How and why did diamonds become so special?

In hundreds of years BC, the presence of diamonds have been first recorded in India. The precious stones were, however, never mentioned to be used as jewelry but as means to ward off evil as what the ancient documents in China contained based on accounts by foreigners visiting the country. Back then, India was the only known source of diamonds in the world and tradesmen introduced the diamonds to Europe. The demand for diamonds in a way depleted the source in India and the search for new sources began worldwide. In 1725, diamonds were discovered in Brazil and later, in 1867, in South Africa.

Diamonds were mostly used for industrial and ornamental purposes in the early years. Their use in jewelry began only in the late 1400's when they were introduced to Antwerp where early diamond cutters developed new way to cut and polish diamonds. The newly-developed method brought out the shine and brilliance of the precious stones. Although the early cutting styles could not outshine today's cuts, they were still brilliant.

The reason for the diamond's brilliance and shine is in its material with unique characteristics. Unlike other gems, diamond interacts with light when it is polished. Its surfaces or facets refracts or "bends" light as it enters creating a prism effect that separates light into its comprising colors. Our eyes see the spectrum of colors that is bounced back from the diamond. Technically known as dispersion, this resulting play of light, affectionately known as "fire", has captivated us for hundreds of years.

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