The early history of the diamond market is difficult to retell clearly. We understand that texts like the Bible, the works of Plato, and some Roman era works reference stones that are often translated with the word “diamond,” but there is no way to be sure that these actually attest to the existence of the stone that we are so familiar with today.

1. PASTOR GENÈVE WITH AN
EARLY HISTORY OF THE
DIAMOND MARKET
(Part 1)

2. The early history of the diamond market is difficult to retell clearly. We understand
that texts like the Bible, the works of Plato, and some Roman era works reference
stones that are often translated with the word “diamond,” but there is no way to be
sure that these actually attest to the existence of the stone that we are so familiar
with today. Scholars propose that a number of other stones might be intended
instead. Archaeological data is also not as helpful as one might like. To date, there
have been relatively few examples of diamonds found, the earliest dating from the
Roman period.

3. Given that India was the only significant source for diamond production
in the ancient period, textual sources there are far more reliable. In India,
diamonds were quite well known. Indians traded in the stones and we are
even aware of them being taxed. It is thought among some historians that
the lack of perfect crystals among Roman remains resulted from the
Indian desire to retain prime specimens for their own internal market
while reserving gems of lesser quality for export.

4. It is not until much later in history that we see techniques developed for the manipulation
of the rough stones into cut and polished jewels. An Indian text known as the
Ratnapariska speaks of using flawed gems to polish other stones. This has been taken to
refer to the practice of using pulverized diamonds to work gemstones. The work of an
Islamic traveler from the 10th century, Al-Biruni, appears to confirm this development.
However, it is unclear whether or not it was widely known that diamond dust could be
used to polish diamonds themselves. A 13th century text from India states, when
discussing the properties of diamonds, that its hardness resists cutting from metals and
other stones and can only be polished with the help of other diamonds.

5. ABOUT THE COMPANY
Pastor Genève is a rare colored diamond dealer based in Geneva,
Switzerland.