The April birthstone is a diamond. In their most popular form, diamonds are glass-like and translucent with vivid diffractions of light, making them a universal symbol of purity, power, and extreme beauty. Diamonds are widely perceived as the world’s most popular and sought-after gems.
Diamonds are harder and more durable than any other precious gem, and ancient Greek naturalists considered the stone not only the most valuable of all gems, but of all things on earth itself.
This iconic sparkling gem is most often associated with engagement rings, but nowadays people apply them to all sorts of exquisite jewelry. Anyone born in April should consider themselves lucky to have been attributed a stone so influential and precious as the diamond.
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What Is The Birthstone For April?
All months of the year have been assigned one or more precious gems. April’s birthstone is the diamond, and many people born in the fourth month choose to wear diamonds as a celebration of their birthday.
Birthstones give people the opportunity to feel special and beautiful on their birthday (or all year round), and a gem as valuable as the diamond is bound to make any April-born individual feel honoured and loved.
Many people wonder how diamonds are made. Diamonds form under highly pressured carbon in warm temperatures, causing crystals to develop. The high content of carbon is what makes diamonds such a hard and impenetrable material.
What Is The Color Of The April Birthstone?
While it is true that most people will recognize diamonds by their high-clarity translucence, these strong and durable gemstones can actually be found in several different colors and shades.
- White diamonds – these are the classic glass-like stones we are most familiar with seeing on an engagement ring. Brilliantly clear and highly reflective, this is the most iconic type of diamond available.
- Champagne or “cognac” diamonds – this diamond type contains a warmer yellow tint that looks like fine champagne or whiskey. They are still mostly translucent, but the soft ochre shade is distinct.
- Fancy diamonds – this type refers to all the other diamonds which boast a range of vibrant shades, including blue diamonds, yellow diamonds, and even purple diamonds.
Because white diamonds are the most popular type of diamond, the official color of the April birthstone is clear. High-quality diamonds are known around the world for their exquisite clarity and ability to capture all colors of the rainbow in a myriad of light diffractions.
Diamond Birthstone Meaning
Throughout history, the April birthstone has held status as a supreme gem that symbolizes strength, longevity, and everlasting love. Diamonds are the hardest material on the planet, and have hence developed an association with endurance and power.
Like so many precious gems, the word “diamond” originates from the ancient Greeks. Initially named adamas, which means “unconquerable”, the diamond birthstone received its name presumably from its unyielding physical form.
Adorning thousands of ancient and modern royals since their discovery in the 4th century, diamonds represent the ultimate symbol of both beauty and power. Only able to be scratched or damaged by other diamonds, this precious gem is just as tough as it is stunning.
History Of Diamond Birthstone
According to science, the first diamonds were formed over 900 million years ago. Once humans first discovered them in the 4th century, it was love at first sight.
Once diamonds became slightly more commodified, traders began mining and transporting them across the Silk Road, selling them at high prices to royals and other elite families.
The diamond birthstone’s association with royalty has contributed significantly to its monopoly over the international gemstone market. While diamonds are still considered a symbol of royalty, they are much more accessible now to everyday people.
In the 19th century, a diamond mine was discovered near Kimberly, South Africa, and to this day remains one of the biggest international sources of the April birthstone. Some other hotspots for diamond mining are Russia, Canada, and other parts of Africa.
Healing Properties Of The April Birthstone
Over the years, the diamond birthstone has been believed to possess various healing properties that help guide us through ailment and misfortune.
In the Middle Ages, people would heat up their gems on a fire and take them to bed, believing it would draw out poison or dispel unwanted toxins of the blood. It was also believed that diamonds could bring forth a sense of mental clarity and balance, particularly when paired with amethyst.
The Romans referred to diamonds as the “love” stone, believing that the tips of Cupid’s arrow were studded with diamonds, which could penetrate the hearts of even the most stubborn lovers. Some warriors would even take diamonds with to war as a source of strength and perseverance.
How To Care For And Clean Your Diamond?
Caring for and cleaning your birthstone diamond appropriately is an important responsibility of being a precious gemstone owner. This highly valued stone should be cared for with the following instructions in mind:
- Due to their supremely hard nature, diamonds are typically safe for ultrasonic cleaning
- Alternative cleaning methods include wiping with a lint-free cloth, mild warm water and gentle jewelry soaps
- Diamonds can be brushed clean using a soft toothbrush
As long as you follow these tips, your special April birthstone will remain safe and retain its high value for years to come.
How To Store Diamonds?
The safest and most sustainable way to store diamonds is in a soft, secure box lined with cushioning to prevent too much movement. You should never store diamonds with other gems, as their hard exterior may cause scratches on softer stones.
What Is April’s Alternative Birthstone?
The diamond may be April’s official birthstone, but there are several alternatives available for those who cannot access or afford such a valuable gem.
Originally, the secondary birthstones for April were sapphire and opal. However, in more modern times, the two listed April birthstone alternatives are white topaz and quartz. These stones were selected for their similar appearance and structure to the diamond.
Whichever April birthstone you choose to celebrate your birthday with, you will uphold a long history of loving, appreciating, and valuing a truly magnificent gem.
Chermaine’s journey into the world of gemstones and crystals began as a child, collecting shimmering stones on family vacations. Today, she’s a certified gemologist and spiritual healer, intertwining the physical beauty of jewels with their metaphysical properties.
Chermaine has traveled to mines in Africa, marketplaces in India, and spiritual retreats in Bali, always seeking to deepen her understanding.