The Laings Journal
For you, your glittering diamond is a symbol of love. It’s enchanting and every day you can’t help but admire it. But this appreciation for the dazzling stone isn’t new. For centuries diamonds have been held in the highest esteem, captivating onlookers with their beauty and mystique. So how have they been viewed in times gone by?
ANCIENT TRADITIONS
Diamonds have always boasted magical qualities. They were often believed to act as a protector and in Ancient India there was a saying – ‘He who wears a diamond will see danger turn away’. Similarly in the 15th century they were symbols of supreme strength and leaders and warriors wore them to make them invincible. Kings were known to charge into battle adorned with the sparkling gem.
Pliny, Roman Naturalist and Philosopher: “Diamond is the most valuable, not only of precious stones, but of all things in this world”.
With their undeniable dazzle it was also believed that these amazing gems were connected to heavenly realms. The Ancient Greeks thought they were tears of the gods or sparks from falling stars. Whilst the Romans spoke of how Cupid’s arrow was tipped with diamonds. Indians also placed them as eyes in the statue of their deities, showing how highly-valued they were.
THE FIRST ENGAGEMENT RING
Due to their undeniable strength diamonds have always been seen as unbreakable. This is why they have become synonymous with an everlasting and eternal love that is unbreakable. It has been said that their sparkle comes from an indistinguishable flame of passion.
It was a particularly romantic Austrian aristocrat, Archduke Maximillan, who introduced the first diamond engagement ring. He proposed to Mary Burgunday in 1477 with a ring that featured diamonds in the shape of the letter ‘M’. European nobility picked up on this gesture and a tradition began.
It was not until the 1940’s though that diamond engagement rings really took off. DeBeers introduced the infamous phrase – ‘Diamonds are Forever’. They reinforced the idea that the glittering stones symbolise love and soon everyone was lusting over diamond rings to solidify their promise of forever.
DIAMONDS IN JEWELLERY
As more diamonds were discovered across the world their popularity soared. In 1407 diamond cutting was first developed in Paris. Until then only ‘well-formed’ diamonds had been used, but this made them more versatile than ever. The possibilities were now endless and all kinds of jewellery could be created.
With the dawn of celebrity culture more and more diamond jewellery was on display. Glamourous stars sashayed down red carpets, dripping in dazzling diamonds. Elizabeth Taylor was known as the Queen of Glamour and Diamonds. She wore the incredible 33 carat Krupp Diamond as well as a huge pear-shaped 69 carat stone. These spectacular pieces of jewellery told the tale of a passionate and glamourous life.
Today the beauty, brilliance and magical symbolism of diamonds is still admired. They truly are special stones that will continue to capture the hearts of generations to come.
Thank you for taking the time to read our guide to the History of Diamonds - check out our DIAMOND JEWELLERY! Follow our latest news on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest, or if you have any questions please pop us an email at [email protected].
Laings xXx