Diamonds discovered in India.

Diamonds were first discovered in India in around 800 B.C., and were prized by cultures throughout the world for their beauty and rarity. Diamond jewelry has been valued and worn throughout most of recorded history, although the art and science of cutting loose diamonds is relatively new Early societies were particularly impressed with their hardness - the name ‘diamond’ is derived from the Greek word adamas, meaning ‘unconquerable.’ This makes them especially popular for showing love and commitment, in many types of Fine Jewellery including Engagement Rings and Eternity Rings. diamond jewelry has only been available to the general public for the last 150 years or so.

From the ancient Greeks to the modern day, diamonds have been considered to be magical, powerful and potent symbols. Prior to that, diamond jewelry was worn almost exclusively by royalty. The earliest example of diamonds being placed in a setting dates from the time of the Norman Invasion of England. They are also revered for their physical properties, durability, sparkle and the many legends and myths that have been attached to them through history.

Historically, considerable powers have been attributed to diamonds. The diamond is the birthstone for people born in April, and is also used as the symbol of a sixty-year anniversary, such as a Diamond Jubilee. It was during this time of ferment that the first diamond-cutters' guild was formed in Antwerp, located in present-day Belgium. They were used as the eyes of Hindu devotional statues in perhaps their earliest symbolic usage, because they were thought to be endowments from the gods. This usage is thought to date from at least 400 BC.

An industry soon developed for the purpose of appraising loose diamonds, giving birth to the modern diamond jewelry market. It was in this form that diamonds used to ornament temples, goblets, reliquaries, and crowns. The Greeks believed that diamonds were the tears of the gods and the Romans believed they were splinters of fallen stars. Diamonds are a vital symbol in Tibetan Buddhism, which is also known as Vajrayana (Diamond Vehicle), and contains the Diamond Sutra as one of its most important texts.Antwerp continues to be the center of the international diamond jewelry trade.

The following timeline & history of diamonds details important historical events and dates. Fascinating information about the history of diamonds. The history of cutting Diamonds dates back to the beginning of the 1400's in Paris. Diamonds became popular in jewelry and from this time the history of diamonds accelerated and many famous diamonds were cut. The following history timeline of diamonds details important dates relating to famous diamonds and the history of diamonds.History of Diamonds provide facts and information about the history of diamonds together with a timeline.