10 Fun Facts About Diamonds
Whether you already own diamond jewelry or are shopping for that perfect diamond engagement ring, this beautiful and popular stone has a long history and many interesting tidbits to learn. Here are 10 fun facts about these mysterious and precious stones.
1. The Word Diamond Comes from the Greek Word “Adamas”
The hardness of the diamond led the Greeks to call it “adamas,” which translates to “unconquerable” or “invincible.” In some ancient cultures, soldiers wore diamonds into battle, as it was thought the stone would protect them.
2. Diamonds Were Thought to Be from the Stars
While the ancient Romans believed that diamonds were pieces of the stars, the ancient Greeks were of the opinion that, like falling stars, diamonds were tears of the gods. Mythology in ancient times revealed the belief that diamonds were used to tip Cupid’s arrows, and were what caused two people to fall in love. Is it any wonder that diamonds are associated with love and romance?
3. They Are Incredibly Old
Diamonds are not able to be carbon dated, but by dating the materials that were transported with the diamond crystals to the earth’s surface via volcanic eruptions, scientists have been able to estimate that some of the oldest diamonds may have been in the making for as many as 3.3 billion years.
4. Engagement Rings Are over 500 Years Old
Engagement rings became a thing in 1477, when Archduke Maximillian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy. The gold ring he offered had an “M” shaped setting filled with diamonds, which were very rare at the time.
The glamorous engagement ring sparked a diamond frenzy among the elite, who quickly made the stones a popular trend.
5. Ashes Can Be Turned into Diamonds
The cremation diamond is a way to memorialize a loved one. The processing of turning ashes into diamonds is completed by the same process the earth uses but in a lab setting. Scientists use pressure, heat, and carbon to create cremation diamonds, also referred to as eternal diamonds.
6. Over 80% of Mined Diamonds Are Used in Industry
The diamonds you see in engagement rings and other jewelry represent only 20% of the diamonds that are mined. This small percentage represents the number of diamonds that are able to undergo the shaping, cutting, and polishing process to make them jewelry-quality.
What happens to the other 80% of mined diamonds? They are used for industrial purposes, such as for the tips of saws, bits, and grinding and cutting tools.
7. There Are Millions of Diamonds in a Candle’s Flame
Is there such a thing as a diamond nanoparticle? According to professor Wuzong Zhou, there’s not just one, but probably billions of diamond nanoparticles in the single flame of a candle. Professor Zhou discovered that when a candle burns, it forms around a million and a half diamonds. Because their average size is three thousandths of a micron, the human eye can’t see them.
8. Diamonds Can Be Musical
The infamous Beatles tune “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” was inspired by John Lennon’s son Julian. He painted a picture while in school that depicted his friend, Lucy O’Donnell, surrounded by stars in the sky. Julian named the picture ”Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.”
9. There’s a Diamond That’s Bigger Than the Moon
Another Lucy was discovered in 2004. Thought to be the largest natural diamond in the known universe, Lucy is a white dwarf, the remnant of a giant dying star. In 1992, scientists discovered that her 4,000 km surface, as well as nearly 90% of her nuclear mass, had hardened into a diamond.
This unbelievably large diamond is estimated to be 10 billion trillion trillion carats in size! In contrast, the Cullinan Diamond, the largest found on earth, is only 3106.75 carats. Ironically, Lucy was also musical; the low hum from her location in outer space was what resulted in her discovery.
10. It Can Rain Diamonds
Is there such a thing as diamond rain? Yes, but unfortunately not on earth. Scientists estimate that diamond rain could be the most common form of precipitation in the entire solar system. They’ve estimated that approximately 1000 tons of diamonds rain down annually on Saturn. Diamond rain is also possible on other planets, including Uranus, Neptune, and Jupiter.
How does diamond rain happen? Carbon atoms in the atmosphere, along with methane and other compounds, are hit by lightning and crushed by intense atmospheric pressure. This is little more than an idea at this point, but it certainly makes for interesting daydreams!
The Top Source for Diamond Jewelry
When you’re looking for the perfect engagement or wedding ring, or the perfect gift for any special someone, the best place to go is one that offers plenty of choice and excellent customer service and has the experience to offer custom designs.
Since 2002, The Diamond Vault has been exceeding the expectations of our customers with big-city styles and small-town commitment to satisfaction. We produce and sell certified diamonds between one and ten carats, so there is literally something for everyone.
Our custom design process happens right on site; our master jeweler and skilled designers work with you at every step to make your dreams a reality. Because we sell and produce only the highest-quality diamonds, you benefit from the highest-rated carat weight, color, clarity, and cut, and a stone that provides real value for your money.
Plus, we provide lifetime warranties and free lifetime maintenance and cleaning on everything we sell. Visit us and start shopping for your beautiful diamond jewelry today!