Not Merely Plain White Diamonds Any More: the New Eternity Rings
As time progressed into the Middle Ages, diamonds were more often viewed as items of value rather than items of mystical healing powers. As a result of the growing demand and value of diamonds, mine owners began spreading rumours that diamonds were poisonous if swallowed. This prevented workers in the mines from swallowing the diamonds for the purpose of smuggling.
Part of the credit for the almost mythical reverence to diamonds throughout the years belongs to the fact that these beauties are quite rare in their most sought after gemstone quality form. Not only are these diamonds rare in numbers but also in the number of skilled artisans that can compliment their exquisite beauty.
Diamonds were discovered in South Africa by a child playing with brightly coloured stones by a river in 1866. One of the stones was recognised to be a diamond and the gem cut from it was appropriately named “Eureka”. This created a massive diamond rush and the start of a new beginning for diamonds. Diamonds mined in South Africa still continue to make up a large percentage of the world’s diamond jewellery, though there are gem quality diamonds that are being discovered all the time in other countries around the world.
It is believed that the first diamonds were discovered nearly 3000 years ago in India. They were considered valuable because of their ability to refract light and were used as either decoration or as talismans – for protection and warding against evil.
During the Dark Ages, diamonds were believed to hold medicinal value. There were instructions that those suffering illnesses or having wounds should hold a diamond in the hand and make a sign of the cross for healing. Some even believed that ingesting diamonds could assist in recovery (and even a cure) from various illnesses.
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Author: Heather Nicoletti
This author has published 7 articles so far. More info about the author is coming soon.