The word diamond comes from the Greek word “adamas” meaning unconquerable or invincible. Interestingly, its Aryan root “dam”, to tame or subdue, is also the basis of the word ”madam”. The adjective adamas was employed to describe the hardest substance known and became synonymous with the gem, in reference to the hardness of this stone made of carbon, a chemical element fundamental to all life, here in its most concentrated form. We commonly associate with this natural crystalline mineral wealth, prosperity, social status, and love but lightning, magic, healing, protection are also evoked in other cultures or in other times. It will always be the oldest item that anyone can own, from 50 million years old for the most recent deposits to 2.5 billion years for the oldest. Formed more than 100 miles below the surface of the Earth and shot to the surface by volcanoes, it is also a strategic and high-tech material. Plato wrote about diamonds as living beings, embodying celestial spirits. Champagne diamond cushion cut The Hindus believed that they were created when bolts of lightning struck rocks. They even placed some in the eyes of some of their statues. Jewish high priests turned to diamonds to decide the innocence or guilt of the accused: a stone held before a guilty person was supposed to dull and darken, while when held before an innocent one to glow with increased brilliance… The Romans wore diamonds because these were thought to possess broad magical powers over life’s troubles, being able in particular to give to the wearer strength, invincibility, bravery, and courage during battle. Kings, in old days, led the battles on the battlefields wearing heavy leather breastplates studded with diamonds and other precious stones because it was believed that diamonds possessed God given magical qualities and powers far beyond the understanding of common man. Thus, warriors stayed clear of Kings and those who were fortunate enough to have the magical diamonds in their breastplates. Since then that this gem has acquired its present status as the ultimate gift of love. In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, every ring set with a precious stone was not considered as much a piece of jewelry, but more as an amulet that bestowed magical powers upon its wearer. When set in gold and worn on the left side, it was believed that the diamond held the power to drive away nightmares, to ward off phantoms and soothe savage beasts. A house or garden touched at each corner with a diamond was supposed to be protected from lightning, storms and blight. Diamonds were also supposed to impart virtue, generosity, as well as to calm the mentally ill and even to determine lawsuits in the wearers favor. Not only was it commonly believed that diamonds could bring luck and success, but also that they could counter the effects of astrological events. Minerals were among the first medicinal ingredients. In the middle Ages, it was believed that a diamond could heal the sick person that took it into his/her bed and warmed it with the body. Even rough diamonds were worn as a talisman against poisoning! :D
Posted on: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 16:10:29 +0000
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