April’s birthstone – Springtime’s known as ‘the only pretty ring time’ so if you were born in April, make sure yours sports a diamond!
De Beers were right that a diamond is forever—measuring 10 on the Mohs scale, diamond is the earth’s hardest natural substance and can only be scratched by another diamond.
Believed by ancient civilisations to be solidified lightning, splinters from stars or tears from the gods, diamonds have long been associated with mystical powers. Diamond’s strength and brilliance means that many people swear by April’s birthstone to boost mental clarity and power.
However, diamond’s longevity is better known as a symbol of eternal love, which is why it remains the most popular stone for engagementrings—a tradition that dates back to 1477, when Archduke Maxmillian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a gold ring set with an M spelled out in diamonds.
Though you probably imagine a sparkling, colourless gem when you think of April’s birthstone, they can also occur in many other shades, including yellow, pink, green, blue and even black. Coloured diamonds are known as ‘fancy diamonds.’
Natural diamonds are composed of pure carbon and were formed in the earth’s mantle under colossal heat and pressure about 1-3 billion years ago. Brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions, diamonds were first mined on a large scale in India. Many of the world’s most famous and beautiful diamonds were discovered in India’s famous Golconda mines: the Koh-i-noor (‘Mountain of Light’), now part of the Queen of England’s Crown Jewels collection; the Hope Diamond and The Orlov Diamond. Today, diamonds are mined in no less than 23 countries, with Russia topping the list of largest producers.
However, my favourite diamond fact has to be this:
Scientists discovered a star that’s essentially a ten billion trillion carat diamond! The white dwarf star, nicknamed ‘Lucy’ after the Beatles song ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,’ is composed of a vast mass of crystallized carbon. Now, that is one colossal engagement ring!
Planning to pop the question with April’s birthstone? Don’t forget to check out the Gemstone Detective Worldwide book for a quick and easy guide to buying the diamond engagement ring of your loved one’s dreams. No trip to outer space necessary…
Gemstone Detective
Be sure. Be smart. Buy with confidence.