The popular saying about diamonds is that “Diamonds are forever”. Why? It could be because a diamond symbolizes eternal love, adoration, purity and strength. Diamonds first came into form at least 990 million years ago, although some are estimated to be as many as 4.25 billion years old. A diamond is characterized by its 4 C’s. The four different characteristics are the Carat, the Color, the Cut and the Clarity. A number of magnanimous or extraordinary diamonds have gained fame, both as beautiful examples of the gorgeous nature of diamonds, and because of the renowned people who wore, bought, and sold them. A list of most prominent diamonds in history follows.
The beginning of the diamond is unclear, although rumors abound. According to some sources, the Koh-i-noor was at first found more than 5000 years ago. Some superstitious beliefs held about it are that the diamond was from the Sun God to his avatar which produced 1000 kg of gold daily. Krishna got accused of stealing the diamond from the avatar’s brother who was devoured by a lion. Krishna, to reinstate his reputation, fought a violent battle with Jāmbavān and gave the stone back to the avatar. Now being embarrassed with himself he offered his daughter’s hand to the god, Krishna, along with the stone. Krishna accepted his daughter hand but refused to take the stone.
In 3000 B.C., the diamond symbolized the sun, symbol of power, courage and truth among the Pharaohs. In Ancient India, Hindus put diamonds in the eyes of their statues, in the belief that diamonds were formed when lightening bolts hit rocks. These diamonds were also believed to attract lightening bolts. Krishna gave his beloved one, Radha a diamond as it reflected her beauty in the moonlight. Because of this, diamonds are a symbol of love and invincibility.
