The more 'precious' gems

Nowadays, we all know a diamond engagement ring
is the most important jewelry purchase in a man's life and the most
significant to the woman who receives it. Diamond is the birthstone of
people born in the month of April and is also used as the symbol of a
sixty-year anniversary, such as a Diamond Jubliee.

However, the
symbolism of diamonds goes beyond romance. Through centuries diamonds
have been a symbol of love, excellence and purification. Diamond,
because of its remarkable hardness and clarity, also still reigns
supreme in its symbolism of power, strength, brilliance and
unparalleled beauty.

Diamonds are enchanting treasures that have
fascinated mankind throughout the centuries. Many regarded them as
magical. Not only were they rare and beautiful, no tool could cut them
and even the fiercest fire would leave the diamonds unscathed.Diamonds
have been used symbolically because of their extraordinary physical
properties. It was said that the Greeks believed diamonds were tears of
the gods. Romans believed they were splinters of fallen stars. In
Tibetan Buddhism, also known as Vajrayana (Diamond Vehicle), diamonds
are an important symbol and the Diamond Sutra is one of the most
popular texts.

In ancient India, diamonds were not cut for fear
that they would lose its magical properties. During the Middle Ages, it
was believed that diamonds would grow darker in the face of guilt and
shine brightly for the innocent. Another belief is that in the presence
of poison, diamond would also change color. The rainbow colors of the
prism were thought to give one magical power over Evil Eyes.

Accordingto occultist myths, it was believed that diamonds possess several
supernatural powers, e.g. a diamond's hardiness can only be broken by
smearing it with fresh goat's blood. Or a diamond gives victory to he
who carries it bound on his left arm, no matter the number of enemies.

It was also believed to have been used as a healing stone. Such as a way
of detecting and detoxifying poison, opening spirituality channels and
assisting calming creatures.

Today, diamonds are used to
symbolize eternity and love. The first diamond engagement ring can be
traced to the XV century, when the Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave
the first diamond ring engagement to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. At that
time, the diamond was used in its natural crystalline structure. The
octahedral or eight-sided formation, like 2 pyramid joined at the base,
was mounted with the lower pyramid completely hidden in the ring
setting and the upper half rising out of it. Light would be reflected
from all four sides of this exposed upper point. The structure of this
diamond mirrors the symbolism of the Egyptian pyramids. The union in
1477 was celebrated by the exchange of a diamond betrothal ring.

Perhaps the most published romantic
diamond gifts in modern times have been the jewels given by Richard
Burton to Elizabeth Taylor. These include a 33 carat diamond worth over
$9 million and the pear-shaped 69 carat Taylor-Burton diamond.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Diamonds [http://diamonds.your-buyers-guide.com]

It was said that the Greeks believed diamonds were tears of
the gods. Romans believed they were splinters of fallen stars.