EVER WONDER WHAT YOUR DIAMOND RING MEANS?

Sure, we know that diamonds, especially handcrafted engagement rings, symbolize lasting love and devotion. But, where did we learn that, and is that all they represent? I did the research, and my answer to that is a resounding "Nope!". In fact, the history, significance, and spiritual meaning of diamonds are so vibrant that it gives the gemstone famous for its stunning refraction of light a run for its money.

HOW DID WE COME TO ACCEPT THE DIAMOND AS KING OF THE GEMSTONES?

You hold the earth's history and mysteries in the palm of your hand when you hold a diamond. Seriously. On average, it takes between 1 and 3.3 billion years for a diamond to be forged by the immense pressure and heat deep inside the earth's mantle. That's approximately 25-75% of the earth's age. Just think, the diamond in your ring could have started forming as dinosaurs ruled the world!

Once on or near the earth's surface, humans first discovered diamonds in India between 4 and 6 BC. However, it wasn't until the 1400s, when the diamond trade took off in Venice, that diamonds were first seen as fashionable in the Western world when Archduke Maximillian of Austria made history by offering the first diamond engagement ring to Mary of Burgandy. She said "Yes," and they had an abnormally happy marriage (for society at least) until her untimely death at the ripe old age of 25.

As with most engagement and wedding trends, proposing with a diamond ring fell to the wayside until 1947, when the De Beers Group created the now-famous slogan, " A Diamond is Forever." The saying took off, and the diamond assumed top-dog status in the gemstone world that it continues to enjoy today.

(Side note: due to the diamond's end-all-be-all position in the world, it is becoming increasingly common to find diamonds that have been unethically mined, resulting in harmful environmental and ethical consequences. When purchasing a diamond, seek out suppliers committed to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. At Olivia Ewing Jewelry, our gems and organic engagement rings promote ethical practices by using refined and recycled gems set in high-quality, sustainable materials for a final product that is as unique as you.

WHAT ARE THE SPIRITUAL BELIEFS AND MEANINGS PRESCRIBED TO DIAMONDS?

ANCIENT EGYPT

Egyptians provided the first recorded use of diamonds used as a spiritual symbol. Wherein a diamond was placed in the centerpiece of the ankh, a hieroglyph used to represent the word for life and, ultimately, the sign for life itself. The spiritual meaning and significance of diamonds to ancient Egyptians is that they believed diamonds represented the sun and were a symbol of power, courage, and truth. It makes sense to place the gem symbolic of things one would most want out of life in the hieroglyphic and spiritual symbol for life.

ANCIENT INDIA

The Sanskrit word for diamond, vajra, translates to "lightning," fitting, as Ancient Hindus believed diamonds developed when lightning bolts met earth. Diamonds were seen as divine blessings from the gods and were the weapon of choice for the warrior god, Indra. The precious gems also served as a lucky talisman that wearers believed would bring them luck and strength while protecting them from harm.

ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME

Ancient Greeks and Romans also believed diamonds resulted from some celestial material, in this case, splintered tails of falling stars or even tears from the eyes of gods that had hardened as they hit the earth. Zeus was well-known for turning children into adamastos, aka diamonds. You, know, another casual Tuesday for an ancient god.

Diamonds were believed to have magical qualities not fully understood by man. They could bring young couples good fortune, serve as an antidote to poison, and provide emperors marching into battle with an added layer of protection. As Pliny the Elder once stated, " [the] diamond is the most valuable, not only of precious stones but all things in this world."

DIAMONDS FOR YOUR HEALTH

While a sparkly diamond can certainly help perk up the mood of a modern wearer, in the past, people believed that diamonds could heal physical ailments. In the Middle Ages, diamonds were thought to cure diseases stemming from the pituitary gland and brain. Those afflicted would heat the crystal and take it to bed with them, providing warmth on cold winter nights and a way to leech out harmful "toxins" that were believed to be sickening the body.

WHAT DO DIFFERENT COLORED DIAMOND RINGS SYMBOLIZE?

Trace elements within diamonds determine the color of the diamond, which can vary from a stunning bright yellow to deep blue to crystal clear and see-through. Different colors symbolize different things:

• YELLOW DIAMOND RINGS symbolize humility and signify renunciation while providing the wearer with a strong sense of groundedness.
• RED AND PINK DIAMOND RINGS symbolize passion, rituals, and (ahem) passion-filled deeds.
• GREEN DIAMOND RINGS symbolize youthful vigor and activity- the color of nature; they are thought to bring the wearer abundance and prosperity.
• BLUE DIAMONDS, when worn in earrings, prevent the wearer from reincarnating as a donkey according to Buddhist belief. Other than preventing you from being an ass in your next life, blue diamonds symbolize eternity, truth, devotion, peace, purity, and spirituality and are believed to cleanse the wearer of negative emotions and energies.
• SALT AND PEPPER DIAMOND RINGS symbolize inner strength and justice and can help soothe feelings of jealousy between partners.
• BROWN DIAMOND RINGS occur most frequently in nature, but that doesn't mean they are any less unique. The sparkling Brown Diamonds can symbolize clarity, convention, order, and stability, giving the wearer or owner a feeling of overall vitality and wholesomeness.
• WHITE DIAMOND RINGS are the most rare due their lack of trace elements and high carbon density. White diamonds symbolize purity and strength and are most often utilized as the diamond-of-choice for brides-to-be!

WHAT DOES THE RAW DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING SYMBOLIZE?

Raw engagement rings are quickly emerging as a trend to be reckoned with in modern-day society. Also called a rough diamond engagement ring, or diamond in the rough engagement ring, raw diamonds are diamonds that retain their original unpolished form. This bohemian style conjures images of early engagement rings and is believed to symbolize that the wearer is unafraid to walk their own path, are unique, and brave. You can find several examples of stunning raw diamond rings here.

DIAMONDS: THE SYMBOL OF LOVE

Regardless of color, the diamond is perhaps the most widely known modern-day symbol of love. And it's no surprise. The diamond's journey from deep within the earth's mantle, where they are forged in pressure only to be pushed upwards through ancient volcanic systems, inspires visions of hardiness and strength. Who wouldn't want a relationship that can withstand the world's mightiest blows? A ring has no beginning or end; it merely continues forever, as does a couple's love for one another. And although trends may come and go, De Beers seemed to have gotten it right; a diamond really is forever.

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR DIAMOND RING TO SYMBOLIZE?

We've spoken at length about the history of the diamond and various multi-cultural attitudes and beliefs surrounding this precious gem. But at the end of the day, little else matters except your thoughts and desires. Olivia Ewing Jewelry understands that diamond jewelry should command a unique meaning for every individual. We specialize in ethically sourced stones and diamond garland rings that can be set in custom and symbolic casts, ensuring a unique and timeless keepsake you can treasure forever.

 Get started by checking out our Diamond Edit now!

Meet the Author: Olivia Ewing