King of gems – a brief history of diamonds

At Inhorgenta 2025 Munich, renowned jewelry historian Dr. Jack Ogden took the audience on a fascinating journey through 2,500 years of diamond history. From ancient myths of diamond mining with meat and birds to the rise of the brilliant cut, this talk explored how diamonds evolved from tools for engraving in 500 BC to the ultimate symbol of luxury. Discover how diamonds were first set in jewelry in Greek and Roman times, how medieval Europe began to value them, and how the 15th-century invention of diamond cutting changed everything. Dr. Ogden also traced the impact of Indian, Brazilian, and South African diamond sources, the role of London as a cutting hub in the 17th century, and how the brilliant cut became the standard. As the industry faces new challenges with lab-grown diamonds flooding the market, the history of diamonds reminds us of their timeless value, craftsmanship, and evolving perception. Have diamonds lost some of their magic, or do they remain the ultimate symbol of luxury? Share your thoughts in the comments! Key Topics Covered: - The evolution of diamond cutting & jewelry design - How different cultures shaped diamond history - The impact of lab-grown diamonds on the industry #DiamondHistory #LuxuryJewelry #BrilliantCut #Inhorgenta2025 Speaker: Dr. Jack Ogden - Jewellery Historian, UK