Deriving from ancient Greek word ‘adamas’, meaning ‘impossible to tame’, working on diamond is a very difficult and expert occupation, and for centuries before cutting techniques were developed, diamonds were used as...
Diamond is the ultimate object of awe. It is the hardest and costliest mineral known to man, and as natural diamond supply depletes, the price of diamond will only go northward. Deriving from ancient Greek word ‘adamas’, meaning ‘impossible to tame’, working on diamond is a very difficult and expert occupation, and for centuries before cutting techniques were developed, diamonds were used as expensive playthings in their raw uncut form.
Since the 19th century diamonds have become more popular because of improved cutting and polishing techniques, although diamond work was a developed craft in India for centuries. Even today Surat, on the western coast of India where the English based their first ‘factory’, remains the world headquarters of cutting and polishing industry, although other places like Dubai and Antwerp are the main markets.
The value of any diamond is primarily determined by the four famous Cs: Cut, Carat, Clarity and Color. While not many well known diamond jewelry emanate from the ancient word, diamonds have always been the ultimate indicator of royalty. Even today many diamond brands famously indicate association with royal households, or claim to replicate royal designs. Most of the famous jewelry features a perfect diamond, like the Hope diamond, the Cullinan, the Millennium Star. The diamond industry is doing tremendous business and more than $9 billion worth of diamonds are mined annually. Central and southern Africa remain the prime producers where also originate the controversial ‘conflict diamonds’ (diamonds that sponsor many of the wars in Africa), although Canada, Russia, Brazil and Australia produce significant amount of diamonds.
Regardless of the price of diamonds most of us wish to possess diamond jewelry. Wishing to possess a part of eternity (‘diamonds are forever’ remains the motto of Diamond Trading Corporation, as well as the title of the famous James Bond novel), the craving for diamonds has only increased. This section of the directory is a treasure trove for the prospective diamond buyer.