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History of Diamond

This Is Your Moment

The instant two people decide to marry is probably the most intimate and important moment of their lives. It marks the moment two become one forever. As a gift of love, diamonds evoke the romance and magic of traditions that have spanned centuries.

The First Diamond

The diamond acquired its unique status as the ultimate gift of love as far back as the fifteenth century. The tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring as a promise for marriage began in 1477 with Archduke Maximillian of Austria and Mary of Burgundy. At that time, diamonds were looked upon as talismans, or charms, that could enhance the love of a husband for his wife. Even Cupid’s arrows were said to be tipped with diamonds, which had a magic that nothing else could equal. From this time forward, the royal tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring began to be embraced by people around the world, eventually becoming as much of a milestone in one’s life as the engagement itself.

The Brilliance of a Diamond

When diamonds first began to be given as engagement rings, settings were elaborate and did not necessarily show the diamond in its best light. It actually wasn’t until the discovery of diamond mines on the African continent in 1870 that diamonds became accessible to a wider public, increasing demand and influencing design.

The Mysterious Power of a Diamond

Wearing a diamond ring on the fourth finger of the left hand dates far back to ancient Egypt, where it was believed that the vena amoris (the vein of love) ran from that finger directly to the heart.

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Last updates NOV/09/2010 3:32 PM EST

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