A diamond carat differs from a gold carat. The gold carat indicates purity - pure gold being 24 carats. One diamond carat is 200 milligrams (0.007055 oz). The word carat derives from the carob bean. Gem dealers used to balance their scales with carob beans because these beans all have same weight.
The tradition of a diamond engagement ring started in 1477 when Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy. The modern tradition is the result of a clever advertising campaign designed by N.W.Ayer in the 1940s. The fact is that diamonds have little resale or investment value. They also cause the death of millions of innocent people. Read more at the Blood Diamond Action
The Greek word adamas is the base word for diamond. It means "unconquerable."
Diamond is the birthstone for April and the anniversary gem for the 10th and 60th years of marriage.
