The History of Diamonds and Precious Gold: A Journey Through Time
The Origins of Diamonds: From Nature to Adornment Diamonds, renowned for their brilliance and unrivaled hardness, originate from the Earth’s mantle, buried deep beneath the surface. Their formation occurs over billions of years under extreme heat and pressure, causing carbon atoms to crystallize into the brilliant gemstones we cherish today. This geological process typically takes place at depths of about 150 to 200 kilometers, where conditions are most conducive to their creation. Upon reaching the surface, often through volcanic eruptions, these precious stones captured human fascination almost immediately. The journey of diamonds into human history began in ancient India, where they were first mined around the 4th century BCE. Indians valued diamonds not only for their beauty but also attributed mystical qualities to them, believing they could bring prosperity and protection. This belief reflected the ancient perception of diamonds as sacred objects, which were often incorporated into spiritual rituals. As trade routes expanded, diamonds gradually spread westward, capturing the attention …