April Birthstone - The Definitive Guide (2024)
by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read
THE BASICS --
Diamonds are brilliant, sparkling symbols for many things, and as the April birthstone, these gems hold even more meaning and significance for anyone with that illustrious birth month. But just why are diamonds so very special? However, its captivating beauty transcends the boundaries of a particular month. The deeper you delve into the enchanting world of this gemstone, the more irresistibly drawn you become to wearing it every day, making it a timeless and versatile choice for any occasion throughout the year.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--
In this guide, we will explain the following:
- About the April Birthstone
- Factors to Consider When Choosing the April Birthstone
- Color
- Healing Properties
- Diamond Inclusions
- April Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism
- Aires and Taurus
- Romance
- Strength
- King of Gems
- Celebrity
- Diamond Mines
- Diamond History
- Diamond Crystal Uses
- Vintage Diamond Rings & Jewelry
About The April Birthstone
Pure diamonds are solid elemental carbon, with individual atoms arranged in a diamond-shaped cubic crystalline structure. The structure shape as well as the strength of the bonds between atoms gives diamond its incredible strength, as this gemstone is the hardest naturally occurring substance in the world.
All natural diamonds are 1-3.5 billion years old, formed under great heat and pressure far below the earth’s crust. Magma flows bring diamonds to the surface, and today these gemstones are mined in many countries, including India (where diamonds were first discovered), Australia, Canada, Japan, Russia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and the United States. Only 20 percent of mined diamonds are considered gem or jewelry quality, however, and the remaining 80 percent are used for industrial purposes such as drilling, sanding, and filing.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the April Birthstone
• Color
Diamonds are naturally clear, but very few stones of any type are perfectly pure. Small inclusions of other minerals in the crystal lattice can change the gem’s refraction, shifting it to different colors. For example, if nitrogen is present the diamond may have orange or yellow hues, while boron will create a blue diamond. Pink, black, red, green, and brown are other diamond colors.
Red is the rarest diamond shade, while brown is the most common. In fact, brown diamonds used to be considered inferior just because they were so common, but new marketing techniques in recent years have rebranded the color as “chocolate diamonds” for renewed interest and distinction.
Overall, deeper, richer hues are the most desirable shades, and also the rarest. Diamonds may be heat treated or otherwise enhanced to deepen the color, but such treatments should be disclosed when a diamond is purchased.
• Healing Properties
The April birthstone, diamond, has long been linked to a range of healing properties and advantages. Diamonds are associated with the crown chakra, or Sahasrara, located at the top of the head and representing the highest point of spiritual connection and enlightenment. Known for their clarity and purity, diamonds are believed to enhance one's spiritual awareness, promote mental clarity, and amplify energy.
Because of the stone’s clarity, diamonds are believed to help enhance eyesight and improve vision. Other healing qualities associated with diamonds include the ability to lessen depression and ease anxiety, as well as reducing fatigue, strengthening one’s immune system, detoxifying the body, and healing or alleviating chronic illnesses. Whether or not diamonds have these physical healing properties is a matter of interpretation, but the believe that these very symbolic and beautiful stones can help with healing is common for many alternative medical practices.
• Diamond Inclusions
Inclusions found within diamonds, much like those within any gemstone, are distinctive characteristics, flaws, or foreign substances that become naturally encased within the crystal during its formation. Diamond inclusions are internal features or imperfections formed during the stone's natural creation process. These can include tiny cracks (feathers), uncrystallized carbon spots, and minute crystals of other minerals. While inclusions can affect a diamond's clarity and value, they also serve as unique fingerprints, distinguishing each stone.
April Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism
The April birthstone, traditionally associated with the Diamond, holds special meanings and symbolism that resonate with Aries individuals and their unique characteristics.
• Aries and Taurus
Diamonds are associated with the zodiac signs Aries (March 21 to April 19) and Taurus (May 21 through June 20), overlapping with the birthstone month. This classic stone is also paired with the sixtieth wedding anniversary, known as the “diamond jubilee” anniversary symbolizing enduring love and commitment in a significant and long-lasting relationship. Additionally, diamonds are alternative selections for the tenth wedding anniversary symbolizing the strength, durability, and brilliance of the relationship.
