The Supernatural Abilities of your Diamond Engagement Ring

A diamond engagement ring is the ultimate symbol of eternal love and commitment; it is respected as a gemstone both because of its renowned beauty and its strength. However, diamonds used to be revered also for their more supernatural abilities.

While diamonds were undeniably admired for their beauty, during the Middle Ages, their many mystical and medicinal properties were viewed as more important than their ornamental value. The many age-old lapidaries only strengthened the beliefs that a diamond could have magical effects on the wearer. Diamonds were believed to be capable of averting bad dreams and strife, calming the mentally ill, healing the sick and being an antidote to poison. If a diamond were placed in each corner of a house or garden, then it would be protected against lightning and storms. It seemed a diamond engagement ring had many uses.

Similarly, the Romans wore diamonds because they were thought to possess broad magical powers over life’s trouble and were able to provide a wearer with strength, invincibility, bravery and courage during battles, as well as deflect weapon blows. Many kings led battles while wearing heavy leather breastplates studded with diamonds and other precious stones because of these acclaimed powers that went far beyond the understanding of the common man. Given the diamond’s astrological association with sacred moonlight, they were also worn in battle as a symbol of courage and virtue. One could say that the wearing of diamonds on the battlefield did work to a certain degree as many warriors tended to avoid kings and others who were fortunate enough to be wearing magical diamonds.

Diamonds also had other magical properties. Jewish high priests, for example, often turned to the precious stone to decide the innocence or guilt of an accused. Diamonds were believed to have a magical power that detected honesty – a diamond engagement ring with that ability could come in handy – and the gem was said to grow dark and dull in the presence of a lie and would glow with increased brilliance when the truth was spoken. More ominous than a truth detector, diamonds were also often pulverised into a powder and sprinkled on food in an attempt to commit murder. In fact, during the 15th century, a Turkish sultan’s son was believed to have killed his father by lacing his food with diamonds in order to become king. Indeed, diamond poisoning was quite effective, as the sharp edges of a rough diamond tended to lacerate the digestive tract and cause severe abdominal pain and a long and torturous death.

It is likely that many of these reputed powers of a diamond engagement ring might have surprised you, but it just goes to show the reverence that was placed on the world’s most beautiful and unique gemstone.

Frederick Holm writes for the F&L Designer Guides, which hosts a thriving community of independent engagement ring designers in the UK. Inspired by their journey of discovery in search of a distinctive, one-of-a-kind diamond engagement ring, F&L now celebrates the works of their favourite designers and helps promote the notion of "Go Bespoke" as a more imaginative and interesting alternative to the limitations of High Street shopping.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.