First Discovery

The first recorded diamonds were in India over 3,000 years ago.  There it is said that diamonds were used for decorations and to ward off evil spirits.  Then, during the dark ages, it is recorded that diamonds were used for medical purposes.  Priests would hold a diamond while making the sign of a cross to help heal wounds.  Furthermore, at times, diamonds would be ingested to cure diseases; however, both aids were completely unsuccessful. 

As time progressed to the Middle Ages, the focus on diamonds were more about the wealth and worth.  During this time, mining was mostly done in India and bigger diamonds were being found.  After years of mining, India began running out of diamonds, especially the large ones.  Then, in the 19th Century, diamonds were found in South Africa.  Because people had such a craving for diamonds, the largest diamond rush began.  Currently, Argyle is the richest diamond area in the world and produces at least a third of the world’s population.