The word "diamond" comes from the Greek word “adamas”, meaning "unconquerable".

The diamond is the hardest substance on Earth, but that refers to its ability to withstand scratching. A blow of sufficient force, in a very exact direction, can crack, chip and split a diamond.

During the Middle Ages mine owners perpetuated myths that diamonds were poisonous. This was done to prevent the mineworkers from stealing the diamonds by swallowing them.

To yield one carat of diamond about 250 tons of rock, sand and gravel must be processed.

The first recorded diamond engagement ring was presented by the Archduke Maximillian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy in 1477.

The largest diamond ever found was the Cullinan diamond of 3106 carats (one carat is equal to 0.20 grams). It was cut into 105 diamonds.

The quality of a diamond is determined by the four C's: carat, colour, clarity and cut. A diamond is graded for quality in certificate laboratories such as the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL), or the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

80% of the world's diamonds are not suitable for jewelry.