Historically, the earliest records of diamonds dated back to hundreds of years BC in India. They were, however, not used as jewelry but as tools to ward off evil. Such ancient use of diamonds was recorded in the ancient documents found in China. India was known to be the only source of diamonds in the world during that time and tradesmen were responsible for introducing diamonds to Europe. When the supply in India decreased, the worldwide search for diamonds began and the precious stones were later discovered in Brazil around 1725 and in South Africa in 1867.
Diamonds were originally used for industrial and ornamental purposes. It was only in the late 1400’s in Antwerp when diamonds began to be used in jewelry. Diamond cutters in Antwerp were able to bring out their shine and brilliance through a new way of cutting and polishing diamonds. Cutting styles of early years paled in comparison to today’s cuts but were still admiringly brilliant.
The diamond’s brilliance and shine has something to do with the unique characteristics of its material. It interacts with light in such a way that no other gemstone does when it is polished. The diamond’s surfaces, known as facets, refracts or “bends” light as it enters. Similar to a prism effect, the refracted light is separated into its spectrum of colors that is then bounced back to our eye. The resulting play of light is technically known as dispersion but is more affectionately called as “fire”. This so-called “fire” has captured our hearts for more than a hundred years.
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By: ezabib
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