I’ve recently read a book called Master of the Game. The book explores a world-wide conglomerate which started its business in diamonds in South Africa. The book certainly enlightens the reader on the history of the diamond rushes in the 1800s and the sacrifices our obsession with these stones has called for over the centuries.

“Diamond” is derived from the ancient Greek word adamas which means “invincible.” Almost 50% of the world’s diamonds originate from central and southern Africa, but diamonds are also found in Canada (who knew, eh?), India, Russia, Brazil and Australia.

Diamonds are the hardest known substance on Earth. We wear them as jewelry and use them to saw through tungsten (which is why the woman’s wedding ring will always be superior to her husband’s tungsten counterpart). In fact, the only material that can cut through diamond is…diamond.

Diamonds can range in color from black (it’s not really black) to blue (have you ever seen the Hope Diamond? Hello!) to crystal clear. Diamonds are about as versatile as gems come and have no shelf life so they can span generation after generation after generation. After generation. You get the picture!