Diamonds have been a symbol of luxury and power throughout history, but their origins date back much further than you might expect. In fact, the first recorded mention of diamonds is found in ancient Indian texts from around 400 BCE.
These early references to diamonds are fascinating, as they suggest that diamond mining was already taking place in India at this time. It's worth noting that these early diamonds were likely not the same high-quality stones we see today, but rather smaller, more rough-cut gems.
As the centuries passed, the trade and use of diamonds continued to evolve. By the Middle Ages, diamonds had become a highly sought-after luxury item among European royalty and nobility.
It's worth noting that during this time period, diamonds were not yet being used in jewelry as we know it today. Instead, they were often set into decorative objects or worn as pendants.
It wasn't until the late 19th century that diamonds began to be mined on a large scale. This was largely due to the discovery of diamond-rich deposits in South Africa.
The modern era of diamond mining and trade has led to the widespread availability of high-quality diamonds, which have become a staple of modern jewelry and luxury goods.