Diamond Trivia

     Diamonds.  They sparkle and dazzle.  Who doesn't love them?  This beautiful "perfect" pear-shaped diamond is set to be auctioned off by Christie's on May 15.  This flawless gem weighs 101.73 carats and is predicted to become one of the world's most famous diamonds.

Here are some fun facts about diamonds:

• The word "Diamond" comes from the Greek word "Adamas" which means "unconquerable and indestructible."
• Diamonds were formed in the depths of the earth - 75 miles or deeper - and are three-quarters of the earth's age.  Most diamonds found in nature are one to three million years old.
• Diamonds are carried to the surface by volcanic eruptions.
• Diamonds are made of carbon and are the hardest natural substance found on earth, but because they have grain, they can be chipped if struck.
• To produce a single one-carat diamond, 250 tons of earth must be mined.
• Man first discovered diamonds 4,000 years ago in the riverbeds of the Golconda region of India.
• 80% of the world's diamonds are not suitable for jewelry.
• A rough diamond will loose 40 to 70 percent of its weight in the cutting process.
• For every 1,000 polished diamonds, only one weighs more than one carat.
• The ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were splinters of stars fallen to the earth.