AOL: Golden Bachelorette Joan Vassos' Crystal Gown Was Once Worn by Beyoncé — and Takes 700 Hours to Make! Joan Vassos sparkled on the Oct. 2 episode of The Golden Bachelorette, and if her dress for the rose ceremony looked familiar, there's a reason.

Understanding the Context

Vassos wore a Randi Rahm design — the Lavender Diamond ... Golden Bachelorette Joan Vassos' Crystal Gown Was Once Worn by Beyoncé — and Takes 700 Hours to Make! Get to know all you need about diamond – the history, facts, quality factors, treatments, imitations and much more here at GIA. The world’s love of diamonds had its start in India, where diamonds were gathered from the country’s rivers and streams.

Key Insights

Some historians estimate that India was trading in diamonds as early as the fourth century BC. Diamond crystals are brought closer to the Earth’s surface through volcanic activity. Diamonds can be found in shallow alluvial deposits where the crystals settle after being transported away from the kimberlite pipes by geologic activity and rivers. Around 30 percent of the diamonds mined worldwide are gem-quality. Diamond’s characteristic chemical composition and crystal structure make it a unique member of the mineral kingdom.

Final Thoughts

Diamond is the only gem made of a single element: It is typically about 99.95 percent carbon. The other 0.05 percent can include one or more trace elements, which are atoms that aren’t part of the diamond’s essential chemistry. Diamond Most diamonds formed more than a billion years ago! They form about 100 miles (161 kilometers) below the earth’s surface, where the temperature and pressure are just right. Diamonds are the hardest natural material on earth. They stand for fearlessness and invincibility, and are a symbol of love.