The Diamond is the subject of this article…the world’s most precious gemstone. We start our article off by exploring some of the myths that have been associated with this gemstone over the years, and then we examine some of the finer properties as well.The diamond, also known as the “King of Gems”, has been coveted and desired by man since the early ages. Uncut diamonds were worn by knights on their armor. Cut versions of the same gemstone were situated on the crowns of kings and queens. Internationally recognized as the symbol of love, they have become the center of attention because of their unique investment potential.Diamonds were thought to have been endowed with magical powers in times gone by. Merely by possessing a diamond (it was thought), the holder would be endowed with the three attributes of courage, superior strength, and bravery. This is the main reason that knights wore this gemstone on their armor. It was also thought that the diamond could ward off evil creatures from the spirit realm, and the devil himself.The diamond has been attributed to many different things over the years. For example: (1) Sexual Prowess, (3) Sleepwalking, (2) Spiritual Ecstasy, and (4) Invincibility. In order for the holder of the diamond to benefit from these attributes, they would have had to have found the diamond in the wild, its natural location. If the diamond was purchased from another person, then this “contract” would be void. One exception was if the diamond was offered in an exchange of love or friendship (for example, an engagement ring). In this particular case, the magical powers that were associated to the diamond may return.Four separate castes, that’s how the Hindus classified the diamond. The categories were: (1) The Kshatiya, a brown/champagne colored diamond that prevented old age. (2) The Brahmin diamond, a colorless diamond that provided riches, power, friends, and good luck. (3) The Sudra, a diamond that was gray or black and glistened like a polished piece of metal, which brought about good fortune. (4) The Vasiya, a diamond the color of the “kodali flower” which brought success. Yellow and red diamonds are also available, but they were the exclusive gems of kings.From a chemical perspective, the diamond is the simplest gemstone around. It’s just plain ole’ crystallized carbon. This is the same substance that makes our lead pencils. A lead pencil is much cheaper to purchase than a diamond, so it’s this crystallized pattern of the diamond that makes it special…and is the reason that it is so prized by collectors.The diamond is the hardest known substance, but it can be cut or chipped…if it is hit from a certain angle that is. It’s this ability to be “chipped” that permits a gemologist to create the beautiful “cut” versions of the diamond that we love so much.White diamonds are definitely the most popular version, but diamonds come in every color of the rainbow. A diamond makes the perfect addition to any fine piece of heart jewelry.