Do your diamond drop earrings contain the secret to life on Earth?

3rd Jul 2008

Diamond drop earrings may contain the key to more than just style, new research suggests.


Scientists have discovered that slivers of diamond formed in the early stages of the Earth's existence could contain the earliest evidence of life.


A report in the Nature journal suggest that the gems, found within zircon crystals in western Australia, include high concentrations of carbon 12, which is associated with organic life.


Alexander Nemchin, leader of the project, said: "We believe this find to be the oldest terrestrial light carbon reservoir discovered so far."


The findings could be a sign that a simple form of life existed on Earth some 700 million years earlier than current estimates.


If the research's suggestions are correct, diamond drop earrings could be a symbol of more than just elegance.


In related news, artist Mark Quinn recently transformed a strawberry into a gold and diamond necklace for his wife Georgia Quinn to wear at Elton John's recent White Tie & Tiara Ball.

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