The word diamond originally came from the Greek word "adamao," meaning "I tame" or "I subdue". It was later changed to "adamas" to describe the hardest substance known to nature, this time meaning unconquered or invincible.

Today, the diamond stands for wealth, status, durability, brilliance, and peerless quality.

Throughout man's history, it has also been related to magic, healing, protection and invulnerability. But perhaps the diamond today is best known as a symbol of enduring and timeless love.

In ancient times, the diamond has been believed to possess supernatural powers, making anyone victorious against any number of enemies if they wear the gem on their left arm.

In ancient India, they were symbolic of divinity so these stones were used as the eyes of Hindu devotional statues.

In Roman times, it was used as a medicinal aid, to guard against poison, insanity and unfounded fears. During the 15th century, diamonds were reserved only for kings, worn as a symbol of their strength and invincibility.

But all these came to pass when Maximillian I, Archduke of Austria, gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring during their betrothal. It was then that the diamond engagement ring was born, a man's symbolic gift of unwavering love and fidelity for his bride-to-be.

Other early examples of these diamond engagement or wedding jewelry include the Bridal Crowne of Blanche and the Heftlein brooch of Vienna.

Even how the diamond ring is worn is symbolic, rising from a belief dating back to ancient times. It is common practice to wear your diamond engagement or wedding ring on the third finger of the left hand.

This is due to an Egyptian belief that vena amoris or vein of love ran directly from the heart to the top of the third finger.

And for millions of people across the globe, this piece of solitaire brilliance that they can gaze upon on their or their partner's hand echoes their love for one another.

And no wonder the diamond is symbolic of marriage and commitment, for we want to feel that that sort of everlasting union is equal only to the durability and invincibility of a diamond gem.

A diamond is forever, as that famous De Beers slogan goes. That tagline is what actually prompted the widespread popularity of diamonds as modern symbol of love.

Their creative advertising campaign, which started in 1938, is one of the most successful and innovative marketing campaigns of the 20th century. Ironically, it was triggered by the sudden supply of the large amounts of diamonds from South Africa, which flooded the market.

The De Beers Company enlisted advertising agency N.W. Ayer to help create demand in the market and hype for diamonds, while also cleverly manipulating and controlling the market price, as they own almost 90% of diamond mines in the world.

Nevertheless, diamonds are the unwavering symbols of love, commitment and devotion, expensive gemstones that match the worth of a loved one's priceless "Yes, I'll marry you."