10 Diamond Facts
Diamonds are one of nature’s most prized creations. Their ancient history is filled with love, romance and desire. A diamond must follow a long journey to go from the mine to your finger. This blog post will teach you a few fun facts about the sparkly, shiny stone you love to wear.
1. Diamonds are Made of a Single Element
Carbon. This one element makes up a diamond. The diamond is beginning to form when one carbon atom attaches to 4 others which creates a crystalline composition.
2. The Word Diamond is of Greek Origin
The Greek word “adamas” is the origin of the word “diamond”. In Greek “Adamas” means durable, scratch resistant, all characteristics of a diamond.
3. Heat & Pressure are Crucial to a Diamond Forming
Heat bonds the carbon together while pressure helps to push diamonds to the surface. A great example of this is volcanic eruptions, one way diamonds can be brought to the surface.
Shown here are two loose 1.50 carat diamonds.
4. There is a 10 Billion-Trillion-Trillion Carat Diamond in the Sky...Right Now!
On February 13, 2004, a discovery was made, allowing us to uncover and prove the existence of a 10 Billion-trillion-trillion carat diamond in the universe. This diamond is located about 50 light years away from earth.
5. India was the First Place Diamonds Were Found
About 3,000 years ago diamonds were first discovered in India. Ancient Indian culture would use diamonds to honor their deities and gods.
6. The Largest Diamond Ever Found on Earth Was 3106 Carats
Found in South Africa during the 1900’s, this diamond was given to King Edward by the mine owner. You can see parts of this diamond on display at The Tower of London.
From designer Gabriel & Co. this ring uses different shaped diamonds in graduating sizes, totalling 2.05ct, to create an original look.
7. Most of the Diamonds Mined Aren’t Suitable for Jewelry
Did you know diamonds are used frequently in the industrial industries? This is due to their strength and hardness.
8. One in a million...Literally!
It takes mining around 1 million parts (pounds) of ore to uncover 1 part of diamond.
9. The Eureka Diamond
A diamond discovered by a 15-year old boy in 1867 in South Africa, is now one of the most famous diamonds. This diamond, when found, weighed 21.25 carats, and now weighs about 10.73 carats. It is common for a diamond to lose about ½ its weight in the cutting process.
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This is a diamond before it has been cut and polished, also known as a rough diamond. Photo from Wikimedia.com.
10. All the Colors of the Rainbow
Did you know that diamonds naturally come in multiple colors, not just the white/colorless stones we know and love. Yellow and brown diamonds are the most popular colors. Do you know a diamond fact that wasn’t listed here? Head over to our social media and tell us your diamond fact on our latest post, we’d love to hear from you! We help our customers every day to source diamonds that meet their exact needs. Are you looking to get engaged? Or are you interested in buying something nice for yourself? Visit us in store and we will be happy to assist you!
