EOSC 118 Lecture 8: eosc 118 lec 8 notes
4 Dec 2017
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Document Summary
Diamond = most economically + historically significant gemstone. 4th century bc = mining + appreciation of diamonds first occurred in india. 1st century bc = diamonds, ruby + sapphire appreciated in mediterranean. Evidence = diamond set in gold in wealthy woman"s tomb. 13th century = european usage of diamonds, esp. Began to be faceted; 1st locations = venice + antwerp. Reserved for royalty until 17th century, where the wealthiest could also wear. Shift in jewellery design = gemstones became center of attention. Rose + table cuts replaced w/ old cut = predecessor to brilliant cut (mathematically developed to enhance brilliance at expense of weight) Before discovery of kimberlite in 1867 (in kimberley, sa), diamonds = only found scattered alluvial/within river gravels. First discovered in golconda region in india (estimated to produce max of. De beers consolidated mines ltd. = established in 1888 and stopped fights over claims. During start 20th century, controlled majority of diamond production + sales.
