Diamonds have always carried a particular sort of symbolism throughout history. Today, it's mostly noted for its significance in romance - with a diamond ring being the key ring a guy ever buys, and provide to the woman that they loves.
But some time before that, loose diamonds had a very different sort of symbolism and meaning. For millennia, the traits of diamonds which make them so valuable and thus treasured are already interpreted by different cultures in different ways, and their strength, hardness, brilliance and wonder have signified various meanings.
Way back when, the Greeks held the fact that diamonds were the tears with the gods because of its physical properties that appeared to be out of this world. The Romans believed roughly the same, only rather than being the tears of the gods they believed that diamonds were fragments of fallen stars.
Halfway around the globe from there, in ancient India diamonds were considered to have magical properties and were of specific religious and mythological significance. Diamonds in India were never cut, as it was said that if they were their powers would dissipate.
In Tibetan Buddhism, diamonds also play an important role and in fact Tibetan Buddhism itself is actually called Vajrayana which loosely translates into the Diamond Vehicle, and something of their most significant texts is known as the Diamond Sutra.
Since those medieval times, several other myths and legends have sprung forth around diamonds too. In the center Ages, it turned out thought that diamonds could tell whether an individual was innocent or guilty, and that a diamond would darken in the presence of guilt, and shine bright in the presence of innocence.
This remarkable stone has also always been said to bring luck and fortune to anyone who wears it, and in some cases warriors and Kings has on it into battle, believing it would bring them victory over their enemies.
As you can see, the symbolism and meaning behind diamonds has varied throughout history.
Its modern meaning of romance and marriage only began in 1477 if the Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a hoop to Mary of Burgundy for engagement. Although prior to that there happen to be cases of betrothal gifts that entail diamond jewelry for instance tiaras, brooches, and necklaces - which is the first case of your diamond ring being given upon an engagement.
Obviously - the remainder is history.
Today, value of loose diamonds in romance and engagement could be the predominant symbolism all over the world. It includes a special meaning, and possesses potent emotional significance, but that does not mean that it could not one day symbolize something quite different again.
Who knows exactly what the future holds for that symbolism and concept of diamonds.
