April-Diamond

Glittering with an inner flame all its own, the diamond is one of the world's most coveted and loved gemstones. Those born in April are fortunate enough to call this sparkling gem their birthstone, symbolizing clarity and strength. Diamond Birthstone is so strong that its name comes from the Greek word "adamas," meaning "invincible" or "unbreakable." The timeless charm of the diamond was cherished long before it became the April birthstone, and the places where the diamond comes from are as fascinating as the lore that surrounds it.

Diamond Birthstone Meaning & History

Our love affair with the April birthstone began in India, where diamonds were collected from rivers and streams. Traded as early as the fourth century BCE, diamonds were coveted by royalty and the wealthy. Later, caravans brought Indian diamonds, along with other exotic merchandise, to medieval markets in Venice. By the 1400s, diamonds were becoming fashionable accessories for Europe's elite. The first recorded diamond engagement ring was presented by Archduke Maximillian of Austria to his fiancée, Mary of Burgundy, in 1477. New evidence confirms the history of the famous 45.52 carat (ct) blue Hope diamond originating in India's Golconda mining area and sold to King Louis XIV of France in 1668, then known as the French Blue diamond.

When India's supplies of diamonds started to run low in the early 1700s, Brazil became an important source. Diamonds were discovered when gold miners sifted through gravel on the banks of the Jequitinhonha River in Minas Gerais. Brazil dominated the Diamond Birthstone market for more than 150 years.

The discovery of diamonds near Kimberley, South Africa, in the late 1860s marked the beginning of the modern diamond market. Entrepreneur Cecil Rhodes founded De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited in 1888, and by 1900 De Beers dominated approximately 90 percent of the world's production of rough diamonds. The largest diamond ever discovered – at 3,106 ct (621 grams) – was recovered from South Africa's Premier mine in 1905. From it was cut the pear-shaped 530 ct Cullinan I diamond, also known as the Great Star of Africa, which is now set in the Royal Sceptre with Cross and housed with the other Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. 

According to an anonymous second-century poet, this birthstone for April repelled the evil eye – a bad look that was believed to be causing sickness, poverty, and even death. Even more, the April birthstone was believed to possess healing powers. Over the ages, the diamond birthstone was believed to act as an antidote for poison and protect against the plague.  Some people even believe that it has something to do with longevity, strength, beauty, and happiness.

Where is Diamond Found?

The birthstone for April is now mined around the world. By the early 2000s, South Africa had been joined by other African nations as major producers of rough diamonds. These are the Democratic Republic of the Congo formerly known as Zaire, and Botswana. Formerly Soviet Union opened its first major mine in 1960 and Russia has become one of the biggest producers by both volume and value. Diamond mining became dramatically expanded when the Argyle mine was opened in Australia in 1983 and several diamond deposits in northern Canada were discovered during the 1990s.

Diamond Birthstone Care & Cleaning

Diamond is generally sufficiently hard, at 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, that it can usually be left in an ultrasonic cleaner. However, if your diamond birthstone has significant inclusions or has been treated, it is best cleaned with a lint-free cloth, warm water mild soap a soft toothbrush, or a commercial jewelry cleaning solution. Also, have your diamond birthstone jewelry periodically cleaned and its setting examined by a professional jeweler to maintain its beauty and integrity over time.

Now that you’ve learned something about the April birthstone, diamond, you’ll be a smarter shopper. And maybe you’ll have an even greater appreciation for this most durable of all gemstones. Colored or colorless, large or small, the birthstone for April continues to captivate those lucky enough to be born in this month, and those lucky in love who receive – or give – a diamond engagement ring. If you're thinking about acquiring a diamond, we hope our brief excursion tells you a little more about the history of the April birthstone and where diamonds come from.