, and its mines produced a steady supply of precious stones for over a century. The discovery of diamond deposits in Borneo and Brazil in the 18th century further fuelled the diamond trade, leading to increased demand for these dazzling gems.
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Brazilian Diamond Rush
Brazilian diamonds were especially prized for their size and quality, and many European monarchs amassed impressive collections of these gems. The discovery transformed global diamond supply and challenged India's millennia-long monopoly.
The Minas Gerais region became the centre of Brazilian diamond mining, producing stones that would adorn the crowns and jewellery of European royalty throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Braganza Diamond
One of the most famous diamonds from this period is the Braganza Diamond, allegedly discovered in a Brazilian mine in 1741. Weighing an astonishing 1,680 carats, the diamond was given to the Portuguese royal family and is now part of the Portuguese Crown Jewels.
Impact on Global Trade
The Brazilian diamond discoveries had profound effects:
- Market Expansion: Increased supply made diamonds more accessible
- Price Stabilisation: Reduced dependence on Indian sources
- Colonial Economics: Established Brazil as a major colonial resource
- Technological Advancement: Spurred improvements in mining techniques
The African Diamond Revolution
In the late 19th century, the discovery of diamond deposits in South Africa revolutionised the diamond industry. The opening of the Kimberley Mine in 1871 triggered a diamond rush, attracting thousands of prospectors to the region. By the end of the century, South Africa was the world's leading diamond producer.
The Kimberley Mine and Diamond Rush
The Kimberley Mine, also known as the "Big Hole," became synonymous with the diamond rush in South Africa. It is estimated that over 14 million carats of diamonds were extracted from the mine during its operation, making it one of the most productive mines in history.
The discovery transformed not only the diamond industry but also the social and economic landscape of southern Africa, leading to the establishment of major mining companies and the development of modern mining techniques.
Image courtesy of Flickr
Image courtesy of Flickr
The Cullinan Diamond Discovery
In 1905, the largest rough diamond ever found was discovered at the Premier Mine in South Africa. The Cullinan Diamond weighed an extraordinary 3,106 carats and was eventually cut into several magnificent stones, including the Great Star of Africa.
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The 20th Century: Industrial Revolution
De Beers and the Diamond Monopoly
In the early 20th century, the De Beers Consolidated Mines company, founded by Cecil Rhodes, established a near-monopoly over the global diamond trade. De Beers controlled diamond prices and supply by buying up mines and forming strategic partnerships. Their famous marketing slogan, "A Diamond is Forever," introduced in 1947, further cemented the diamond's status as the ultimate symbol of love and commitment.
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The Advent of Synthetic Diamonds
In the 1950s, researchers successfully created synthetic diamonds for the first time. These lab-grown diamonds had the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, but they were initially used primarily for industrial purposes, such as cutting tools and abrasives. Over time, advances in technology enabled the production of synthetic diamonds that were virtually indistinguishable from natural ones, making them an attractive option for jewellery as well.
"A Diamond is Forever"
De Beers launched one of the most successful advertising campaigns in history, creating the modern association between diamonds and eternal love. This campaign transformed diamonds from luxury items into essential symbols of engagement and marriage.
20th Century Innovations
- Modern Cutting Techniques: Development of the brilliant cut and other precision cuts
- Grading Standards: Establishment of the 4Cs (Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat)
- Synthetic Production: First successful creation of laboratory diamonds
- Industrial Applications: Use in cutting tools, drilling, and electronics
- Global Marketing: Transformation of diamonds into symbols of love
The 21st Century: Ethics and Innovation
Ethical Concerns and Conflict Diamonds
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the diamond industry faced a major ethical crisis with the emergence of "conflict diamonds" – diamonds mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict against governments. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, established in 2003, aimed to eliminate the trade in conflict diamonds by requiring participating countries to certify that their diamonds were conflict-free.
Lab-Grown Diamonds Revolution
The rise of lab-grown diamonds in the 21st century has provided consumers with an alternative to natural diamonds that is more ethical and environmentally friendly. Lab-grown diamonds are virtually identical to natural diamonds in appearance, quality, and durability, but they are produced without the environmental and social costs associated with mining.
Modern Diamond Technology
Today's diamond industry combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, from laser cutting and computer-aided design to blockchain tracking for ethical sourcing. These innovations ensure both quality and transparency in the modern diamond trade.
Contemporary Challenges and Solutions
- Ethical Sourcing: Kimberley Process and blockchain tracking
- Environmental Impact: Sustainable mining practices and lab-grown alternatives
- Transparency: Full supply chain documentation
- Innovation: Advanced cutting techniques and quality grading
- Consumer Education: Awareness of diamond origins and alternatives
Explore our collection of antique and vintage diamond jewellery to see examples of historical craftsmanship and design evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did diamonds originally come from?
Diamonds originally came from ancient India, where they were first discovered around 800 BC. India remained the world's primary source of diamonds for over 2,000 years until deposits were found in Brazil in the 18th century.
When were diamonds first discovered?
Diamonds were first discovered in India around 800 BC, making them one of the earliest known precious gemstones in human history.
How did the tradition of diamond engagement rings begin?
The tradition began in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a diamond engagement ring to Mary of Burgundy, establishing a custom that continues today.
What is the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme?
Established in 2003, it is an international certification system designed to eliminate the trade in conflict diamonds by requiring participating countries to certify that their diamonds are conflict-free.
Who owns 90% of the diamonds?
While De Beers once controlled up to 90% of the global diamond trade, today the market is more diversified. De Beers now controls approximately 30-35% of global rough diamond production, with other major players including Alrosa, Rio Tinto, and Petra Diamonds.
Why are diamonds so expensive when they are not rare?
Diamond prices are influenced by controlled supply, marketing, processing costs, and perceived value rather than absolute rarity. The diamond industry has historically managed supply to maintain high prices, while the cost of mining, cutting, and marketing adds to the final price.
What are 5 facts about diamonds?
1) Diamonds are the hardest natural substance (10 on Mohs scale). 2) They form 100-200 miles below Earth's surface. 3) Most diamonds are over 1 billion years old. 4) They're made of pure carbon. 5) The largest diamond ever found was the Cullinan at 3,106 carats.
What is more valuable than a diamond?
Several gemstones can be more valuable than diamonds, including high-quality emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and rare stones like jadeite, red beryl, and painite. Value depends on rarity, quality, size, and market demand.
Which country has the most diamonds?
Russia produces the most diamonds by volume, followed by Botswana, Canada, and Angola. However, Botswana produces the highest value of diamonds due to the exceptional quality of its stones.
What is the rarest diamond?
Red diamonds are the rarest, with fewer than 30 known to exist. The Moussaieff Red Diamond (5.11 carats) is considered one of the finest examples. Other extremely rare diamonds include blue, green, and pink varieties.
Are diamonds the hardest substance on Earth?
Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, rating 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. However, scientists have created synthetic materials like aggregated diamond nanorods that are harder than natural diamonds.
What does a raw diamond look like?
Raw diamonds typically appear as octahedral (eight-sided) crystals with a greasy or adamantine lustre. They can be colourless, yellow, brown, or other colours, and often look quite different from polished diamonds, resembling rough glass or quartz.
Expert Diamond & Jewellery Services
Whether you're seeking authentication, valuation, or acquisition of exceptional diamond pieces, our specialists provide comprehensive expertise in antique and vintage jewellery with decades of experience in the diamond trade.
Trusted by collectors and investors worldwide • Established 2015 • London & Essex
