Centenary

Historical Perspective:  The discovery of this original gem was made in 1986 in the Premier Mine of South Africa.  Also, the discovery site of The Cullinan.  It was unveiled at the 100 year anniversary gala of De Beers in 1988 after having been crafted into its current cut appearance by Gabi Tolkowsky.   Regarded as one of the most accomplished diamond cutters in the world, his family had long


been in the diamond trade.  It was his great-uncle, Marcel Tolkowsky, diamond expert and mathematician, who authored the publicationDiamond Design in 1919 that is still today's basis for round brilliant diamond cuts

Cullinan II (Lesser Star of Africa)

Historical Perspective: Cullinan II, also referred to as the Lesser Star of Africa, is the third largest known cut diamond in existence. It is part of The Cullinan which was a massive 3,106 carats (uncut) diamond discovered in the Premier Mine of South Africa in 1905.  This diamond was ultimately cleaved into 9 large pieces of which the Cullinan I and II are the largest. The stone is set in Queen Elizabeth II's Imperial State Crown of Great Britain

Cullinan I (Greater Star of Africa)

Historical Perspective: Cullinan I, also referred to as the Greater Star of Africa, is the second largest known cut diamond in existence.  It is actually part of The Cullinan which was a massive 3,106 carats (uncut) diamond discovered in the Premier Mine of South Africa in 1905.  This diamond was ultimately cleaved into 9 large pieces of which the Cullinan I and II are the largest. The stone is set in the Royal Scepter and is part of the British Royal Jewelry Collection

Kohinoor (The famous Diamond)

Historical Perspective: Kohinoor means "mountain of light" and it was thought that whoever possessed it would rule the world.  It is regarded as one of the most famous diamonds in history.  The British empire took possession of this gem in 1849 during its conquest of India and it was presented to Queen Victoria in 1850.  Today is remains part of the Royal Crown jewels, but not without controversy as to why it has not been returned to India (The World's Most Sought After Diamond).The stone is set in the Maltese Cross at the front of the crown made for Queen Elizabeth (the late Queen Mother).

Diamond History

The word "Diamond"

The word "Diamond" comes from the Greek word adamastos meaning "unrelenting, unconquerable", which originally meant a state of being to which every man should aspire. Adamas was the name of the strongest metal with which the weapons of the gods are forged, and adamas came to also apply to diamond.

The history of diamonds

The history of diamonds is almost as long as the history of civilisation, and is deeply interwoven into many cultures and traditions.


Ancient Age


Diamonds were first mined in India, and it is from there that the first known reference to diamond is made in a Sanskrit manuscript, the Arthsastra ("The Lesson of Profit") by Kautiliya, a minister to Chandragupta of the Mauryan dynasty (322 BC - 185 BC) in northern India. Plato even wrote about diamonds as living beings, embodying celestial spirits.


It was'nt until the Middle Ages that diamonds first began appearing in European regalia and jewellery, often set among pearls in splendid wrought gold. However, only men wore them!


Middle Ages


In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period rings set with precious stones were not seen so much as jewellery, but more of an amulet that bestowed magical powers like fearlessness, invincibility and sexual prowess and ability to attract others.


Not only was it believed that diamonds could bring luck and success, but also that they could counter the effects of astrological events. These myths laid the groundwork for monarchs to begin wearing diamonds as symbols of power.


King Louis IX of France (1214-1270) valued diamonds so highly that he established a law reserving diamonds for the king alone. However, Within 100 year’s diamonds appeared in royal jewellery of both men and women, then among the greater European aristocracy.


16th - 19th Century


It wasn't until the 16th century that Diamond could first be cut and polished; thereby yielding it's beauty. The Ancient Greeks wore Diamonds into battle on their shields believing the stones could lend them their invincibility. In medieval times, uncut octahedron Diamond crystals were set into rings, and their exposed points earned these rings the name "Glass Cutter Rings."


By the 18th century, the diamond came to represent the ultimate symbol of wealth and power. It was not until the mid-nineteenth century Agnes Sorel, mistress to King Charles VII of France, began wearing diamonds, which began a new fashion for women.


