Source: Nature: "Diamonds"
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Through the persuasive power of Hollywood icons, motion pictures and socialites, diamonds have become a symbol of affluence, power and romance. Beyond their beauty, diamonds have attracted men and women wishing to display their social status and wealth. In addition, the widely successfully marketing campaign declaring "A diamond is forever" has ever since linked the precious gem with courtship and marriage. In this Nature video segment, learn about the social and cultural value of diamonds.
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Diamonds are minerals that are valued for their durability, beauty, and rarity. They form deep in the earth under conditions of extreme heat and pressure, and are brought to the surface of the earth by the forces of volcanism and weathering. Generally, diamonds - and the rocks they’re found in - are very old. Studying diamonds, therefore, can help scientists reconstruct the processes that were central to the formation of the earth itself.
The physical properties of a diamond are determined more by the crystal structure of the diamond than by its composition - consider that diamond and graphite, despite their vastly different physical properties, are both composed of pure carbon. Every mineral is characterized a particular type of crystalline structure that is largely responsible for its physical properties.
This accident of nature holds an unrivaled place in society. Large diamonds are so rare and so prized, they have become the emblem of the elite.
In the elegant halls of Christie’s Galleries in New York City, an auction of fabulous jewels is about to begin. It’s centerpiece – a dazzling 26 carat diamond once owned by Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge.
The auction will decide the diamond’s worth, but it will no doubt remain in its familiar social set – a world of great wealth and complete discretion. And it’s undeniable that diamonds stir deep emotions.
Susan: Diamonds evoke beauty, sentimentality, romance, passion. In today’s culture, a diamond is given when one gets engaged, “a diamond is forever” so to quote a famous saying, and one hopes that love and passion and eternity and integrity and loyalty are forever as well.
Susan: I mean it’s really nature at its finest. And one can say, oh, it’s just a rock, but it is rare and it’s beautiful and it evokes passion and, when you walk through a room in the evening and the light is hitting a diamond in a certain way, the person glows and the whole room seems to glow.
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