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The Nature of Diamonds

Discuss gems and the focus is always on diamonds. It goes without saying they are the most popular of gems, but what is all the fuss about? Glad you asked.

When it comes to jewelry, diamonds are symbols for all the important dates in the life of a couple. The initial commitment is always represented by the diamond engagement ring. Then later in the relationship, diamond necklaces, earrings and such are given to signify anniversaries and so on.

They say a diamond is forever. You know, in the commercials. Well, it is nearly true. Yes, it can be destroyed, but not by dropping it down the garbage disposal! This makes it a symbol of commitment.

Diamonds are also unique in their creation. They are the only gem created from one element. The element is carbon. Although carbon is common, it is rare in diamond form.

To understand diamonds, you have to first understand carbon. It is the building block of practically everything on the planet. In its pure form, it is not clear or hard.

A diamond is a creation of the inner workings of our planet. In simple terms, we are talking about heat and pressure. Carbon pockets within the planet crust are put under tremendous pressure and heat for millions of years. The result is a clear, hard substance that needs a name.

Diamonds get their name from the Greeks. It seems the Greeks named everything some times! In this case, the name comes from the word “adamas”, which means unconquerable.

If diamonds are formed in the crust of the planet, how do we find them? Well, we mine for them, but no mine is deep enough to reach them. Instead, we focus on volcanic areas where diamonds have been pushed up to the surface in lava flows and explosions.

Diamonds are exceedingly old. The heating and pressure process can take millions of years. Most diamonds used in jewelry are between one and three billion years old.

Not all diamonds are created equally. Of the total diamonds mined each year, most cannot be used for jewelry. In fact, only 20 percent are, which makes them precious.

Oddly, diamonds have not been used in jewelry for that long of a period given the time span of man. Despite all the kings and queens of the past, diamonds were only first used in royal jewelry in Austria in the 15th century. Obviously, they have become a bit more popular since then.

The nature of a diamond is the very thing that makes it so valued. It is nearly unbreakable. It is the very definition of a time commitment, taking millions of years to form. What better symbols could there every be for jewelry?

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Arsne Bergkamp is with JewelryStoresforYou.com - your source for jewelry articles.

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