Diamonds Rule! They are sought after for the wealth they may bring, for the women's favour they can court, for the excitement of the pursuit.

While Gold has been around for thousands of years, diamonds have only been mined in commercial quantities for the past 100 or so years - really much less as a sustained industry.

The idea of the diamond engagement ring is a 20th century invention to boost demand for diamonds. (It worked!)

They are the subject of books, songs, and movies. Movie stars wrap themselves in diamonds for the Oscars. Our culture is riddled with diamond lore and mythology, lust and love.