Results: Diamond History and Lore ** Part One -- Diamonds have a long history as beautiful objects of desire. In the first century AD, the Roman naturalist Pliny stated: "Diamond is the most valuable, not only of precious stones, but of all things in this world."

The world's love of diamonds had its start in India, where diamonds were gathered from the country's rivers and streams. Some historians estimate that India was trading in diamonds as early as the fourth century BC. The country's resources yielded limited quantities for an equally limited market: India's very wealthy classes. Gradually, though, this changed. Indian diamonds found their way, along with other exotic merchandise, to Western Europe in the caravans that traveled to Venice's medieval markets. By the 1400s, diamonds were becoming fashionable accessories for Europe's elite. Did you know the Greek word "Adamas" meaning unconquerable and indestructible is the root word of diamond. Diamonds in history have been sought the world over, fought over, worshipped and used to cast love spells.

For the last 3000 to 4000 years, the history of diamonds has held special magic for Kings, Queens and their subjects. Diamonds have stood for wealth, power, love, spirit and magical powers. Kings in olden days would wear into battle heavy leather breast plates studded with diamonds and other precious stones. It was believed that diamonds were fragments of stars and the teardrops of the Gods. The diamonds possessed magical qualities of the Gods and held powers far beyond the understanding of the common man. Because of these beliefs, the warriors stayed clear of the Kings and others who were fortunate to have the magical diamonds in their breast plates. Are you surprised bearing these magnificent gems protected the Kings of yore?

To this day, there are still enduring diamond superstitions. One is the Evil Eye. This superstition states that whoever wears diamonds wards off the Evil Eye. The Evil Eye myth originated from Ancient Greece. According to the myth, a malevolent stare can come from anywhere. It could even come from forces that can curse the target individual. Many people believe that the Evil Eye causes sickness, bad luck, and death in rare cases. Back then, rich women always wore diamonds in the form of pendants. Their hope was to blind the Evil Eye when it looks in their direction. The Evil Eye was believed to be blue in color, so people were discouraged to buy and wear blue diamonds. Have you heard of the "evil eye"?

Women always wear diamond engagement rings on the ring finger of their left hand. This practice comes from Ancient Egypt. Back then, the Egyptians believed that there was a blood vessel in the ring finger of the left hand that channeled blood straight to the heart. Of course, this is a wrong belief now, but the location of all engagement rings is still on the ring finger of the left hand. This extends to diamond wedding bands as well. Did you know the placement of Engagement and Wedding rings came from Ancient Egypt?

The ancient folk of India and those of medieval Italy believed diamonds were thunderbolts that became lodged into the earth. Only a thunderbolt could cut into glass and other metals, thus the diamond became the Queen of the gems. In the 16th century, it was believed that diamond was a poison, and that diamond powder was an ingredient in the famous "succession powders" of Catherine of Medici. Did you know this legend was kept alive to discourage thieves from swallowing diamonds to hide them?

The Greek philosopher, Plato wrote about diamonds as living beings, embodying celestial spirits. The folklore of diamonds exists in every culture. In Hindu mythology, diamond has a great importance. It is the vajra (lightning, the weapon of Indra, main god of the Hindus), and by the 6 points of the stone symbolizes the true man who resists to attacks from the north, south, east and west, from the infernal powers and celestial powers. Therefore, a diamond bearer is protected from fire, poison, thieves, water snakes, and evil spirits. Do you own any diamonds?