| Diamonds are made up of carbon that was buried deep within the Earth under intense pressure and heat. They were made popular because loose diamonds are the hardest known substance. They do not easily break, crack or chip, though can be cut by a single blow. India began mining diamonds for diamond jewelry over a thousand years ago until they were found in other places. Today, 90 percent of diamond jewelry are made from diamonds mined in African countries with the rest mined in Australia, South America, Canada and Russia. Instead of just white, diamond jewelry actually come in a rainbow of colors because diamonds can be as colorful as any other gem. The occurrence of different hues are created by the presence of slight traces of other elements beside carbon. The type of element inclusion determines the color. Pink and blue diamonds are especially popular and have been sold at higher dollars per carat than any other loose gemstones in history. Red, green, and purple diamonds are among the rarest of the rare. Diamond center stones are now a favorite for the engagement ring. The tradition started when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave the first diamond engagement ring to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. Now, more than 250 tons of earth is mined before a single 1-carat good quality diamond is found. Although there are many substitutes for diamond jewelry, such as the popular and affordable cubic zirconia, out of this world moissanites, and rare white sapphires, real, genuine diamonds are still the most desired. Diamond jewelry and diamond rings will be adored and regarded as the premium choice for countless years to come.
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