Diamond History (cont.)

"Diamonds are Forever" –The title song of a Sean Connery film – 1971.

The word 'diamond' is from the Greek 'adamas'. This translates as 'unconquerable' or 'indestructible' – and it nearly is; the only thing that can cut a diamond is another diamond. The English word 'adamant' has the same root. Romantically, the Greeks at one time thought diamonds to be "splinters of stars" or "teardrops of the Gods". From this etymology, it is easy to see why the diamond came to be emblematic of indestructible, eternal love and devotion.

Initially, diamonds were for the exclusive use of royalty. Not only was it thought that their durability would protect the warrior-king who wore them, but also the stones were said to possess magical powers to bring harm to an enemy. Into the middle ages, diamonds were thought to have healing powers and were often worn as a protection against poisoning.
 

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