The diamond is the birthstone for April. The diamond is also considered to be the zodiac sign of Aries. The birth dates for Aries are March 21st to April 20th. Diamond is also the traditional wedding gift for the 60th wedding anniversary.
The origin of the name diamond is derived from the Greek word "Adamas" which means "hardest metal" reflecting the property of the stone. Diamonds come in a wide range of natural colors although colorless and white stones are the most common.
WHAT IS A DIAMOND?
Diamonds are precious stones with high brilliance and remarkable prismatic colors. Diamonds are well known for their extreme hardness. A diamond comes in at a 10 on the Mohs scale. The diamond is the strongest stone. One of the things that make diamonds different from most gemstones is that they are formed very deep into the Earth's crust. It's when carbon is subjected to extreme pressures. Then they are thrust up to the surface, usually in a volcano. Diamonds are members of the carbon family.
Diamonds are actually used to etch other stones. So you can feel safe wearing diamonds anywhere. However, this does not mean that diamonds cannot chip because they can. You can cleave a diamond, meaning cut it in half and you can chip it, but it is the hardest stone that exists. It will scratch your other stones, you need to be careful with that in your jewelry box and make sure to separate everything. But another stone is not going to scratch a diamond.
Browse through the PriceScope Diamond Search for more loose diamonds.
HISTORY OF THE DIAMOND
Diamonds have been loved for centuries, and in the first century, A.D., the Roman Naturalist, Pliny, said, that the diamond is the most precious stone on earth.
When we think of engagement rings, we think of diamonds but that did not happen throughout history. Throughout history, an engagement ring could be just about any stone. It was in the 20th century that De Beers really started promoting diamonds as the engagement ring stone. In 1477 Mary of Burgundy became the first know recipient of a diamond engagement ring from the Archduke Maximilian of Austria. The history and tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring began with this gift.
The ancient Greeks called diamonds "Adamas", and the meaning for that is invincible or indestructible, and they believed that diamonds were created from the tears of weeping Gods. The Romans regarded diamonds with much reverence, fastening it upon the left arm so that the gem should touch the flesh, believing it is powerful in making its wearer brave and daring, giving him the victory over his enemies.
Throughout history, diamonds have symbolized strength, and they were the talisman of Julius Caesar, Napoleon, and Louis IV.
Diamonds are thought to have been first traded in the fourth century, B.C., in India, and it was the Indian people who brought diamonds to Europe. Diamonds are found in different parts of the world, including India and Russia. Many diamonds are found in South Africa, and one company, De Beers, controlled diamond production for many, many decades in the world, up until the 1990s. New sources of diamonds were then discovered in Australia and Canada.
SYMBOLISM
From Ancient times wise men and healers have believed that gemstones have mystical powers. Medieval people believed the diamond protected its wearer from the plague.
The properties of the diamond are also associated with enhancing the relationships and increasing inner strength and the qualities of balance, clarity, and abundance.
PERSONALITY TRAITS OF ARIES
Those born under the sign of Aries possess positive characteristics and personality traits and are often described as loyal, patriotic, courageous, adventurous, confident, and passionate.
COLORED DIAMONDS
Colored diamonds are extremely rare and valuable. The colors of diamonds include yellow, blue, black, pink, red, orange, green, and brown. Color is determined by impurities or structural defects. The hue of a diamond gives the first impression of the color. The tone of the diamond relates to the lightness or the darkness of the color. The saturation of the stone relates to the intensity of the color, which is measured from dull to strong to vivid.
Black diamonds are not truly black, but rather contain numerous dark inclusions that give the precious stones a dark appearance.
A blue diamond contains the element boron. A yellow diamond is caused by the concentration of nitrogen present.
Radiant Cut Fancy Blue Color Loose Diamond 5.07 Carat Weight and VS2 Clarity.
AFFORDABILITY FACTOR
The cost of diamonds varies considerably according to the type of stone, the cut of the stone, the color of the stone, the clarity of the stone, and the carat weight of the stone. Otherwise known as the 4 C's. The diamond is one of the most expensive gemstones on the market. If the diamond is out of your price range, there are four (4) alternative birthstones that you could opt for. April's alternative birthstones include sapphire, opal, white topaz, and quartz.
Sapphire
Opal
White Topaz
Pink Quartz
SHOP DIAMOND JEWELRY
Diamonds make the perfect gift for April birthdays and 60th wedding anniversaries.
Browse through the PriceScope Jewelry Search for more diamond jewelry.
Are you an April baby? Do you like having a diamond as a birthstone? or Do you wish you had another? Let us know but clicking the comments button below.
Written by Bianca Mac Donald
