The Greek word "Adamas" meaning unconquerable and indestructible is the root
word of diamond.Diamonds have been sought the world over, fought over,
worshipped and used to cast love spells.
For the last 3000 to 4000 years, diamonds have held special magic for Kings,
Queens and their subjects. Diamonds have stood for wealth, power, love, spirit
and magical powers. Kings in olden days would wear into battle heavy leather
breast plates studded with diamonds and other precious stones. It was believed
that diamonds were fragments of stars and the teardrops of the Gods. The
diamonds possessed magical qualities of the Gods and held powers far beyond the
understanding of the common man. Because of these beliefs, the warriors stayed
clear of the Kings and others who were fortunate to have the magical diamonds
in their breast plates.
Until the 15thCentury only Kings wore diamonds as a symbol of
strength, courage and invincibility. Over the centuries, the diamond acquired
its unique status as the ultimate gift of love. It was said that cupids' arrows
were tipped with diamonds that have a magic that nothing else can equal.
Since the creation of diamonds they have been associated with romance and
legend. The Greeks believed the fire in the diamond reflected the
constant flame of love.
For millions of people around the world, the mystery and magic, the beauty and
romance shining out from a simple solitaire says all the heart feels but words
can not express. It wasn't until 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave
a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy, that the diamond engagement ring was
introduced. Placing the ring on the third finger of the left hand, dates back
to the early Egyptian belief that the Vena Amors, vein of love, runs directly
from the heart to the tip of the third finger.
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