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| Quick facts: |
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The largest Diamond ever found was the Cullinan at 3,106 carats. |
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Diamond is the hardest substance on Earth |
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80% of the world's diamonds are not suitable for Jewelry. |
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Most diamonds found in nature are between one to three billion years old. |
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| How is diamond created?
Diamond is essentially pure carbon. Carbon comes in three configurations, there is the one-dimensional or powder carbon,
the two-dimensional or graphite carbon (similar to the lead in your pencil), and there is the three-dimensional form which is diamond.
These types of diamonds depend on the molecular arrangement of the carbon atoms in relation to each other. Diamond is formed under extreme
heat and pressure deep within the Earth's crust, and come to the surface via Volcanoes. Most diamonds are found in Kimberlite, which
is volcanic rock. Although man can create graphite carbon from powder, there is not yet any technology which is capable of generating
the compressive forces and extreme heat required to create diamonds. |
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| Origin of the wedding / engagement ring
The circular shape of a wedding ring symbolizes eternal love. Gold represents enduring beauty, purity, and strength,
all appropriate marriage sentiments. Why wear the ring on the third finger of the left hand? The ancient Egyptians believed that the
vein in that finger ran directly to the heart. As for that big rock of an engagement ring, brides have the Archduke Maximillian of Austria
and Mary of Burgundy to thank for that: In 1477 he offered his beloved a diamond as a betrothal gift -- the first recorded diamond engagement
ring.
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