All You Need To Know About April’s Birthstone: Diamond

April’s Birthstone: Diamond is known as being a girl’s best friend as they are so elegant and beautiful.

Diamond is also the gemstone for the 75th and 60th Wedding Anniversary.

April has a traditional flower associated with it, which is Primrose although many people state that the Sweet Pea and Daisy are the birth flowers for April.

What Colour Are Diamonds?

The natural colour of a diamond is usually transparent, crystal clear. However, diamonds can come in a variety of colours such as yellow, blue, pink, green, and more. These coloured diamonds are known as fancy colour diamonds and are quite rare and valuable.

Where Does The Word Diamond Come From?

The word “diamond” is derived from the Greek word “adamas,” which means “invincible” or “unbreakable”. This name was given to the diamond due to its exceptional hardness and durability. The Greek word “adamas” was later Latinized as “adamas,” which eventually became “diamond” in English

What Is The History And Symbolism Of April Birthstone: Diamond?

The diamond is the birthstone for the month of April. It holds a rich history and symbolism. In ancient times, diamonds were believed to have healing powers and were considered an antidote to poison[1. They were also believed to offer protection against the plague. During the Middle Ages, diamonds were thought to have the ability to cure ailments of the pituitary gland and the brain.

Apart from its historical significance, the diamond also carries symbolic meanings. The strength and durability of diamonds symbolise invincibility and unbreakable love. The Greek word “adamas,” from which the word diamond originates, means “invincible” or “unbreakable”. This symbolism represents the eternal nature of love and the lasting power of relationships.

Diamonds are also often associated with qualities of clarity, purity, and brilliance. These characteristics make them a symbol of clarity of thought, inner strength, and positive energy.

What Are The Physical Properties Of Diamonds?

Diamonds have several physical properties that make them unique. Here are some key properties:

1. Hardness: Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance known to man. They rank 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which makes them extremely resistant to scratching and abrasion.
2. Cleavage: Diamonds have a unique cleavage property, with a perfect cleavage plane that occurs in four directions along the crystal structure, known as the {111} plane.
3. Lustre: The lustre of diamonds is highly characteristic. They exhibit an adamantine lustre, meaning they have a brilliant, sparkling appearance.
4. Streak: Diamond’s streak is colourless, meaning that it does not leave a coloured mark when rubbed against a hard surface.
5. Transparency: Diamonds can be transparent, translucent, or even opaque, depending on their cut and quality.

These properties contribute to the beauty and desirability of diamonds, making them valuable both as gemstones and for industrial applications.

Where Do Diamond’s Come From?

Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle, approximately 100 to 150 miles (150 to 240 kilometres) below the surface. They are created under intense heat and pressure conditions, usually in areas of the Earth’s mantle called the diamond stability zone.

Over millions of years, carbon-rich materials, such as organic matter and ancient marine life, become subjected to these extreme conditions and undergo a process known as “high-pressure, high-temperature” (HPHT) transformation. This process involves the carbon being transformed into diamond crystals through the combination of heat and pressure.

Once formed, diamonds are brought to the Earth’s surface through volcanic eruptions. These eruptions transport the diamonds in igneous rock formations known as kimberlite or lamproite pipes. When these volcanic eruptions occur, they bring diamonds and other minerals from the Earth’s mantle up to the surface, where they can be discovered, mined, and eventually transformed into gemstones.

It’s worth noting that not all kimberlite or lamproite pipes contain diamonds, and the presence of diamonds in these formations is relatively rare. Thus, diamond deposits are found in select regions of the world where the right geological conditions for diamond formation and transport exist.

Gift Ideas

If you’re looking for diamond gift ideas, here are a few suggestions:

1. Diamond Jewellery: A classic choice is to gift a piece of diamond jewellery such as a diamond necklace, diamond earrings, diamond bracelet, or a diamond ring. These timeless pieces make for stunning gifts that can be cherished for a lifetime.
2. Birthstone Jewellery: Consider gifting diamond birthstone jewellery to someone with an April birthday. This could be a ring, pendant, or earrings featuring diamonds as the main stone.
3. Engagement Ring: If you’re planning to propose or celebrate a significant milestone in a relationship, an engagement ring with a diamond can be a perfect choice. There are various styles and settings available to suit individual preferences.
4. Diamond Watch: A luxury diamond watch can make a stylish and elegant gift for both men and women. It combines the beauty of diamonds with the functionality of a timepiece.
5. Personalized Diamond Jewellery: opt for personalized diamond jewellery, such as customised initial pendants, diamond monogram rings, or birthstone combination pieces that incorporate diamonds.
6. Diamond Pendant: A diamond pendant is a versatile gift that can be worn on any occasion. It can be a simple solitaire diamond pendant or one with a unique design that holds sentimental value.

Remember, diamonds come in different sizes, shapes, and qualities, so consider the recipient’s preferences and your budget while choosing the perfect diamond gift.

Always purchase diamond jewellery from reputable sellers or jewellers to ensure authenticity and quality.

How To Care And Clean Diamond Jewellery.

To care for and clean diamond jewellery, here are some general guidelines:

1. Regular Cleaning: Diamonds can accumulate dirt, oils, and other substances that can affect their sparkle. To clean your diamond jewellery, you can use a gentle solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Soak the jewellery in the solution for a few minutes, then use a soft brush (like a toothbrush with soft bristles) to gently scrub around the diamond and other areas. Rinse the jewellery thoroughly with warm water and pat dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.
2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Diamonds are durable, but certain chemicals can damage them or their settings. It’s best to avoid exposing your diamond jewellery to harsh chemicals such as bleach, chlorine, acetone, and household cleaners. These substances can dull the diamond’s brilliance or even cause damage to the metal setting.
3. Safe Storage: When you’re not wearing your diamond jewellery, store them separately to prevent scratches or any damage. You can use individual soft cloth pouches or jewellery boxes with separate compartments to keep them safe. Avoid storing diamonds together with other jewellery pieces, as they can scratch softer gemstones or metals.
4. Professional Cleaning and Inspection: While regular cleaning at home helps maintain the sparkle of your diamond jewellery, it’s also recommended to have them professionally cleaned and inspected by a jeweller from time to time. A jeweller can ensure that the settings are secure and identify any potential issues that may require repair or adjustment.

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and some diamond jewellery may have specific care instructions based on their design or any additional gemstones or metals used. Always check any care instructions provided by the jeweller or refer to their official website for specific care recommendations for your diamond jewellery.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a special gift for someone born in April or just appreciate the beauty and symbolism of diamonds, they are a timeless choice that will never go out of style. With their undeniable sparkle and elegance, diamonds are truly a girl’s best friend.

Please see our blog the colourful world of Birthstones to see what other gemstones are associated with each month.