Discuss gems and the focus is always on diamonds. It goes without saying they are the most popular of gems, but what is all the fuss about? Glad you asked.

When it comes to jewelry, diamonds are symbols for all the important dates in the life of a couple. The initial commitment is always represented by the diamond engagement ring. Then later in the relationship, diamond necklaces, earrings and such are given to signify anniversaries and so on.

A commitment to another person is…well, a commitment. A person is looking for a commitment of time and totality. Diamonds are symbols for both of these things because of their nature.

Diamonds are also unique in their creation. They are the only gem created from one element. The element is carbon. Although carbon is common, it is rare in diamond form.

If you just could isolate carbon by itself in a material form in a lab, it would be a powdery substance. The color would not be clear. It would be a dark, mucky mix, but a mix with potential to be great.

Diamonds are made entirely of carbon, but only under the right circumstances. This occurs deep in the crust of the planet when carbon is exposed to massive heat and pressure. After millions of years, it forms a hard, clear material.

The diamond is named after the word “adamas”. As you can probably guess, it is Greek. The word means not to be conquered, and is representative of the diamonds strength.

Obviously, diamonds are not just lying around on the ground. They are only found in areas with volcanic veins. After millions of years, the volcanic veins push the diamonds up from the crust of the earth.

Diamonds are exceedingly old. The heating and pressure process can take millions of years. Most diamonds used in jewelry are between one and three billion years old.

Over 80 percent of diamonds mined are useless for jewelry purposes. They simply do not meet the exacting requirements. Instead, they are used in industrial situations such as saws and lasers.

Oddly, diamonds have not been used in jewelry for that long of a period given the time span of man. Despite all the kings and queens of the past, diamonds were only first used in royal jewelry in Austria in the 15th century. Obviously, they have become a bit more popular since then.

All and all, diamonds are a symbol when used as jewelry. They are precious, so the recipient values them. They are billions of years old and hard to damage, so they also are symbols of commitment and a long life. All these components give them great value.

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Arsne Bergkamp is with JewelryStoresforYou.com - a directory of jewelry stores. This article is available as a unique content article with free reprint rights.