Diamonds have always carried a special sort of symbolism throughout history. Today, it's mostly known for its significance in romance - using a diamond ring being the most important ring a man ever buys, and provide to the woman that he loves.
But a long time before that, loose diamonds a very different kind of symbolism and meaning. For millennia, the traits of diamonds that have made them so valuable and so treasured are already interpreted by different cultures in different ways, and their strength, hardness, brilliance and wonder have signified various meanings.
In the past, the Greeks held the belief that diamonds were the tears from the gods because of its physical properties that was out of this world. The Romans believed roughly exactly the same, only as opposed to being the tears of the gods they believed that diamonds were fragments of fallen stars.
Halfway all over the world from there, in ancient India diamonds were thought to have magical properties and were of specific spiritual and mythological significance. Diamonds in India were never cut, given it was declared if they were their powers would dissipate.
In Tibetan Buddhism, diamonds also play a huge role and in fact Tibetan Buddhism is actually called Vajrayana which loosely means the Diamond Vehicle, and one of their most critical texts is recognized as the Diamond Sutra.
Since those ancient times, various other myths and legends have sprung forth around diamonds too. In the Middle Ages, it had been thought that diamonds could tell whether a person was innocent or guilty, understanding that a diamond would darken inside the presence of guilt, and shine bright in the presence of innocence.
This remarkable stone has always been said to bring luck and fortune to anyone who wears it, and in many cases warriors and Kings dons it into battle, believing who's would bring them victory over their enemies.
As you can see, the symbolism and meaning behind diamonds has varied throughout history.
Its modern meaning of romance and marriage only began in 1477 when the Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a hoop to Mary of Burgundy because of their engagement. Although before that there happen to be cases of betrothal gifts that involve diamond jewelry including tiaras, brooches, and necklaces - that is the first case of a diamond ring being given upon an engagement.
Needless to say - the rest is history.
Today, the value of loose diamonds in romance and engagement could be the predominant symbolism around the world. It carries a special meaning, and has potent emotional significance, but that doesn't mean that it could not one day symbolize something quite different yet again.
Who knows the future holds for that symbolism and meaning of diamonds.
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