The Most Popular Misconceptions of Diamonds - Part 2 of 6

2. Diamonds are indestructible and last forever.

Not exactly true. The idea of a diamond lasting “forever” is the result of the same marketing campaign that sold the idea of a diamond ring as a marriage token. A diamond can certainly last for multiple generations–in fact, most diamonds found today are over one billion years old. However, to say that a diamond is forever would imply that it is an indestructible object. Diamonds are naturally hard substances and are able to withstand various forms of scratching. However, hardness is slightly different than toughness and a diamond is not the strongest form of material known to man. Furthermore, a diamond can still be chipped, broken or damaged if it is treated in a haphazard way.

The Most Popular Misconceptions of Diamonds - Part 1 of 6

There are many misconceptions about diamonds floating around. Most of the time, it’s harmless to have fun with the various diamond myths that everyone knows. However, if you’re looking to purchase a diamond, you may want to get your facts straight.

1. Diamonds have always been part of engagement proposals and wedding ceremonies.

Everyone tends to associate love and marriage with diamonds. However, the origins of diamonds as well as of engagement and marriage ceremonies are entirely different. The idea of the engagement ceremony is derived from the ancient Egyptian civilization. These people believed that a special “love vein” ran from the fourth finger directly to an individual’s heart. For wedding rings, it is believed that the original concept of the ring was to symbolize husbandly ownership as well as a debt owed to the family of the bride. This trend peaked in Roman times though there’s evidence of it even in the B.C. era. On the other hand, diamonds were never really associated with matrimony until modern times. The earliest diamonds were discovered in India and used for holy decoration and valued for their ability to refract light. In Medieval times they were also used as a medical aid. It wasn’t until the 20th century when a certain diamond industry giant ran a much publicized marketing campaign that the diamond truly became a marriage symbol.

Not Your Typical 50th Wedding Anniversary

Everyone knows the 50th wedding anniversary is a golden anniversary, unless you’re the Smithsonian. Their love affair and marriage with the famous Hope blue diamond has lasted a full fifty years, and now they’re celebrating this occasion with even more diamonds. In honor of the occasion, they’ve commissioned the illustrious Harry Winston designers, to create three fabulous new settings for the much acclaimed blue diamond. The public is invited to join in by voting for their favorite design, all of which have a hopeful theme.

The Hope diamond is famous, not just for being the largest blue diamond ever found. It also has a long history that made it a great fit for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. Ever since its installation at the Smithsonian, this diamond has attracted an estimated 7 million people through their doors. It has played a role in royal history, had a stint with a heiress, and been smuggled and stolen as its owners began to wonder if it was cursed too. It’s this rich history that really adds to the mystery of the Hope diamond, even though the uniqueness of its color is beyond compare. This color is obtained from traces of boron that are embedded in the diamond itself.

The Hope diamond is a rare treat for visitors to the museum. Its classic setting has not changed in fifty years, and many may find the idea of voting for a new setting a bit disturbing, if it weren’t for the fact that it will be temporary - lasting a total of six months at most. Anyone who wants to vote, can do so online at the Smithsonian’s channel website. They can choose from three different and glamorous styles with hopeful names: Renewed Hope, Embracing Hope, and Journey of Hope.