In the 17th and 18th centuries the diamond presided as the ultimate in representing all that was wealth, prestige and power, and the huge import of diamonds during this period was nothing short of revolutionary.

conflict Free diamonds

What is a conflict diamond?

Conflict diamonds are diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments. These diamonds are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments. The diamonds are sold on the black market and are used to propagate a bloody war which victimizes many children. The last thing anyone wants on their mind when making a diamond purchase is to know that their diamond possibly helped aid such a violent and brutal act of aggression.


"Conflict diamonds" - sometimes referred to as "blood diamonds" - have received a great deal of publicity recently. The spotlight will fall even more greatly on this issue when Warner Bros release their Hollywood blockbuster "The Blood Diamond" in December 2006, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The lure of diamonds as an ideal repository of illicit wealth for the unscrupulous has lead to wars that have raged in many diamond-producing countries of the world, resulting in massive levels of human suffering.  While diamond mines themselves are fought over, it is the gems which often become the cause of - and the fuel for - wars because they are such high-value commodities which were, until now, easily smuggled and traded into the legitimate diamond market.

Where do they come from?


Whilst a country such as Botswana is blessed with kimberlite pipes that enable an efficient, well-organised diamond mining industry and the benefication of diamond revenue, Sierra Leone, Angola, the Congo and other countries have alluvial diamonds that are scattered throughout their region in ancient riverbeds. The random distribution of diamond wealth in an impoverished society creates incredible problems and, in the case of Sierra Leone, enabled a horrible war. The problem is that unprotected wealth is a curse. Imagine if you gave your wife a £1 million diamond necklace and you do not provide her with any security.

The inevitable will happen - she will be robbed, possibly mugged and the necklace will be stolen. Was that gift to your wife a blessing or a curse? Imagine a world where Sierra Leone's government is corrupted by diamond dealers. Liberia attacks the diamond areas that cannot be well protected because the diamonds are scattered all over the border region. Liberian soldiers and local rebel teenagers, powered by drugs and armed with AK-47s, turn the local population into slaves who dig for diamonds. The diamonds are then sold to raise money for more guns to enslave more people to dig for more diamonds. Welcome to Sierra Leone 1998 to 1999.

Public Awareness


In 1998, Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) Global Witness brought to the world's attention that UNITA, a rebel group in Angola, was funding its war against the legitimate government by the control and sale of rough diamonds. We also know that rebel groups in Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo were also funding conflicts in this way. Although peace has since been restored in Angola and Sierra Leone, and a cease-fire in the DRC, the diamond industry is determined to work with governments through the United Nations to ensure that future conflicts cannot be funded in this way.

About Diamond Pendants

Every woman needs a diamond pendant in her wardrobe. At diamond jewelry designs we offer the best quality diamond pendants that money could buy. Diamond jewelry designs offers the latetest in solitaire diamond pendants, 3 stone diamond pendants also known as "past,present,future", cross diamond pendants, fashion diamond pendants, heart diamond pendants. All of our pendants are priced with H-I color and SI clarity diamonds unless noted differently. Diamond jewelry designs allows you to buy a diamond pendant with or with the chain. Many of our customers prefer to buy only the pendant with no chain. If you already have a chain this will save you money. We want to buy in confidence, all of our pendants come with our 14 day money back guarantee.

Diamond Bracelets

Diamond Jewelry Designs offers many styles of diamond tennis bracelets. Our most popular bracelets are the channeled set styles made in 14k white gold. Any of our channel set styles can be made up with 1ct to 8ct of white diamonds. We can also custom size your bracelet so that if your wrist needs an 8" or 6", All of our diamond bracelets standard lenght is 7" other lengths can be special ordered. Diamond bracelets are priced in 14k. 18K or Platinum can be requested as a special order.

Diamond Engagement Rings

All of our engagement rings are good to go. Center diamond has been hand picked and set. Simply choose your carat weight, metal, and finger size. Within days your engagement ring will be shipped to your front door. All of our solitaire engagement rings are available in the following sizes:


•1/4 carat


•3/8 carat


•1/2 carat


•3/4 carat


•1.0 carat

Diamonds International is a family owned business with over 125 stores in 25 different territories throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and the USA. In 1997 Diamonds International opened its doors in Barbados with one store and has since then expanded to eight strategic locations.

