Legend has it that the first diamonds were found in India 8,000 years ago along the Penner, Krishna and Godavari rivers. Prized for their physical qualities, diamonds were used to decorate religious icons and as engraving and polishing tools. From early on, they were associated with wealth, status and well-being. Historians believe the international diamond trade began about 1,000 years ago when traders began transporting rough stones from India across Arabia. The stones were cut and polished before being sold on the European continent to royalty and aristocrats. Trade centers emerged in cities such as Venice and Bruges. By the.
