Diamonds have been around for thousands of years, and when you look at the way that they have been perceived throughout history, it’s interesting to see how things have changed.
Diamonds in Modern-Day Media
To this day, diamonds are perceived as being luxurious and a sign of wealth, especially in modern media. For example, the 1971 James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever revolves around these precious gems. In music, Rihanna’s Shine Bright Like a Diamond conveys themes of luxury and success. Even games, like the Gem Heat slot, feature diamonds and gems as their core theme. In the game, when you generate three Gem symbols, blazing gems are added to the mix, increasing the chance of you winning. Although the game is based on luck, the diamonds featured are a reference to wealth, as in the game when they burn brighter, you boost your payouts by up to 20x.
Clearly, diamonds continue to shape our media landscape, but their history also includes some unusual associations that are quite different from today’s perceptions.
The Bizarre History of Diamonds
Diamonds date back to ancient India, where they were first discovered in 800 BC. In those early days, diamonds were prized not only for their beauty but also for their strength. Ancient Indians believed diamonds had supernatural powers, using them as talismans against illness and misfortune. Due to their rarity, they were also regarded as a mark of wealth.
In medieval Europe, diamonds were believed to offer protection. Charles V, the 14th-century King, amassed a collection of diamonds because he thought they would guard him against his enemies. The famous Hope Diamond, a large blue diamond, has long been rumored to be cursed, allegedly bringing tragedy to those who owned it.
The Black Orlov Diamond is also said to carry a curse, which has led to the mysterious death of its owners. Legend says that the diamond was part of a statue of a Hindu goddess. It was then stolen, with the curse affecting those who possess it. Interestingly, even though diamonds are associated with wealth, it seems that throughout history, there have been speculations that diamonds bring misfortune, or that are cursed. Now we know that not to be true, but back then, it was a very real phenomenon that people strongly believed.
Diamonds were also used during pivotal moments in history. During World War I and II, diamonds were used as a form of finance. Some soldiers even chose to smuggle diamonds in their uniforms, so that they could barter when on the move. Because diamonds were valued across borders, they functioned as a universal currency and influenced economies and cultures alike.
Diamonds have also been used in conflicts throughout history, making them more than just precious stones. They have had a huge impact on our world as we know it, far more than any other type of gem. It’s interesting to see how our perception of them today, is different to a few hundred years ago, as it shows how they have influenced our culture.