Diamonds International is the leading retailer of diamond jewelry, world famous timepieces, designer jewelry and other precious gemstones.


Diamonds International offers customers the distinction of creating their very own self designed piece which can be ready within hours after choosing their gemstone and setting from our fabulous collection. We have three very competent jewelers on staff who will ensure that each piece is crafted to perfection. The beauty of this service is that customers get exactly what they want and at the price they can afford. All gemstones are purchased directly from the world's largest diamond cutters thereby eliminating the middlemen and passing savings on to our customers!


Further to being a pioneer in the loose diamond business in the Caribbean, Diamonds International retails the world’s finest timepieces like Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, Piaget, IWC, Audemars Piguet, Chopard, Breitling, Hublot, Glayshutte, Gerald Genta and Mont Blanc to name a few. Jewelry designers Chopard, Raima, La Nouvelle Bague, Rodney Rayner, Jacob Jewelry, Hearts On Fire and John Hardy have also found a place in their world of exquisite jewelry.

om inception Diamonds International showed commitment to the community by becoming involved in many charity events and in some cases spearheading such events. To name a few, Diamonds International is one of the founder sponsors of the Gold Cup Festival and is the first company to initiate the concept of golf tournaments to raise funds for the Substance Abuse Foundation and Rotary Club West (Scholarship Trust Fund and Pediatric Ward) in Barbados. For the past six years Diamonds International has raised over $300,000 per annum for its charities. Other events include polo, horse racing, table tennis, lawn tennis and show jumping to name a few.

With nearly two decades of experience in the diamond industry, Diamonds International has established a strong reputation throughout the Caribbean and especially Barbados as the leading retailer of diamonds, diamond jewelry and luxury timepieces.


The success of Diamonds International is due to our uncompromising commitment to quality, service and partnerships with similarly poised companies.

DIAMOND HISTORY

Diamond Formation:

Diamonds were formed under immense heat and pressure hundreds of miles below the sea level. Volcanic explosions forced them upwards after nearly 100 million years of formation. The diamonds were formed more than 70 million years ago when volcanic explosions brought this diamond bearing ore to the surface. After the cooling of the magma, it solidified into a blue mass, or kimberlite, where the precious rough diamonds are still found today. Rated 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, diamonds are the hardest substances on earth, but their appeal goes far beyond durability. Approximately 250 tons of ore must be mined and processed in order to produce a single, one-carat, polished, gem-quality diamond. This is what makes them so valuable and unique. The first diamond mining endeavors were undertaken nearly 4000 years ago in ancient India . Modern mining started in the 19 th century in South Africa . Botswana , Russia , South Africa , Angola , Namibia , Australia and Zaire are among the top diamond producing nations, accounting for nearly 80% of the world's rough diamond supply.

Aura of Diamonds

The cultural alignment with diamonds has been there throughout the centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed diamonds were tears of the Gods and splinters from falling stars. Then, the Hindus attributed so much power to these precious stones they went so far as to place diamonds in the eyes of some of their statues. Diamonds were thought to bring about luck and success and also change the course of astrological events. Many ancient people wore diamonds as charms believing in their ability to heighten sexual prowess and attract others. Plato even wrote about diamonds as living beings, embodying celestial spirits. Diamond rings have been witnesses to the talismanic power of diamonds in the middle and dark ages. In the middle Ages and Renaissance period, every ring set with a precious stone was not considered so much as a piece of jewelry, but more as an amulet that conveyed magical powers like fearlessness and invincibility upon the wearer. This myth laid the groundwork for monarchs to begin wearing diamonds as symbols of power. Diamonds today are cherished for their astonishing natural beauty and their aura of being such a special and magical gift. As of today a diamond is more than just a jewel it is the ultimate symbol of love.

