Diamond is not only the world's hardest naturally occurring mineral it is one of the most precious gems in existence. They were first discovered in India about 3000 years ago however they are believed to be formed as many as 6000 years ago. Since then it has been a slow and steady process of commercialisation that has lead to many slogans, sayings and quotes about diamonds.
'Diamonds are a girl's best friend', 'a diamond is forever', 'a diamond in the rough' and 'turn rocks into diamonds' to name but a few sayings. The precious stone has been deeply embedded into Western culture and the slogan of the DeBeers campaign in the early 40s; a diamond is forever actually changed the culture of engagement rings.
Previously the tradition was to give a gold or silver band to the bride to signify your intent to wed however this changed once the advertising campaign took hold. Men all over the US were almost blackmailed into buying extravagant diamond solitaire rings and the trend spread to the UK and beyond. In certain European countries it is still traditional to give solid bands however the diamond engagement ring is still an integral part of betrothment in many western countries.
'Diamonds are a girl's best friend' is one of the best recognised songs from the broadway hit and subsequent cinematic adaptation staring Marilyn Munroe. The song depicts the stereotypical image of a woman's role in a patriarchal society and its context within the film is that Munroe has to sing it in a nightclub as her letter of credit was cancelled by her fiance's father, after a hired private detective produced compromising photos.
The title of the song and thematic representation in the film makes a strong statement about the role of females in western society. A parallel can be drawn between the acquisition of diamonds and the acquisition of a woman. The objectification of females as trophies and status symbols is a theme within this film, as the only was Munroe can obtain diamonds, or status and success is by winning the approval of rich and powerful men.
The imagery of a diamond is used to depict something rare and special, 'a diamond in the rough' is a metaphor used to describe an entity that has potential but the rough edges need to be chipped and polished away. The process of doing this described in the saying, 'turn rocks into diamond' depicts the process of having to put effort into something to achieve the intended reward.
Diamonds are mainly associated with status and wealth and diamond earrings, diamond studs, tiaras and necklaces form a market worth an estimated 8 billion GBP per year. They have been absorbed into the English language and are commonly used in metaphors, appearing in many prestigious quotes over the years.
Dominic Donaldson is an expert on diamond earrings and is invoved on a consultancy basis with major bodies of certification.
