Gemstone History and Properties
The Diamond has several unusual characteristics that make it quite distinct when compared to other gemstones. First of all, is it is the hardest gemstone at 10 on the Mohs scale making it capable of cutting every other natural gem while no other gem can cut a Diamond. Its hardness however, should not be mistaken for toughness, as a diamond can easily break from a blow coming from certain angles, hence it should be considered a rather fragile gem. Secondly, its crystals naturally grow into pyramidal shapes called octahedrons, and these are the origin of the pointy cuts often seen in gems today. Thirdly, it has quite a unique chemical composition which instead of a variety of elements like in other gems consists of only one – carbon, the element of organic life. And in addition, it has a very strong internal refraction which makes the light reflecting in it look like rainbows, giving it a rather unique and attractive appearance. And while best known for its colorless variety, like most gemstones Diamonds too come in a variety of different colors yet their rarity made them virtually unknown to the general public.
It should be noted that while mostly colorless diamonds are used in gem therapy, being regarded as the main gem for Venus, colored Diamonds are occasionally used as well with different colors corresponding to different planets. Unfortunately, due to their rarity and cost such instances are few and far between, and the results of such use remain mostly speculative. Unlike other gemstones, the quality of a Diamond is determined not only by its clarity and lack of inclusions, but also by a lack of color shades which can affect its appearance. In addition, due to its colorlessness any inclusion becomes even more visible, hence only eye clean, colorless gems are allowed for use in Gem Therapy.
Unlike most gemstones, it was the hardness and not the color of the Diamond which made it sought after in ancient times with its ability to scratch other gems while not being scratched itself making it a popular symbol of invincibility. And while many believe Diamonds were mentioned in the bible, the gemstone known today under that name became widely available in the west only around the time of the Babylonian exile (500-600 BC), hence the gemstone originally referred to was more likely Quartz, Opal or another colorless gem.
Legendary properties and historical uses
Like many of the famous gemstones, the diamond became available in the west during the Hellenistic period, yet instead of replacing similar gemstones like Quartz it was considered to be in a category of its own, with its main characteristic being not its color or appearance but its hardness and shape.
Diamond’s ability to scratch other gems while not being scratched itself made it a symbol of invincibility in most cultures, while its clarity was perceived as a symbol of purity and divine light. As such, the Diamond was often worn by clergy to designate their pure, unyielding faith, and by the elites to symbolize their pure and noble blood. In addition, Diamonds were also often set in crowns to symbolize the purity and unshakable authority of the monarch.
Among the medicinal properties attributed to the Diamond were the ability to strengthen the body, treat infections and diseases, remove curses and possessions by evil spirits, and protect from any dark forces. It was also said to suppress appetite during fasting and strengthen the willpower, resolve and intuition of its owner.
The use of diamonds in wedding rings first began during the renaissance, as a symbol of strong, pure and unyielding love between the partners. However, it did not gain widespread popularity until the end of the Second World War, when an aggressive marketing campaign by the De Beers Company coined the phrase “Diamonds are forever”. Ironically enough, in the east Diamonds are considered a lust inducing stone which can even lead to infidelity.
The De Beers marketing campaign which made Diamonds the most popular stone in engagement and wedding rings, along with deliberate supply restrictions, was also responsible for making Diamonds the most expensive gemstone in today’s market. Ironically, it is far more common in nature than Emeralds, Sapphires or Rubies, and prior to the 1900’s diamonds below 3 carats were even considered too cheap to cut.
The stone according to Hindu belief
In Hindu belief certain gemstones are connected to certain planetary deities, and these gemstones are able to transmit the energies associated with these deities to a person wearing them, allowing him to enjoy the benefits of those energies in the process.
According to Hindu belief, the Diamond is a representation of the energy of Venus, the god Shukra, on earth. The god Shukra, who physically manifests as the planet Venus, is considered to be the teacher of the Demons of the Hindu pantheon and the god of beauty, pleasure and relationships.
According to vedic astrology, a Diamond is suitable for a person if Venus is well positioned in his natal chart, and is especially recommend if its placement is weak as that is an indicator for relationship and money problems. If the position of Venus is harmful however, the use of a Diamond is considered dangerous and is highly discouraged.
Among the properties ascribed to a Diamond when it suits a person, are the ability to significantly improve relationships in general and relationships with women in particular, aid in financial matters and help control cravings and addictions. In addition, it is said that the Diamond can help stabilize emotions, increase passion and help cure diseases related to the lymphatic and reproductive systems.
If however, the Diamond proves unsuitable it is said to cause health problems, relationship difficulties, greed or overspending, addictions and infidelity.
According to Hindu belief, if one wishes to gain the blessing of Venus, he should wear an eye clean Diamond that is set in jewelry made of one of the following metals: silver or white gold. The jewelry has to be made in such a way that the stone will be in contact with the skin, hence earrings are unsuitable. If the stone is set in a ring, the ring must be worn on the little or the ring finger of the right hand for right handed people or the left for left handed people and women.
Before wearing such a talisman for the first time, it must be washed in fresh milk and afterwards washed again in Ganges water (or any other holy water). The talisman must be worn for the first time at sunrise on a Friday falling close to the full moon.
Aside from the Diamond, several secondary gemstones are also associated with Rahu: Crystal Quartz, White Topaz and White Sapphire.
Personal experience – Diamond
After years of experience with gemstones both as a therapist and a patient, it became clear that every gemstone type has certain effects typical of this stone which can both assist in selecting the right gemstone and in identifying side effects due to unsuitable gemstone type or size.
In my experience the diamond has a warming and energizing effect. Among the positive effects observed were improvements in sleep quality and mood, a sensation of calmness and inner peace, stress relief and a notable improvement in financial acumen.
In cases of incompatibility and excess, the side effects observed included headaches and muscle pain, high blood pressure, nightmares and sleep disruption, nausea and fatigue.
Please note that the more profound effects mentioned were only observed after prolonged use of the stone.