What is the Birthstone for April?
April Birthstone Diamond
The birthstone for April is diamond, probably the most prized gemstone of all precious gemstones.
How is a Diamond Formed?
Geologists believe diamonds are formed from pure carbon 150 and 250 Kilometres beneath the surface in the Earth’s mantle which, after cooling are then forced to the surface by volcanic eruptions. Natural diamonds are between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years old.
Where are Diamonds Found?
Diamonds are found and mined in South Africa, Australia, Thailand, China, Borneo, Russia, Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela. They are also mined in India, Brazil, China, Canada, and the USA.
However, the main producers of diamonds are South Africa, Botswana, and Russia.
For many years there has been illegal mining of diamonds and exploitation of miners and their Human Rights. Therefore, people are now asked to look carefully when buying diamonds to make sure they are not buying so-called “Blood Diamonds”.
Industrial diamonds are mostly mined in Australia.
Are Diamonds Heat-Treated?
At the turn of the 20th Century, scientists became interested in finding possible ways to enhance diamonds. After WWII they increased their efforts to find enhancement treatments for clarity and the colour of diamonds.
Heat-treatment is used to make black diamonds as black is a rare colour under natural diamonds.
Other enhancing treatments are sometimes used therefore, always ask whether the piece of diamond jewellery you are interested in buying has been enhanced or is made with natural gemstones.
What Colour is a Diamond?
Diamonds come in a variety of colours; steel grey, white, blue, yellow, orange, red, green, pink-purple, brown and black. The richer the colour the more valuable the diamond.
Diamonds with brilliant colours are rare and more valuable than a colourless diamond of equal size.
Pure diamonds are transparent and colourless.
Do Diamonds Scratch Easily?
A diamond is well-known for its hardness scoring the top number, 10, on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
It is made of only one element- Carbon and is 58 times harder than anything in nature and can only be cut by another diamond. It is, however, also brittle, therefore, always take great care to avoid unnecessary hard knocks to your jewellery, especially your rings.
If you hit a diamond with a hammer, it’ll shatter into a dozen pieces. Hit a piece of quartz with a hammer, it’ll split in two. Hit a piece of jade with a hammer, it’ll ring like a bell!
an unknown geologist saying
How do I Clean my Diamond Jewellery?
Soak your diamond birthstone jewellery in mild soapy water. Use a soft toothbrush, rinse well and dry and polish with a soft cloth.
Can April Birthstone Diamond be used in an Engagement Ring?
Well, I think we all know the answer to this. When most people think of engagement rings, they think of diamonds.
The tradition of gifting a diamond engagement ring to the fiancèe began with Archduke Maximilian of Austria who presented a diamond ring to his Lady, Mary of Burgundy on their engagement in 1477. Before that diamonds were not thought of as jewels. Gifting her a diamond ring started the trend of proposing marriage with a diamond ring.
With the choice of Cuts, a shape for every taste is available; Round, Princess, Pear, Cushion, Heart, Asscher, Oval, Emerald, Marquise and Radiant, all beautiful.
The diagram shows the different Cuts for diamonds and for most precious gemstones.
The most popular Cut is Round which is the easiest to cut and has the least amount of loss.
The Round-Brilliant and Princess Cut are also very popular as they reflect the light best, giving the gemstones that extra sparkle.
Whichever cut is your favourite remember, the shape and skin tone of your hand have an effect on how the ring will look on your finger.
Diamond is a perfect gemstone for everyday wear as well as special occasions.
How Much is a Diamond Worth per Carat?
Diamonds are priced firstly by their carat and then calculated by the cut, clarity, colour, grade, and fluorescence.
With these factors a diamond can cost anything from a few thousand to a few million dollars.
Fun Facts, Myths and Legends
April birthstone diamond gets its name from Adamas, meaning unbreakable or indestructible.
Ancient writings from 400 BC, with diamonds in their content were discovered.
Ancient Scriptures mention “colourless stones”
Throughout history, diamonds have always symbolized everlasting love.
Diamonds first became popular in India.
Before the process by which a diamond is found was fully understood, ancient civilizations believed that diamonds were actually lightning which had turned solid when it hit the earth.
The ancient Greeks thought diamonds were the tears of gods.
It was believed diamonds cured brain disease, gland disorders and cleaned toxins from the blood.
It is said, those born in April, wearing a diamond, are happier in their relationships, are more successful at work and are also stronger within.
The chemical formula for a diamond is C
The Diamond Wedding Anniversary celebrates 60 years of marriage.
Diamond birthstone jewellery is ideal for all occasions, from birthdays to Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, engagements and “just because”.
See a complete list of all birthstones and Months of birth here.
April Birth Colours
The birth colours for April are yellow, red and colourless.
April Birth Flowers
The flowers for April are Sweet Pea and Daisy.
April Birthstone Diamond, A Few Ideas For You
Diamond Birthstone Rings
Diamond Birthstone Necklaces
Diamond Birthstone Earrings
Diamond Birthstone Bracelets
