Tuesday, May 3, 2011

The Symbolism and Meaning of Diamonds






Diamonds have always carried a particular sort of symbolism throughout history. Today, it really is mostly famous for its significance in romance - with a diamond ring being the most crucial ring a male ever buys, and gives to the woman that they loves.



But a long time before that, diamonds had a very different form of symbolism and meaning. For millennia, the traits of diamonds that have made them so valuable and so treasured are actually interpreted by different cultures in different ways, and their strength, hardness, brilliance and sweetness have signified various meanings.



Sometime ago, the Greeks held the fact that diamonds were the tears with the gods because of its physical properties that was out of this world. The Romans believed roughly exactly the same, only instead of being the tears with the gods they believed that diamonds were fragments of fallen stars.



Halfway all over the world from there, in ancient India diamonds were considered to have magical properties and were of specific religious and mythological significance. Diamonds in India were never cut, given it was said that if they were their powers would dissipate.



In Tibetan Buddhism, diamonds also play an important role and in fact Tibetan Buddhism is actually called Vajrayana which loosely means the Diamond Vehicle, and something of their most critical texts is termed the Diamond Sutra.



Since those ancient times, various other myths and legends have sprung forth around diamonds too. In the center Ages, it turned out thought that diamonds could tell whether an individual was innocent or guilty, knowning that a diamond would darken in the presence of guilt, and shine bright within the presence of innocence.



This remarkable stone in addition has always been told bring luck and fortune to anybody who wears it, and in many cases warriors and Kings might wear it into battle, believing who's would bring them victory over their enemies.



As we discussed, the symbolism and meaning behind diamonds has varied throughout history.



Its modern day meaning of romance and relationship only began in 1477 when the Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy for their engagement. Although before that there happen to be cases of betrothal gifts that involve diamond jewelry for instance tiaras, brooches, and necklaces - this is the first case of a diamond ring being given upon an engagement.



Needless to say - the rest is history.



Today, the significance of Diamond Jewellery in romance and engagement is the predominant symbolism around the world. It has a special meaning, and possesses potent emotional significance, but that will not mean that it couldn't one day symbolize something quite different once again.



Who knows what the future holds for the symbolism and concept of diamonds.

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