The symbolic meaning of diamonds throughout the centuries

Diamonds are undoubtedly powerful gemstones! People have always attributed great virtues and powers to them. Up till this day, these beliefs have survived over the centuries and have influenced our imagination around diamonds. Let’s discover together how the symbolism of the diamond has evolved throughout history. 

India

The first known diamond sources were discovered in India in alluvial deposits at least 3’000 years ago and have since been treasured and venerated as part of religious artefacts. The brilliance and hardness of the stone were the origin of the belief that the stone could protect against many things like illness, bad spirits, wild animals and other dangerous events. 

Ancient Greece

At that time, the ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were formed from the tears of the gods. Making this stone an item of great power that was both feared and revered. Perhaps, this is why the word diamond has been borrowed from the ancient Greek word “adamas” meaning unbreakable. 

Ancient Romans

The Romans also understood the exceptional properties of the diamond’s hardness. They thought that the stone would give them protection and make them invincible. The chiefs used to set their armour with diamonds to take advantage of this strength on the battlefield. 

Middle-Ages

Perpetuating the use of diamonds as talismans, the gemstone became a symbol of wealth and power. The kings and leaders of that time wanted to appropriate the virtues of the diamond. They started to use diamonds in jewellery and more specifically in their crowns and sceptres to demonstrate their strength and superiority. 

To the present day

The changing perception of the diamond as a symbol over the years is an extraordinary example of how civilisations have passed on their legends and beliefs. Until very recently the diamond was a symbol of power and domination worn by the royal and aristocratic families. 

However, the story took a more romantic path. Nowadays, the hardness of diamonds is now the symbol of love and represents the unbreakable bond between two people.