April’s birthstone is the diamond, a beautifully brilliant gemstone with billions of years of history. A precious gemstone with timeless appeal, the diamond has been one of the most beloved gemstones for thousands of years. Learn all about this treasured gem as we share everything you need to know about the April birthstone.
What is April’s Birthstone?
The diamond is the modern birthstone for the month of April, as well as one of two traditional options. Before 1912, the fourth birth month had two birthstones: diamonds and sapphires. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers set out to standardize each month’s birthstone. In the process, the dazzling diamond retained its status as April’s birthstone, while the sapphire was reassigned to September.
April Birthstone Characteristics
Diamonds are known for their impressive brilliance and incredible durability. Diamonds, made of pure carbon, have a uniquely strong crystal structure. With a 10 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, diamonds are the hardest gemstone. The stone’s unique crystal structure also makes it excellent at reflection and refraction, giving it incredible sparkle once cut and polished.
Colorless diamonds, also called white diamonds, are the most popular variety. However, this precious stone comes in a range of colors. Colored diamonds can be found in every color of the rainbow. There are red, orange, yellow, blue, green, purple, and pink diamonds, as well as brown and black diamonds.
April Birthstone Meaning
Diamonds have captivated people since ancient times. Ancient Greeks believed diamonds were splinters of stars that had fallen down to Earth, while Ancient Romans thought they were tears of the gods. The ancient Greek philosopher Plato wrote that diamonds were living celestial beings in the form of stones.
Many ancient people believed that diamonds had protective qualities and healing powers. A 2nd century poet wrote that diamonds could ward off the evil eye, while numerous ancient healers attributed various healing properties to the gem. In the middle ages, people thought diamonds could cure ailments related to the brain and pituitary gland.
Today, diamonds are seen as a symbol of purity, love, and eternity, and they’re the most popular gemstone for engagement rings. Diamonds are also known for being the April birthstone and the traditional gift for the 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries.
April Birthstone History
Most of the world’s diamonds are between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years old. These gems formed deep within the Earth’s mantle billions of years ago, then were carried closer to the surface by volcanic activity.
Some of the earliest examples of diamonds in human history come from ancient India, where people gathered diamonds from rivers and streams. Records suggest that India began trading diamonds as early as the 4th century BC. Most Indian diamonds remained within the country until the medieval era, when Indian merchants began traveling to markets in Western Europe. By the 15th century, the diamond trade was flourishing in Europe.
India was the world’s primary source of diamonds until the 18th century, when diamonds were discovered in Brazil. Brazil dominated the world’s diamond market until 1866, when diamonds were discovered in South Africa.
Today, natural diamonds are sourced from all around the world. Some of the most significant diamond sources include Russia, Botswana, Australia, and Canada. All Diamond Wish diamonds are ethically sourced and 100% conflict free.
Fascinating April Birthstone Facts
- Colored diamonds are rarer than colorless diamonds. While colorless diamonds are generally the more coveted gemstones, fancy colored diamonds are actually more rare. Out of all the fancy diamond colors, red, green, purple, and orange are the rarest. The most common fancy colored diamonds, yellow and brown diamonds, are still rarer than colorless diamonds.
- Some diamonds glow in ultraviolet light. This glow, called fluorescence, appears only in ultraviolet light. Most diamond fluorescence is blue, but fluorescence is also rarely found in other colors. One of the world’s most beloved diamonds, the blue Hope Diamond, has a unique red fluorescence.
- Diamonds are extremely low maintenance. Diamonds are not only tough, but also incredibly easy to clean. You don’t need fancy equipment or cleaning supplies to restore your diamond’s sparkle. The best way to clean diamond jewelry at home is with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush.
- Diamond means “unbreakable.” The word diamond comes from the Ancient Greek adamas, meaning “proper, unalterable, unbreakable, untamed.”
- Americans love diamonds. People in the United States buy around 40% of all diamonds sold each year, making the US the world’s largest diamond market.
- Natural diamonds are older than dinosaurs. The youngest known natural diamond is almost a billion years old, which means diamonds are far older than dinosaurs–and many diamonds are even older than the stars in the sky.
- Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring material on Earth. Diamonds are the hardest gemstone, but they don’t just beat other gemstones on the hardness scale. Diamonds are also the hardest naturally occurring material on Earth.
- The largest diamond ever found weighed 3,106 carats. The Cullinan Diamond, a rough diamond that was later cut into 10 diamonds, was a 3,106 carat stone. That’s equivalent to around 1.4 pounds.
- The first known diamond engagement ring dates back to 15th century Austria. In 1477, Archduke Maximillian of Austria had a diamond engagement ring made for his soon-to-be wife Mary of Burgundy.
Most Popular April Birthstone Gifts
Diamond jewelry is a thoughtful gift for those born in April. But if you’re shopping for an April birthday gift, which piece should you choose? Simple diamond earrings, like diamond studs, and delicate diamond necklaces are always popular choices for diamond birthstone gifts. Other classic options include diamond tennis bracelets, stackable diamond rings, and diamond drop earrings.
April Birthstone Jewelry Gifts at Diamond Wish
Find the perfect April birthstone jewelry piece at Diamond Wish. Explore our selection of natural diamond and lab diamond jewelry, featuring a wide range of classic jewelry designs they’re sure to love. If you need assistance finding the ideal gift or the perfect piece for yourself, reach out to our jewelry experts.
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