45 billion years ago
Right after the birth of the Earth, the most ancient diamonds has formed deep within the Earth.
4th century BC
Diamonds have been first gathered and mined in Indian rivers and streams. Indian first used diamonds as engraving and cutting tools, and then used for decoration or religious icons. Until 18th century, India was thought to be the only source of diamonds.
1477
The first recorded presentation of a diamond engagement ring was in 1477, when Archduke Maximillian of Austria commissioned the very first diamond engagement ring on record for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy.
1725
Diamonds were discovered in the Portuguese colony of Brazil, Brazil became the world’s main source of diamonds after India.
1866
The first diamond discovered in South Africa, it weighed 21.25 carats. The discovery of diamonds in South Africa led to the Kimberley diamond Rush.
1888
De Beers Consolidated Mines was formed by Barney Barnato and Cecil Rhodes. De Beers is well known for its monopoloid practices throughout the 20th century, whereby it used its dominant position to manipulate the international diamond market.
1905
The largest rough gem-quality diamond in the world named Cullinan Diamond was found by Premier mine, the rough stone was 3,106.75 carats. The largest and second largest gem named Great Star of Africa and Second Star of Africa, both gems are in the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.
1947
‘A Diamond is Forever’ advertising campaign had its’ birth in 1947, and it was named the best advertising slogan of the 20th century by Advertising Age magazine. De Beers successfully advertised the idea of connecting diamonds to romance, and this effective marketing strategy transform the market from royal family to normal people. This campaign further enabled the market leading position.
1953
Mr. Richard T. Liddicoat who was executive director of the GIA organization, introduced the International Diamond Grading System and the Four Cs (Cut, Clarity, Color and carat weight).
1973
The Hoge Raad voor Diamond (HRD), which means the ‘Diamond High Council’, was established in Antwerp in 1973 as the initiative of the Belgian government and diamond industry representatives. HRD Antwerp is a completely independent subsidiary of AWDC. The HRD Antwerp diamond lab is the largest diamond lab in the world, and issues reliable diamond certificates, which are recognized worldwide.
1975
International Gemology Institution (IGI) was established in 1975, and introduced Laser scribe System Mark patent as a method to permanently mark diamonds using laser beams. IGI is also the only international independent gem certification lab.
1980
After the discovery of diamonds in lamproites in Australia, it is a breakthrough for diamond Ore-Forming. The Argyle mind located in Australia is unique in producing a dependable supply of rare pink, red and blue diamonds. It became the world’s largest source of diamonds in terms of the volume.
2002
In order to develop ways to eliminate the trade in ‘conflict diamonds’, governments and the diamond industry came together in the South African town of Kimberley in 2000 to combat the trade in diamond from conflict zones. After 2 years of negotiations the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was launched. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) imposes extensive requirements on its members to enable them to certify shipments of rough diamonds as ‘conflict-free’ and prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate trade.
