History of Diamonds

It was over 4000 years ago that the first diamonds were mined in India, in alluvial deposits of the stone along the rivers Krishna, Penner and Godavari.

Diamonds were known in ancient Greece and also know by the Roman Empire. Consider the ancient Greeks and Romans who believed diamonds to be the tears of the gods and splinters from falling stars. The Hindus attributed so much power to them that they even placed them in the eyes of the statues of their deities.

Not only was it believed that diamonds could bring luck and success, but also that they could counter the effects of astrological events. There were many that wore diamonds as charms, believing that they would heighten their sexual prowess and attraction from others.

Plato even wrote about diamonds as living beings that were believed to have celestial spirits. Their rarity, durability and beauty made them popular among medieval royalty.

Today, diamonds continue to hold a deep fascination as the world’s ultimate symbol of wealth. Modern diamond mining as we know it today began right here in South Africa in the late 19th Century.

The top seven diamond producing countries in the world, accounting for 80% of the worlds rough diamond supply, are as follows;