Rock Solid, a Look at Diamonds

by Kevin Smith Author

From glamour, to prestige, to love, to wealth, diamonds say it all. Here is a look at these precious gems and their intricate history with fashion, function, and finance.

Fashion

Perhaps the most popular encounter for a diamond is in the field of fashion. From earrings, to necklaces, to dental and nail jewelry, diamonds are the most popular gem of choice when you want to convey an idea of luxury and status. They are seen frequently on the red carpets and in haute couture. Icons like Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn made diamonds synonymous with glamour.

But it is not only the rich and famous who value the luminous material. Diamonds are the most popular gem of choice when it comes to the paramount piece of jewelry most will ever wear, wedding rings. Around 75 percent of brides choose Vandalia, IL diamond wedding rings over other stones. Choosing a diamond echoes the values of the gem itself, that something signified is tough, enduring, beautiful, mysterious, and ethereal.

Function

Besides the innate beauty of the gem, diamond is the toughest substance on the planet. It is formed deep within the crust of the earth under immense pressure and heat, and then is forced to the surface through magma or volcanic eruptions.

Because of its immense strength it is often coated onto blades to shape materials that would not be able to be cut otherwise. The name diamond comes from the Greek word “adamas” which means “unbreakable” or “unbeatable”. It can also be ground into a powder for polishing, and diamond in its various forms can be found in windows, sinks, speakers, x-ray machines, and more. Besides its strength it is also an excellent heat conductor and transparent, which makes it a valuable material for a variety of applications.

Finance

Though diamonds are both a fashionable and functional material, they have not been without their share of negative attention. Blood diamonds is the term used to describe gems that have been mined under very cruel conditions and the money used to finance wars. Though this was a dark spot in the history of diamonds, the attention given to the situation has increased the need for accountability and demand for safely sourced diamonds.

While most of the diamonds worn in jewelry are found or mined, lab developed diamonds were invented in the 1950s and are used to supply needs within industrial applications. So whether you are having an x-ray performed, watching celebrities on the television, or shopping for Vandalia, IL diamond wedding rings, you can appreciate the many benefits and intricacies of this precious gem.