From myths about valleys of diamonds protected by snakes, to the production of millions of carats in rough diamonds each year, the history of diamonds is one of mystical power, beauty and commercial expertise.
The name diamond is derived from the ancient Greek word, adámas, "unbreakable". The first recorded history of the diamond dates back over 3,000 years to India, where it is likely that diamonds were first valued for their ability to refract light. They were used in two ways, for decorative purposes and as a talisman to ward off evil or provide protection in battle.
In the Dark Ages diamonds were used as medical aid, one anecdote relates how a diamond held in the hand while making a sign of the cross would heal wounds and cure illnesses. Diamonds were also ingested in the hope of curing sickness.
During the Middle Ages more attention was paid to the worth of diamonds, rather than the mystical powers surrounding them. Due to the heightened public awareness of the value of diamonds, mine owners perpetuated myths that diamonds were poisonous to prevent the mineworkers swallowing the diamonds in an attempt to smuggle them out of the mines.
The popularity of diamonds has risen since the 19th century because of increased supply, improved cutting and polishing techniques, growth in the world economy, and innovative and successful advertising campaigns.
The most familiar use of diamonds today is as gemstones used for jewellery, a use which dates back into antiquity. The dispersion of white light into spectral colors is the primary gemological characteristic of gem diamonds. In the 20th century, experts in gemology have developed methods of grading diamonds and other gemstones based on the characteristics most important to their value as a gem. Four characteristics, known informally as the four C's of diamond quality, are now commonly used as the basic descriptors of diamonds.
