The History of Diamonds

Author: Matthew Hart (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: The History of Diamonds is a light social science historical work written by Matthew Hart, a renowned American journalist and naturalist. During the writing of this book, the author traveled to Africa to investigate the mining, processing, and trade of diamonds in the region, repeatedly putting himself in danger and nearly being killed by local rebel forces competing for diamond resources. It is precisely because of this that the author obtained a wealth of first-hand materials about diamonds. Combining his previous research on the history of human understanding and utilization of diamonds, the author presents this extraordinary book to readers. In the book, Matthew begins by discussing the discovery of the world's largest diamond, the "Star of Hope," and comprehensively reviews the process of human discovery and exploration of diamonds since the 12th century, detailing how diamonds became valuable luxury goods. Subsequently, the author introduces everything about diamonds—mining, extraction, processing, transportation, and bidding—through the form of stories. These numerous stories make the entire work read like a thrilling, dramatic novel, revealing not only the history of diamonds but also the various lights and shadows of human nature. Although the world's most famous diamonds were long unearthed by sharp-eyed ancestors, the modern diamond industry began with the moment a young South African native discovered large diamonds on a farm in 1869. Matthew Hart vividly recreates the diamond rush that made Cecil Rhodes, Ernest Oppenheimer, and the·, who rose from humble beginnings, wealthy in his narrative. The diamond monopolies that emerged were powerful and held the throne for the next century until the 1990s. During that period, explosive news of diamond discoveries suddenly broke out in the Northwest Territories of Canada, and the young, bold geologist Ella Thomas overcame all obstacles to finally discover one of the world's most abundant diamond reserves near the Arctic Circle. Diamonds, shining brilliantly, also have a dark side. Rampant and highly skilled theft is a cancer in the diamond industry, while the "conflict diamonds" trade that funds African wars has caused even greater damage. When describing these evil phenomena, Matthew Hart regretfully compares them to "vipers hissing in a stack of hay." Today, the two key issues people are most interested in are: who will become the leader in the future diamond industry, and what will be the future of the diamond industry, which has long been shrouded in mystery?