Diamond

Diamond is probably the most well-known gemstone of them all and today undoubtedly considered the gem of all gems. However, diamond has been coveted since ancient times and Pliny the Elder wrote in “Naturalis Historia” that diamond was “the substance that possesses the greatest value, not only among the precious stones, but of all human possession”.

Diamond is a generally known as a colourless, solid form of carbon, but diamond can also be found in a range of soft colours, ranging from pink, red and yellow, via green and blue, and even black. Diamond is also the hardest mineral known and the one all other mineral’s hardness is measured after, in fact diamond derives its name from the Greek ἀδάμας (adamas) meaning “unbreakable”. The common conception that diamond is unbreakable is however somewhat unfortunate, because even if diamonds are very hard and unlikely to break under normal wear, hard blows especially to cut stones, may shatter the stone.

It should be noted that even though diamond has been a very popular gemstone throughout history, it is only in quite modern times using modern lapidary techniques, we have been able to see diamond’s full splendour. In earlier history, due to its hardness, the diamond was not easily cut and as such was worn in an uncut state, which would not reveal its true brilliance.

According to Pliny the Elder, diamond would neutralise poisons, cure delirium and dispel bad thoughts. It has also been believed to be able to cure any kind of disease and drive away the plague.

When worn on the left hand, diamond was said to protect against all evil, be it beasts, demons, devils or evil men and it was said that its hardness could overcome the devil himself.

And it was believed diamond would protect the wearer against night spirits and nightmares.

Diamond was in Roman times believed to promote harmony, but diamond has also been believed to bring bad luck to anybody who envies a diamond in another person’s possession. Legend also said that one should never sell or borrow diamonds, and that diamond’s would bring disaster to the thief or anybody who knowingly wore a stolen diamond.

Diamond is the birthstone of April and the gemstone marking the 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries.

Historically worn for: serenity, calmness, clarity.