The modern birthstone classification does identify the sparkling stone as the traditional April birthstone, but the love for diamonds dates back in history to around the fourth century BC. Interestingly, archeologists and miners worldwide believe that the formation of diamonds beneath the Earth’s surface had begun as early as 900 million years ago. And for those born in April, you just have an additional reason to fall full throttle in love with diamonds! A universally acknowledged symbol of love, romance, and an unwavering commitment, diamonds hold the distinction of being the gifts of choice for the 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries.
History Behind the April Birthstone: Diamond
Much true to its strength and resilience, the gemstone diamond derives its name from the Greek word adamas, which means “invincible”, something that can never be defeated. Historians concurred the world’s earliest acquaintance with diamonds to India. Diamonds were traded off to the royalty at exorbitant prices, who developed a fetish for these charming gems at the very first glimpse. Later on, as trade expanded, Indian exporters introduced the exotic gemstone to the niche merchandising markets in Venice. Before anyone could realize it, diamonds had become a hugely valued accessory for the wealthy and affluent in Europe by the 1400s.
The iconic Hope Diamond weighing 45.54 carats, was also originally mined in the Kollur mines in Golconda, India, in the 17th century. The stunning blue diamond traversed through various renowned owners in history but currently is preserved in a Natural History Museum.
As the demand for diamonds grew to frenzied proportions the world over, new mines were identified across other geographies. Over time, Brazil constituted the major contribution of diamonds for almost 150 years during the early 1600s. During the 19th century, high-quality diamonds in huge volumes were mined from the Kimberley area in South Africa, making it a leader in diamond supplies. The world’s largest diamond weighing 3,106 carats was unearthed from South Africa’s Premier Mine in 1905. The huge rock was later cut, creased, and polished into a 530-carat drop-shaped diamond that came to be known as the Cullinan I Diamond and popularized by the name of the ‘Great Star of Africa’. Another diamond, the Cullinan II Diamond, carved from the same rock, is slightly smaller and christened the ‘Lesser Star of Africa’.
History records the first diamond engagement ring given to Mary of Burgundy by Archduke Maximillian of Austria in 1477. With such a noteworthy historical repertoire, no wonder the remarkable diamond stone continues to fascinate us. Thankfully, it is accessible to many more of us and not just confined to the super-rich and elite.
Symbolism – The Meaning and Beliefs Behind the Precious Diamond Stones
If you view diamonds as only precious, sparkling crystals in your jewelry, it is time to revise your thoughts about the stone. Diamonds have held a deep meaning through the ages, and the profound symbolism only adds to their value. As the strongest material ever, diamond epitomizes strength, grit, and perseverance.
During the Middle Ages, fancy diamond crystals were believed to have miraculous healing powers over the human body. Sleeping with a few crystals by your bedside could pull out harmful toxins from the body that hamper a healthy state of being. Carrying a few crystals in a cloth bundle was believed to relieve one of the pituitary ailments and brain dysfunction.
For good reason, the gorgeous gemstone is unequivocally used in engagement rings, and wedding rings the world over. True to their transparent lustrous appearance, diamonds are believed to ward off the malevolent intents and evil forces that may be crippling one’s life. And finally, a symbol of love, compassion, and commitment, the diamond magnificently epitomizes the emotion till death do us apart.
Caring and cleaning the April Birthstone, Diamond
Diamond, faring well on the Moh’s scale of hardness with the perfect 10, is not just the hardest gemstone of all but also the hardest natural substance known. It is said that only a diamond can bear scratches or cut another diamond. Cutting and shaping a diamond stone requires diamond–bladed tools and equipment to help with the process, apart from special lasers.
A fairly durable jewel, diamonds are easy to maintain. To preserve its luster and brilliance, use a lint-free cloth to wipe off the dust from time to time. One may use a mild soap wash or jewelry cleaning solutions and lukewarm water for a thorough cleaning at home. For professional cleaning, given the toughness of the stone, it is feasible to treat them with ultrasonic cleaners. However, if your diamond contains inclusions or has been treated for its color or shine, one should refrain from putting them under any lasers. It is best advised to hand over your precious diamond jewelry to a professional cleaner for a safe cleaning experience and to maintain the untampered radiance of your diamonds forever.
Interesting Facts – Know your Diamonds Better!
1. Botswana is known as the world’s ‘Diamond Hub’, with almost 44 percent of the natural diamonds being valued and sorted there.
2. Some interesting ancient theories believe diamonds are the ‘God’s tears’ and the physical form of lightning once it strikes Earth.
3. Diamonds are colorless and colored; the usual color hues are black, blue, green, purple, pink, red, orange, and yellow. The color of the diamond depends on the type and volumes of inclusions present in the diamond. For instance, traces of nitrogen imbue a yellow color, while the presence of boron saturates the diamond with a blue color.
4. Though the most common is the transparent, colorless diamonds with a brilliant shine, colored diamonds are better valued and priced.
5. The blue, green, and red color variations of diamond are extremely rare and precious and hence, exorbitantly priced.
6. In Sanskrit, diamond is also called vajra, which means lightning. For the same reason, diamonds are rightly touted as the king of all gemstones, as vajra was the weapon of Hindu lord Indra, the ‘King of all Gods’.
7. Made of 99.9 percent carbon, diamonds are one of the purest gemstones. They are formed almost 120 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface when carbon is naturally subjected to extreme temperatures and pressure conditions.
8. Over time, precious diamonds are pushed over to the Earth’s surface or just in close proximity by turbulent volcanic activity.
9. Diamonds are a miner’s good fortune. The proportions are to the tune of 1 diamond to 1 million parts rock in a diamond mine’s yield.
10. Evaluated on the 4 Cs of cut, clarity, color, and carat, diamonds are the most sought-after and loved gemstones for all worldwide populations.