Latest Diamond Rings at dhjewellery

DH jewelry

DH jewellery offers certified loose diamonds to suit any budget.You can decide to propose with the diamond alone, so that your fiancé can choose whatever ring design is desired. We source the diamonds for you so you can get the best possible price. Al of our diamonds are conflict free and every diamond over 0.50ct comes with an internationally recognized certificate from HRD, DCLA or GIA.We want to make this experience special for you, so contact us for an appointment.

Engagement Rings

Each Tension Ring is made especially to your specifications. Depending on the style, there is 65 to 95 lbs. of pressure applied to the girdle of the center stone. The Tension Setting allows the maximum amount of light to pass through the center stone, creating brilliance that is superior to all traditional settings (prong, bezel, channel, etc.). Tension products are available in platinum, platinum/18k combination, 18k gold, and 14k gold.

Latest Diamond Pendant for This Valentine

Here is the latest grant product for this valentine day. There is the great Diamond pendent for you. This diamond pendentis best for valentine gift. This valentine day many of the fans are taking gifts for each other and I think this is the best gift for this valentine day. Many of the couples and friends are celebrates this day very greatly . Many of the peoples are waiting this day for yearly.

Diamond Antique Style Rings

Our diamond antique rings are current reproductions of estate rings of the early 1900, many have filigree work with single cut diamonds surrounding a major center stone. victorian style rings never go out of style. They usually are handed down from one generation to the next. Most people like the way the diamonds are set low in the mounting.

We offer a 15 day money back guarantee less shipping charges on all of our jewelry.All of our rings stock finger size is either a 6 or 7 and can easily be resized down to a 4 or up to a 9, if you are not sure of the ring we recomemd that you order in stock size and have your local jeweler size the ring, once the ring is sized it is considered a special order and not returnable.

Diamond Wedding Rings

Choose from a large selection of diamond wedding rings. Most of our diamond wedding rings are priced without the center stone. This allows you to select the center diamond of your choice. All mountings have white diamonds that are very good in color & good clarity.

If you are looking for a center diamond for one of our diamond wedding rings please email Customer Service with the type of center stone you are looking for.

Diamondjewelrydesigns.com is one of the top internet diamond wedding ring providers. We take the time to inspect the ring before it is shipped out. Many of our styles are original designs. You do not want to wear the same ring that all your friends are wearing. If you want to be different from your friends than you need to look at our designs. You get designer styles at low budget prices.

Diamond Anniversary & Eternity Rings

Diamond Jewelry Designs offers a very large selection of anniversary & eternity rings. If you are confused what the difference is between the two rings, an anniversary ring has diamonds set along the top of the ring, usually 5,7,9 or 11 stones. Eternity rings have the diamonds set going around the whole ring. I prefer to sell the anniversary band. The eternity band has diamonds that are underneath your finger that are suspect to hitting. If you do not take care you can crack or loose the bottom diamonds. Also, eternity bands are made from scratch to fit the fingersize. If you have a larger finger than the ring will cost more since more diamonds will be needed. All of our rings are available in either 14k yellow or white gold. Anniversay and Eternity bands are perfect to fit up against that original engagement ring that you purchased a long time ago. In fact, today a women wears the wedding band first, the wedding band is always closes to the heart. Then the original engagement ring followed by the anniversary - eternity ring. This is the proper order. The anniversary - eternity band shows you would marry her again.

Shop in confidence, Diamond Jewelry Designs offers a 15 day moneyback guarantee less shipping cost on everything that we sell. Our stock size is either a 6-7, all of our rings can easily be resized down to a 4 or up to a 9. We would be glad to size for free but recomend that you order in stock size and have your local jeweler resize to fit your finger. Once sized the ring becomes a special order and non-returnable

Diamond Ring sample

Diamond Jewelry Designs sells the classic along with the modern styles. We offer a large assortment of diamond engagement rings, bridal sets, diamond antique rings, diamond promise rings, diamond 3 stone rings(past, present, future), diamond anniversary rings, and diamond fashion rings. All of our diamond jewelry comes with a 1 year warranty for workmanship and material defect. At Diamond Jewelry Designs we want you to shop with the confidence that any diamond ring you purchase can be returned within 14 days of receipt for a full refund less shipping.