We all know that diamonds are one of the most precious and coveted gemstones that you can buy today. They’re desired by women and men alike and are a representation of wealth and luxury. But there is more to the diamond than meets the eye. Read below to learn some fascinating facts about diamonds that you likely never knew!

18 Unusual Diamond Facts

1. One of the more well-known facts about diamonds, they’re the hardest natural substance on Earth, with a 10 rating on Moh’s scale of mineral hardness.
2. The Cullinan diamond is the largest rough diamond ever discovered. It was unearthed in 1905 and weighed a whopping 3106 carats.
3. The word carat, which is the measurement used to weigh diamonds, originated from the word keration which in Greek meant carob tree, the seeds of which were used to weigh precious stones during the time period.
4. America has the world’s largest diamond market, consuming about 40 percent of the world’s gem quality diamonds—this is unusual considering we produce almost no diamonds for commercial consumption.
5. The Hope Diamond, one of the world’s most well-known diamonds, is said to be cursed. It has changed hands a number of times but has been owned by King Louis XVI and wife Marie Antoinette, Pierre Cartier, Harry Winston, and now the Smithsonian.
6. You can have your loved one’s ashes encased in a man-made diamond.
7. Diamonds can be found in an array of different colors but most are shades of white, yellow, and brown.
8. Rough diamonds don’t look much different than your average pebble and are easily passed over by the untrained eye.
9. Diamonds are over 3 billion years old!
10. Diamonds were believed by ancient societies to protect their wearer and provide strength and heroism. They were used to adorn armor and other items worn in battle.
11. If you make a trip to the Crater of Diamonds in Arkansas, you can take a shot at mining your own diamonds.
12. Diamonds have been found in meteorites from outer space, indicating that diamonds are produced even in the cosmos.
13. The most expensive diamond ever sold at auction was $83.2 million, and it was named The Pink Star.
14. The highest yielding diamond mines in the world can be found in Botswana, Russia, and Canada.
15. Nearly 80% of diamonds that are mined are used for industrial purposes rather than for jewelry.
16. The tradition of giving your bride a diamond originated in 1477 when the Arch Duke of Austria proposed to his wife, Mary of Burgundy, with a diamond.
17. It is nearly impossible for the untrained eye to differentiate between a lab created diamond and a natural one. To do so would require extensive testing by a trained expert.
18. Children in Botswana are allowed a free education until the age of 13 because of the region’s diamond mining revenue.

Wondering where you can find these precious gemstones?

Now that you’re a diamond expert, stop in to Leo Hamel’s San Diego jewelry store and explore all of the gorgeous diamonds our showroom has to offer! We have an incredible selection of one of a kind new, vintage, and antique diamonds in all shapes and sizes. You’re sure to find something to fall in love with.