Known as one of the most precious stones in the world, the diamond is a popularly used gem for engagement and wedding rings, though these can be used for any type of jewelry. A lot of women breathe a sigh of longing upon seeing such a beautiful gem, because as the saying goes, diamonds are a girl’s best friend.

Let’s get to know this sparkling wonder even more! Below are 14 Amazing Facts About Diamonds to add to what you already know about them!

Tidbit #1. Diamonds are the Hardest Natural Substance on Earth and are appropriately named!

Adamas is a Greek word that is the main inspiration of the word diamond, as it means unconquerable and indestructible. The name and the rock itself are also known as symbols of courage, invincibility ,and strength.

Tidbit #2. Proposing with a Diamond Ring Started in 1477 by an Austrian Man

Archduke Maximilian of Austria was the first man who proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring in 1477. It was a ring encrusted with thin, flat pieces of diamonds forming a figure M. This is where the giving of a diamond engagement ring started, until it became a tradition.

Tidbit#3.  Diamonds Were First Discovered in India

Diamonds were first discovered in the riverbeds of Golconda, India during 800 BC. The place bears the same name as our very own Golconda Jewels!

Tidbit #4. Romans Believed Cupid’s Arrows were Tipped with Diamonds

Cupid, the God of desire, attraction, and affection was known to shoot arrows at people to make them fall in love. Romans used to believe his  arrows had diamonds at their tips, and this also led to the belief that there was a link between diamonds and love.

Tidbit #5. Diamonds were the Gods’ Tears or Parts of Falling Stars

It is said that diamonds were tears cried by the Gods or splinters from falling stars, according to the ancient Romans and Greeks.

Tidbit #6. Diamonds are One of the Longest Existing Precious Stones

Diamonds are more than three billion years old.

Tidbit #7. Diamonds are By-Products of Volcanic Eruptions

Diamond crystals are formed in a unique bonding of carbon atoms under the immense heat and pressure below the earth’s surface which is a common occurrence during volcanic eruptions. Source

Tidbit #8. You May Find Diamonds in Candles!

Although not literally IN the candle wax, according to scientists, candle flames may contain millions of tiny diamonds!

Tidbit #9. There is a Ring ENTIRELY Made out of Diamond

A purely all-diamond ring was created in 2012 by a Swiss jeweler, weighing in at 150 karats, and valued around $70 million. This ring took one year to finish.

Tidbit #10. The Largest Diamond in the World Can be Found on the British Crown Jewels

A priceless diamond called the Koh-i-Noor is a part of the British Crown Jewels located in the tower of London. It was found in India and was once remarked as the largest diamond in the world.

Tidbit #11. Tequila and Diamonds – An Unlikely but Proven Connection!
In 2008, Mexican scientist discovered they can turn tequila into diamonds! According to the researchers of National Autonomous University, they can make thin films of diamonds from organic solutions, such as ethanol and acetone. The mixture was made of 40% alcohol and 60% water which was similar to some proportions used in tequila. Source

Tidbit#12. Diamond Rain

It literally rains diamonds in Jupiter and Saturn.

Tidbit #13. Diamonds were Believed to Protect People

It is said that Ancient Hindus used diamonds in the eyes of devotional statues, they also believed wearing diamonds could protect its wearer from danger.

Tidbit #14. April Birthstone

Diamonds are also known as the birthstone for people whose birth month is April.