ABSTRACT
Diamonds have been a source of fascination for mankind ever since they were first discovered. Before the eighteenth century, diamonds came from a number of regions on the Indian subcontinent and were also found on the island of Borneo. Suggestions that references to diamonds can be found in the Bible or in Egyptian texts cannot be supported by historical evidence and have only added to their mysterious status. 1 Originally, diamond was valued because of its magical powers that derived from its status as the hardest natural material on earth. In certain cultures, bearers of diamond amulets were considered invincible. It was only after the discovery of cutting techniques in the fifteenth century that diamonds were appreciated for their beauty and their capability to reflect light.
