Legend surrounding the Diamond

It is believed that the ancient Egyptians were the first to wear their rings on the left finger, which they believed contained the “vena amoris” or vein of love which supposedly arrived directly from the heart. The ancient Romans also used such symbolisms. Until the XV century, only kings wore diamonds as it was the symbol of strength, courage and invincibility. But as the years went by, the diamond became the gift of love. The first diamond engagement ring is believed to have been offered in 1477 by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria. He presented a solitaire diamond when he asked the hand of Mary of Bourgandy in marriage. Prior to that event, engagement rings were either plain metal bands (iron for commoners, while gold and silver were used among royalty) or used less expensive gems. The diamond has been the ultimate symbol of romance and love and the ring a symbol of fidelity, constancy and commitment. Its circular shape, with no beginning and no end, represents eternity, renewal, wholeness and perfection.
Many legends evolve around the diamond. The ancient Greeks and Romans thought diamonds were fragments of stars fallen on earth or even regarded them as the “Tears of the Gods”. While the ancient Hindus believed that diamonds were formed from lightning struck on rock. They all believed that a diamond held mysterious qualities and possessed supernatural powers that could affect the heavens and the hearts and could also provide its owner with luck and success.