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Montag, 11. Januar 2010

The Basics of the Diamond

By Betsy Johnson

The subject of this article is the most precious of all gemstones...the diamond. We start off by exploring some of the various myths that have been associated with the diamond over the years, and then start to evaluate some of the finer properties.

The diamond has been coveted and lusted after since the early years of man. In the Middle Ages, the uncut version of the diamond adorned the armor of knights. Their "cut" counterparts were used to adorn the crowns of both kings and queens. Today, the diamond is renowned as the international symbol of love and romance. Investors are interested in these gemstones as well...they are great investments to anyone's portfolio.

Magical powers have been a subject of much interest over the years. Years ago it was thought that the diamond was endowed with magical powers. The holder of this precious gemstone (it was believed), would possess bravery, courage, and superior strength. Is there any wonder that knights wore this gem on their armor? It was also believed that the diamond could ward off evil creatures of the night, and the devil as well.

Diamonds have been attributed to many different things over the years. Here's a short list: (1) Invincibility, (2) Spiritual Ecstasy, (3) Sleepwalking, and (4) Sexual Prowess. Ah, but there is a catch to this list. In order to obtain these benefits, the person has to have found the diamond in its natural setting, in the wild. If they purchased it from someone else, this supposed "contract" was void. There is one exception though. If the diamond was offered as a symbol of friendship or love, such as a setting in an engagement ring, then these magical powers may return.

Four separate castes, that's how the Hindus classified the diamond. The categories were: (1) The Kshatiya, a brown/champagne colored diamond that prevented old age. (2) The Brahmin diamond, a colorless diamond that provided riches, power, friends, and good luck. (3) The Sudra, a diamond that was gray or black and glistened like a polished piece of metal, which brought about good fortune. (4) The Vasiya, a diamond the color of the "kodali flower" which brought success. Yellow and red diamonds are also available, but they were the exclusive gems of kings.

The simplest gemstone in the world. Do you know what it is? It's the diamond (surprise, surprise). A diamond is composed of just plain ole' crystallized carbon...the same substance that is found in our lead pencils. Since pencils are infinitely more inexpensive than diamonds, it's the crystallized pattern of the diamond that makes the difference. This is the reason that this gemstone is so prized by collectors.

While the diamond is the hardest known substance, it can be chipped if it is hit from a certain angle. It is this principle that permits a gemologist to create the beautiful "cut" versions that we love so much.

Although diamonds can come in every color imaginable, it is the white diamond that is the most popular version of the gemstone. Regardless of the color, a diamond makes a perfect addition to any piece of beautiful jewelry.

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