Diamond Engagement Rings

The diamond is the hardest material known to mankind and was named after the Greek word "adámas" which means “unbreakable." This unique quality made diamonds already prized possessions when we even weren’t able to cut and polish them. For centuries, India was considered the only place in the world where diamonds could be found, but as that source quickly depleted, diamonds were found in Africa, Russia, Australia, and the United States.

The unique qualities of diamonds have given the stone, especially diamond rings, a strong connection with love and marriage. The first diamond engagement ring in history that is actually confirmed by documents and paintings is the ring Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. Engagement rings at the time were already quite common, but diamonds were rare, and only royalty could afford them.

The Four C's

The value of a diamond is determined by what is known as the "Four Cs": Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat. Most diamond engagement rings feature a larger center stone, accompanied by either smaller side stones, or set in a bed of little diamonds or colored gemstones. Since colorless diamonds are among the most regarded, they are usually set in a white gold or platinum setting so that this doesn’t affect the color.

Quick Facts

• Diamonds can come in any color imaginable. One of the most famous colored diamonds is the deep blue diamond, the Hope Diamond, which is on display in the Smithsonian
• The diamond is the U.S. birthstone for April
• Considered the most famous diamond in the world, the Koh-i-Noor (meaning "Mountain of Light") is a large, ancient diamond that was found in India in the 14th century. It is now part of the British Crown jewels