Diamonds
A diamond is
the hardest naturally occurring substance known to man and the most
popular gemstone. In the symbolism of gemstones, the diamond
represents steadfast love and is the birthstone for April. The stones
are weighed in carats (1 carat equals 200 milligrams) and in points (1
point equals 0.01 carats). They vary from colorless to black and may
be transparent, translucent or opaque. The most popular style of cut
is the brilliant cut, a round stone with 58 facets. Any style of
diamond cutting other than the round brilliant or the single cut (with
only 18 facets) is called a fancy cut; such as the marquise, emerald,
baguette, heart shape and pear shape. Not only are diamonds a valuable
asset, they are the way to start a family heritage.
- Diamonds are the hardest known substance on the earth and the
gemstone with the most sparkle when well-cut.
Most diamonds have 58 facets, to bring out their maximum sparkle,
fire, and brilliance.
- Diamonds were first discovered in India more than 2,000 years ago.
- Diamonds are composed of carbon that
crystallized billions of years
ago deep beneath the earth's surface under intense heat and pressure.
- The word "diamond" comes from the ancient Greek word "adamas,"
meaning unconquerable. The ancient Greeks believed diamonds to be the
tears of the Gods.
- The ancient Romans thought diamonds were splinters from falling
stars, with which Cupid's arrows were tipped.
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