About one to three billion years ago, a unique process began that would one day deliver to you a pristine, one-of-a-kind relic––be it the diamond engagement ring, diamond studs, or diamond pendant you cherish today. Extreme heat, pressure, and the perfect storm of circumstance is how the diamond journey began some 100 miles deep within the earth.

Humans first discovered natural diamonds in caves in India between 4 and 6 B.C., but millions of years had passed from the time they were formed to this rare moment of discovery. The ancient, underground volcanic pipes in which natural diamonds are located are extremely difficult to find, and centuries of volcanic eruptions are all that’s responsible for propelling these rare gems to the surface. These rough, unpolished diamonds were a remarkable revelation, and quickly made their way to Europe and China, where they eventually became symbols of status and power among kings and queens. This is because the diamond represents enduring strength. Its name comes from the ancient Greek word “adamas,” meaning “unbreakable.”

Because natural diamonds are one of the hardest natural materials on earth, their shaping and carving––which began in the 14th Century––was initially done with primitive techniques following that of stone. Later it was discovered that the uncut gems could be shaped and shined by their own dust, which is a process still used today.

After Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a diamond engagement ring in 1477, diamond history would change forever. This rare gem began to take on a new identity, one that stood for commitment, romance, and everlasting love. Today, natural diamonds continue to be a timeless and enduring symbol of love, strength and pure, all-natural beauty. Each one is as unique as you are. Now, as heirlooms often passed on through generations, they represent lifelines––a diamond journey that can be traced billions of years back to the deepest corners of the earth, where it all began.

From the Natural Diamond Council

Shine bright like a yellow diamond? But actually. Your S.O. knew that if he or she liked it they should put a colored ring on it. Gemstones in every color of the rainbow are quickly becoming a girl’s best friend.

Almandine Garnet

These deep, wine red gemstones have a very special symbolism—the unity of passion and serenity. Wearing one is a promise that you will unconditionally love and protect your partner.

Aquamarine

Also called blue beryl, aquamarine is the bright vivid color of a tropical ocean. Symbolizing courage and communication, this gemstone reminds you to express your love for one another on a daily basis—be it through words or actions.

Blue Sapphire

These regal gemstones are fit for royalty. Princess Diana and Kate both chose this blue stone over traditional white diamonds. Meaning: You’ll always be honest and loyal to each other.

Blue Topaz

A symbol of peace and tranquility, loyalty and eternal love, blue topaz will serve as a reminder to stay true to yourself. Keep your unique sparkle alive and your partner will always be intrigued.

Champagne Diamond

The unofficial name for golden brown diamonds, champagne diamonds are both elegant and modern. They represent a commitment to always finding reasons to celebrate together and being each other’s biggest cheerleaders.

Citrine

Also known as lemon quartz, this yellow gemstone sparkles with joy. Symbolizing happiness and prosperity, it encourages you to live life to the fullest and to pour your entire heart and soul into marriage.

Emerald

The green variety of beryl, natural emeralds always have a little garden of fine inclusions. As one of the most auspicious gemstones for a wedding ring, emerald symbolizes a happy and successful marriage.

Moonstone

At first glance, moonstone may appear pure white, but move them slightly and an iridescent blue rainbow flashes across the surface. It signifies that your love will last a lifetime while guiding you throughout life’s many changes.

Morganite

These ultra-feminine gemstones are, dare we say it, having a wedding moment. Sometimes called pink emerald, morganite is a variety of beryl. It means that your match was made in heaven and that the two of you will live happily ever after.

Opal

These opulent stones shimmer with a fiery rainbow. They have long been associated with desire and passion, love and loyalty.

Peridot

This merry green stone seems to light up with laughter. A secret message between you and your lover, it playfully says, “I know who you are, I trust you, and I love you dearly!”

Pink Diamond

Among the rarest of gemstones, pink diamonds symbolize love and creativity. Wear it with confidence, knowing that your wedding will be flawless and your marriage full of pleasant surprises.

Pink Sapphire

Perfect for the feminine bride who dreams of true love and lifelong romance. This pink gemstone signifies that you will always be kind, loving, and thoughtful toward one another.

Pink Tourmaline

Tourmalines are available in every shade of the rainbow, but when it comes to engagement rings, nothing compares to pink tourmaline. This vivid pink gemstone serves as a constant reminder to always trust in the power of love.

Prasiolite

The green variety of quartz, prasiolite, is also sometimes called green amethyst. It stands for the hope that true love exists and that you have found it in each other.

Rose Quartz

This beautiful pink gemstone embodies unconditional love. For the true romantic, this stone carries all the highest and most loving energies.

Ruby

Did you know that a ruby is actually a red sapphire? The most precious form of Corundum, red ruby is the ultimate symbol of passionate love.

Tanzanite

This rare purple/blue gemstone has only been found in a single mine in Tanzania, Africa. It has been called the “stone of magic” and wearing it on your ring finger means your life together will be a real-life fairy-tale.

Tsavorite

The most expensive type of garnet is this green variety found on the border of Kenya and Tanzania near the Tsavo National Park. It reminds you that you deserve to be happy in love and that life is a never-ending adventure.

Yellow Diamond

If white diamonds signify pure love, then consider yellow diamonds the exclamation point to every love story. It promises you will always be best friends and playmates, as well as lovers.

From BRIDES online magazine

by Stacy Conradt – Mentafloss.com

On September 11, 1792, the Hope Diamond was stolen from the house that stored the crown jewels. It’s a pretty fascinating little bauble—particularly if you’re the sort of person who is impressed by 45.52 carat gems—but you probably wouldn’t want to own it, as it’s supposedly cursed.