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• Romance
Diamonds are intimately connected to deep, everlasting romance, the life-long relationship shared between a devoted couple. With that love comes the symbolism for traits common to such long-term romantic commitments, including loyalty, purity, honesty, and timelessness.
• Strength
Along with those traits, the physical strength of diamonds gives these gems symbolism of victory, bravery, invincibility, and endurance. The value of diamonds also puts these stones in a position to symbolize wealth and prosperity.
• King of Gems
Diamonds are often associated with everlasting love, commitment, and fidelity, making them the quintessential choice for engagement rings and wedding anniversaries.
• Celebrity
If you have an appreciation for the glamour of Hollywood and the world of music, wearing a diamond ring can be a delightful choice, knowing that it's a beloved gemstone among numerous celebrities and even royalty. This elegant style has graced the hands of renowned personalities, counting among its enthusiasts the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Lady Gaga and Rihanna.
Diamond Mines
Diamond a precious gemstone, is sourced from diverse locations across the globe, each known for yielding diamonds of distinct colors and qualities. Diamond mines around the world, such as Jwaneng and Orapa in Botswana, Catoca in Angola, and Russia's Mirny, are key contributors to the global diamond supply. Canada's Diavik, Ekati, and Gahcho Kué mines are renowned for their high-quality diamonds, while South Africa's Venetia and Australia's Argyle, famous for its rare pink diamonds before closing in 2020, have also made significant impacts.
Diamond History
Diamonds boasts a storied history of utilization spanning centuries across diverse civilizations. The first recorded diamond engagement ring was given to Mary of Burgundy by her fiancé, Archduke Maximilian of Austria, in 1477. While diamond rings were reserved for the very wealthy and royalty for many years, as more mines were discovered and polishing techniques became easier, the use of diamonds in engagement rings and wedding rings gained popularity. It wasn’t until the 20 th Century, however, that diamond rings became traditional for all couples to symbolize their promises and union.
Diamond Crystal Uses
When used for meditation and other therapy practices, diamond crystals, whether rough, polished, or faceted, can improve internal clarity. These stones are said to amplify energy of all types, contributing strength to any spiritual chakras or auras. Furthermore, diamond crystals, with their connections to wealth and prosperity, are believed to draw abundance into one’s life. Diamonds might be worn to harness their crystal associations, or could be placed nearby on an altar or near other crystals, candles, or tokens used in meditation.
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Vintage Diamond Rings & Jewelry
Diamonds have been popular as adornments for thousands of years, and are found in every jewelry era in a variety of pieces, from rings, earrings, and necklaces to brooches, pins, bracelets, and more. The cuts and techniques used to fashion gemstone diamonds have evolved over the centuries, with older stone cuts such as rose cut diamonds and old mine cuts having fewer facets and less symmetry than more precise, modern cuts. This gives antique diamond jewelry more individualized, one-of-a-kind flair and distinction, with character that might be seen as lacking in modern pieces.
Today, many couples prefer vintage diamond rings and jewelry because of its uniqueness and character, and because choosing antique pieces is a way to avoid “blood diamonds” mined to support civil wars and terrorist actions. Heirloom diamond jewelry can have great sentimental meaning, and with so many unique jewelry eras to choose from, each of which showcases stunning diamond jewelry, there are always beautiful pieces to be found, no matter what one’s fashion preferences may be.
With so much to offer in terms of beauty, style, and inspiration, what’s not to love about the April birthstone, the ever elegant diamond?
Vintage Engagement Rings For Everyone:
No matter which era is your favorite, these time-honored rings have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations.
Find The Perfect Engagement Ring:
Vintage rings are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and faceting. If you’re looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of April Birthstone Rings today!
Suzanne Sachs
Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 40 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you – your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.
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