DIAMONDS IN THE BIBLE
Scholars have long debated the credibility of biblical references to a stone presumed by many to be diamond. In Exodus 28:18 the “breastplate of judgement” worn by the high priest of the Hebrews is described as containing twelve separate rectangular precious stones. One of these stones referred to as ‘Yahalom’is the modern Hebrew word for diamond. The stones in the breastplate were roughly 2.5 inches by 1.5 inches each. This means that if it were a diamond it would’ve been the largest in existence until the discovery of the Cullinan nearly 2,000 years later. In Jeremiah, further credence is lent to confirm the stone is a diamond. It talks about “a steel graver” containing a “diamond tip or point” hard enough to inscribe the “sins of Judah’s men” on the table of their heart.” We know today that diamond is harder than all other minerals on earth. Perhaps the ancient Hebrews knew of these properties far earlier than miners in India as scholars previously accepted.
FIRST DISCOVERY
The first confirmed discovery of diamonds occurred between 600 and 800 B.C. in India. Initially, they were prized strictly for their hardness as they had yet to learn the art of cutting and polishing to reveal the beauty locked within. We do not know precisely when the first rough diamonds were cut but a sixth century Indian text details the first methods for determining diamond quality. It called for “clarity, transparency, color, fire, and iridescence” with emphasis on the extreme rarity of a diamond possessing all of these attributes. Should such a perfect stone exist, it said it would “illuminate space with all the fire of a rainbow.”
NOBLES FALL FOR DIAMONDS
As time passed, the diamonds that were found in India made their way to China and Europe in traders’ caravans traveling the silk road with exotic goods bound for wealthy customers. During the Dark Ages, it was written that “He who wears a diamond will see dangers recede from him.” This prophecy was taken seriously by the noble class of the day who strictly forbid commoners and women from possessing them. It wasn’t until the fifteenth century that women first wore diamonds. Agnes Sorel, mistress of King Charles VII, had a passion for beautiful jewels, most particularly for diamonds. Charles was so in love with Agnes that he disregarded the taboos of his time and allowed her to wear some of his own diamonds. Soon after the other men and women in the court followed suit, and so began the practice of fashioning and wearing diamond jewelry.
A VEIN TO OUR HEARTS
For centuries couples had marked their love for one another with betrothal rings. These tokens of appreciation and connection had traditionally been made from twisted copper or even one another’s braided hair. Lover’s wore them on the fourth finger of their left hand due to a traditional belief that the Vena Armoris or ‘Vein of Love’ ran from the finger directly to the heart.
THE RING THAT CHANGED ROMANCE
In 1477, a particular princess changed all of that. Emperor Maximilian was only 18 when he courted Mary of Burgundy the heir apparent to the Low Countries and Luxembourg. Whether it was her personal charms or her vast wealth that attracted the eyes of the young emperor is unknown. One thing, however, was for sure… she must be wooed with the utmost care. Maximilian was advised to bestow the most precious of jewels upon his intended. He selected a round diamond and had it set into a ring. His gift happily accepted, their marriage soon followed and Mary’s ring began a tradition that continues today.
ROYAL CURIOSITY
The famous engagement of Maximilian and Mary led to an unbridled demand for diamonds amongst Europe’s elite class. Faster trading routes to India, carved out by legendary Portuguese navigator, Vasco da Gama, helped satiate their desires. While demand existed the information regarding the relative small number of diamonds entering the courts of Europe’s leader’s was hardly enough to quench the deep curiosities regarding the source and story of the gems that adorned them.
