Diamonds are not only everyone’s best friend, they are also April’s birthstone. The hardest gemstone around, diamonds are a true wonder. Natural or lab grown, these beauties look good on everyone, for everything. Wear them daily, dress up those sweats or pair them perfectly for an elegant event. Whatever the occasion, whatever your style, wear diamonds and sparkle like the stars.
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What Is the April Birthstone?
April’s birthstone is the dazzling diamond. That’s right, diamonds are a birthstone! Diamonds are traditionally known for their colorless variety, however there are also beautiful colored diamonds.
The Symbolism and Meaning of Diamond
Ancient Romans believed if you were hit by Cupid’s arrow, tipped of course with the dazzling gemstone, your love would be unbreakable. While others, including sources in Hinduism, associate diamonds with beauty and happiness. It is no wonder diamonds are traditionally used for engagement rings, wedding rings, and are given on multiple anniversaries. Celebrate your love with the gemstone representing love.
Other benefits thought to be associated with April’s birthstone are good energy, good health, both mental and physical, and even ridding the body of toxins. Still others believe that diamonds’ abilities go so far as to be an antidote to poison.
What Color is the April Birthstone?
Diamonds are a true wonder as they are available in both colorless and fancy colored options. Colorless diamonds refer to a diamond’s lack of hue, meaning the more color or yellowing it has, the less desirable it is. These diamonds are measured on a scale of D to Z, D being the most colorless, and therefore the most desirable option.
Whereas with fancy colored diamonds, they are available in a rainbow of colors and the stronger the hue, the more desirable it is. These diamonds are graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and these grades are based on tone, hue, and saturation.
A Brief History of the April Birthstone
Beloved for generations, diamonds have an incredibly long history. In fact, it is believed some ancient civilizations thought diamonds to be lightning materialized on Earth.
It is believed that diamonds were traded as early as the 4th century BCE, as they were sought after by royalty and the elite. Dating back to the Mongols, diamonds were popular in India, where they were easily mined at the time. Continuing to the 1400s, diamonds continued to be a favorite for the upper class.
As the diamond supply in India dwindled, the gemstone was discovered in Brazil and ultimately, South Africa in the late 1860s, the start of the modern-day diamond market.
Understanding Diamond’s Sensitivity and Fragility
Diamonds are the hardest gemstone around, a key part of their value. Rating at the top of the Mohs Hardness Scale, diamonds get their durability thanks to their atomic structure. Being made of pure carbon, diamonds are so strong they can only be scratched by other diamonds. It is this strength that makes them incredibly popular, particularly for engagement rings.
Practical Tips for Cleaning and Preserving Diamond Jewelry
No matter when you were born, it is important to properly care for your diamond jewelry.
Follow these tips to protect your April birthstone jewelry.
- Store your diamond jewelry separately, preferably in their original packaging such as soft jewelry bags or boxes.
- Avoid extreme temperatures, particularly intense heat and strong light.
- Remove your jewelry in situations such as the beach, chlorinated pools, the gym, showering, cleaning, when dealing with lotions and makeup.
Follow these tips to clean your April birthstone.
- Fill a bowl with warm water and mild soap.
- Allow the jewelry to soak.
- Then use a soft-bristle brush to gently remove any dirt.
- Rinse clean with water and air dry.
What Are the Other April Birthstones?
Just like most months of the year, April has more than one birthstone. In addition to the dazzling diamond, white topaz and clear quartz, which have visual similarities to colorless diamonds, are also birthstones for April.
FAQs
What makes diamonds special as April’s birthstone?
Diamonds are special because of their strength, their meaning, and their universal popularity. This gemstone has long been the traditional stone for engagement rings, wedding rings, tennis bracelets, and other timeless pieces of fine jewelry.
What are the characteristics of diamonds?
Diamonds are graded by characteristics known as the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Cut refers to a diamonds facets, angels, and proportions. Color refers to the lack of color, or colorlessness of a diamond. Clarity refers to a lack of inclusions, how clear is the diamond. And carat weight refers to the size of the diamond.
What are the various shapes and cuts of diamonds available?
While these terms are used interchangeably, a diamond’s shape refers to its overall form. Think oval, heart, round, or emerald. A diamond’s cut refers to its symmetry, proportions and polish.
Diamonds come in a variety of shapes and cuts. Round diamonds are incredibly popular as they are considered to be universally flattering. Other beloved options include princess, cushion, emerald, marquise, oval, radiant, pear, and Asscher. And of course, there are heart shaped diamonds.
What are conflict-free diamonds?
Conflict-free diamonds are diamonds that were not obtained due to human rights abuses, civil war, child labor, violence, or environmental degradation. At James Allen, we make sure that our customers receive conflict-free diamonds. In fact, our internal guidelines exceed government requirements. When you shop with us, you can be certain that your diamonds are coming from the most reputable providers.
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With over 10 years of experience writing and editing on a wide variety of subjects, Sarah is a veteran of the content world. Since joining James Allen, she has focused on all things diamonds and fine jewelry with the goal of educating and empowering consumers.