The story goes that the curse began with the Tavernier Blue, which was the precursor to several large diamonds, including the Hope Diamond. Take this with a grain of salt, because it’s never been proved: Jean-Baptiste Tavernier stole the 115.16 carat blue diamond from a Hindu statue, where it was serving as one of the eyes. Upon discovering it was missing, priests put a curse on whoever was in possession of the gem—which has included a fair amount of people over the years.

1. JEAN-BAPTISTE TAVERNIER

The story goes that French gem merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier came down with a raging fever soon after stealing the diamond, and after he died, his body was possibly ravaged by wolves. However, other reports show that he lived until the ripe old age of 84, so…

2. KING LOUIS XIV

King Louis XIV bought the stone from Tavernier and had it recut in 1673. It was then known as “The Blue Diamond of the Crown” or the “French Blue.” King Louis died of gangrene and all of his legitimate children died in childhood, except for one (though that wasn’t necessarily atypical in those times).

3. NICHOLAS FOUQUET

Nicholas Fouquet, who worked for King Louis XIV, is said to have worn the diamond for a special occasion. Shortly thereafter, he fell out of favor with the king and was banished from France. The king then changed this sentence to life imprisonment, so Fouquet spent 15 years in the fortress of Pignerol. Some people believe that he was the real Man in the Iron Mask, but other accounts dispute this.

4. AND 5. LOUIS XVI AND MARIE ANTOINETTE

Louis XVI inherited the French Blue, Marie Antoinette wore it, and I think we all know what happened there. That’s the story, anyway; we have no photographic evidence that Marie wore the gem.

6. MARIE-LOUISE, PRINCESS DE LAMBALLE

Marie-Louise, Princess de Lamballe, was a member of Marie Antoinette’s court and was her closest confidante. She was killed by a mob in a most horrific fashion—apparently hit with a hammer, decapitated, stripped, and disemboweled, among other things. Her head was impaled on a pike and carried to Marie Antoinette’s prison window.

7. WILHELM FALS

Scientists have found evidence that diamonds formed in several ways.

Around 90 miles (145 km) below the surface in areas of the Earth’s mantle, temperatures reach 2,000° F (1,093° C). Diamonds form at these depths at those temperatures and under extremely high pressure, then fast-moving magma from deep-source volcanic eruptions bring them to the surface.

Very small diamonds have also been found in rocks from tectonic plates (large areas of the Earth crust) subducted into the Earth’s mantle and then returned to the surface.

Asteroid impact sites have yielded tiny diamonds as well. Researchers believe that the temperature and pressure from these impacts may suffice to form diamonds.

Diamonds also occur extra-terrestrially. Some meteorites contain microscopic diamonds not formed by impacts. In 2004, astronomers discovered a white dwarf star in the constellation Centaurus that has crystallized into a diamond. “Lucy,” as astronomers have nicknamed this remnant, has a diameter of 2,500 miles (4.023 km) and weighs 10 billion trillion trillion carats!

Does Coal Play a Role in Forming Diamonds?

Although both coal and diamond contain primarily carbon, the answer is likely no. Most coal is a byproduct of terrestrial plants, particularly forests. The earliest known land plants date back only 450 million years. According to geology.com, almost every diamond dated so far predates the evolution of terrestrial plants by at least 100 million years.

Where Does the Word “Diamond” Come From?

Early civilizations, including the Ancient Greeks, recognized the beauty and strength of diamonds. Our word “diamond” comes from the Greek adjective adamas which means “unbreakable” or “indestructible.” According to Merriam-Webster:

Latin writers borrowed these Greek words, sometimes as adamant. The forms adamant-, adamas in time gave us the English noun “adamant,” meaning “an imaginary stone of great hardness,” and the adjective … meaning “firmly fixed or decided.” The “i” forms in Latin were later changed from adimant-, adimas to diamant-, diamas and came to be used only for the gemstone which we now call diamond.

Diamond Markets

Many early civilizations, such as Ancient Greece, recognized the beauty and strength of diamonds. Valued for their strength and brilliance, diamonds were carried by traders along the Silk Road. Artisans also prized them for their practical applications. Diamonds can engrave metal and act as cutting tools. In Europe during the Dark Ages, people also believed diamonds had healing powers.

In the 19th century, diamonds were in high demand. Until the 18th century, India was the only known source, then diamonds were discovered in Brazil in 1725. In 1871, the discovery of a diamond over 20 carats by a teenager in South Africa brought about a radical change. After that find came another in the same area, this one over 80 carats. These discoveries set off a rush, and the Kimberley Mine was established near Cape Town, South Africa.

The Effect of the Kimberley Mine

With the development of the Kimberley Mine, the diamond markets became oversupplied. As a result, wealthy consumers no longer considered diamonds rare. Instead, they favored emeralds, sapphires, and rubies for their jewelry. Diamond values plummeted. 

The De Beers corporation formed during this time and began attempting to control the diamond supply. However, they weren’t immediately successful, and diamond values stayed low until diamonds became more popular through a later De Beers marketing campaign.

Diamonds and Engagement Rings

While the use of a ring to signify an intent to marry dates back at the latest to Ancient Rome, in 1215, Pope Innocent III declared weddings must be preceded by an engagement period, with a ring publicly signaling the engagement. However, during these times, and before the 20th century in general, only the wealthy could use diamonds or other gemstones in their engagement rings.

The attempts by De Beers to control the diamond market bore fruit in the late 1940s, when they introduced a highly targeted marketing campaign. With the tagline, “A Diamond is Forever,” this campaign connected — very successfully — love, engagement rings, and diamonds in the public imagination. De Beers’s manipulation of the supply of diamonds available for purchase led consumers to believe diamonds are rare and, therefore, valuable. (In fact, many gemstones occur far more rarely than diamonds). These combined efforts made diamonds the only choice for engagement rings in the eyes of many, thus increasing the popularity and prices of these gems.

From International Gem Society