The History of the Diamond

Diamonds are a pivotal part of history. People are continuously drawn to their embodiment of beauty, love, strength and power. Many people purchase loose diamonds to customize the jewelry piece of their desires. The history of acquiring these stones is long and complex. The root of “diamond” originates from the Greek word "Adamas," which means unconquerable and indestructible. The first stones were initially discovered 800 B.C in India. The earliest diamond mines were in India’s Golconda region. The Frenchman, Jean Baptiste Tavernieris, discovered of the first gemstone in 1627. Mining was well-established by the mid-seventeenth century. In 1939, De Beers introduced the industry’s criteria to determine a gem’s quality. This included a combination of distinct factors called the “Four C's:” cut, color, carat and clarity. Modern diamond deposits are located in Russia, Botswana, Australia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are also active commercial deposits in the Northwest Territories of Canada, Siberia and Brazil. The Diamond Trading Company is a subsidiary of DeBeers that markets rough diamonds. The stones are cut and polished in preparation for sale. Traditional diamond cutting centers include Antwerp, Amsterdam, Johannesburg, New York, and Tel Aviv. Prepared stones are sold on diamond exchanges. Wholesalers can buy small lots, which are readied for final sale. Today, loose diamonds are sold in a variety of outlets. With the advent of the internet, wholesale jewelry manufacturers have a direct link to the customer. Companies like DiamondonNet.com allow consumers to purchase high-quality stones at significantly lower prices.