About Diamonds
Diamonds are one of the most sought-after and desired gemstones. Diamonds' hardness and high dispersion of light have been noticed already during the earliest civilizations, while the earliest mining of diamonds is believed to occur in ancient India about 3000 BC or according to some estimations as early as 6000 BC. Diamond's superb characteristics such as hardness, brilliance, ability to scratch metals and high dispersion of lights made the gem very useful for industrial applications and jewelry.
From India, diamonds eventually spread all over the world. Although diamonds was discovered in many parts of the world India remained the only major source of diamonds until their discovery in Brazil in the first half of the 18th century and South Africa in the middle of the 19th century.
Diamonds have been used for adornment since the ancient times but their today's fame
and popularity dates from the 19th century when have been improved diamond cutting
and polishing techniques. However, popularity of diamonds has been also greatly
influenced by successful advertising and marketing campaigns.
Diamonds are commonly described by the four Cs: carat, cut, color and clarity which also represent the basis for determining of a diamond's price. However, factors which also influence a diamond's price are presence of fluorescence, its source, rarity and history as well as the geological institute that evaluated the diamond.