Source: www.gemsociety.org | Original Post Date: Unknown –
Diamonds are our most popular gemstone. That hasn’t always been the case. It was only in the last century that diamonds became readily available. Prior to that, rubies and sapphires were the most popular gems, especially for engagement rings.
The popularity of diamonds is due primarily to the DeBeers organization. They set up the first large-scale diamond mines in South Africa. Then they began one of the most successful advertising campaigns in history, convincing consumers that engagement rings should always have a diamond.
With proper encouragement, the movie industry displayed its most glamorous women, draped in diamonds. As a result, diamonds soon became a top status symbol for the rich and famous. This peaked with the Marilyn Monroe movie, Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.
