Diamond: April’s Birthstone of Brilliance
For those born in April, the diamond birthstone represents strength, purity, and enduring love. Known as the hardest natural substance on Earth, diamonds are celebrated for their brilliance and permanence. They have inspired myths, symbolized power, and become the ultimate expression of commitment.
At Copeland Jewelers in Austin, we’ve guided clients through the world of diamonds for decades. From engagement rings to heirloom designs, we help you understand the qualities that make each diamond unique.
What Is a Diamond?
Diamonds are pure carbon crystals formed deep within the Earth under extreme heat and pressure.
Key traits:
- Hardest gemstone, measuring 10 on the Mohs scale.
- Exceptional brilliance due to their refractive index.
- Found both as colorless gems and in a range of fancy colors.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), diamonds remain the most studied and desired gemstone in the world.
Diamond Colors and Types
While most people picture colorless diamonds, tiny amounts of trace elements can create natural “fancy color” diamonds.
- Colorless: Graded D (colorless) to Z (light yellow/brown).
- Fancy Colors: Yellow, pink, blue, green, red, and black. The most prized fancy diamonds display vivid, saturated hues.
- Treated Diamonds: Some stones are heat- or irradiation-treated to alter their color. Natural fancy colors are significantly rarer and more valuable.
Well-known fancy diamonds, such as the Hope Diamond, highlight the rarity of these natural hues (Smithsonian).
A Stone Steeped in History
- Ancient beliefs: Early cultures thought diamonds were created by lightning striking the Earth.
- India’s legacy: Diamonds were first recorded in India as early as the 4th century BC, where they were used as currency and revered in Hindu texts.
- Greek influence: The word “diamond” comes from adamas, meaning “invincible.” Ancient warriors wore them for protection.
- Modern legacy: Diamonds became the standard for engagement rings after the famous 1947 De Beers slogan “A Diamond is Forever,” written by copywriter Frances Gerety. This campaign reshaped diamond history and remains one of the most effective marketing lines ever created.
Where Are Diamonds Found?
Today, diamonds are mined across the globe:
- Africa: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola.
- Asia: India and Russia (notably Siberia).
- Australia: Known for unique pink and champagne diamonds.
- North & South America: Canada, Brazil, and the United States (Arkansas has a public diamond mine).
Each source produces diamonds with distinctive qualities.
Why Diamond Jewelry Is So Popular
Diamonds remain the most popular gemstone in the world for several reasons:
- Their brilliance and fire make them unmatched in sparkle.
- Their hardness allows them to last for generations.
- Their symbolism of love and permanence makes them the leading choice for engagement rings.
- They are also the traditional gift for 60th and 75th anniversaries.
Learn more: Black Diamond Necklaces Baseball Players Wear
Diamond Symbolism and Meaning
Throughout history, the April birthstone has symbolized:
- Invincibility: A stone believed to make warriors unstoppable.
- Purity and innocence: Associated with clarity of spirit.
- Fidelity and trust: Long linked with marriage and lifelong commitment.
- Abundance and creativity: Thought to inspire imagination and prosperity.
How Diamonds Are Valued: The Four Cs
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) developed the internationally recognized system for evaluating diamonds. We also created our own in-depth guide to the Four Cs of Diamonds to help you make informed choices.
- Cut: Determines brilliance and sparkle. Excellent cuts maximize light return.
- Clarity: Measures inclusions and blemishes, from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3).
- Color: Ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light color). Less color usually means higher value.
- Carat Weight: Refers to size. Larger diamonds are rarer and often more valuable, though proportions matter.
Caring for Diamond Jewelry
To keep diamonds in top condition:
- Clean regularly with mild soap, warm water, and a soft brush.
- Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe, but avoid them for stones with many inclusions.
- Store separately to prevent scratching softer gems.
Diamonds are tough, but professional inspections can ensure your settings remain secure.
Learn more: Tips For Keeping Your Jewelry Clean
Fun Facts: Famous Diamonds
- Koh-i-Noor: A 105.6-carat diamond with origins in India, now set in the British Crown Jewels.
- Cullinan Diamond: The largest gem-quality diamond ever found at 3,106 carats, later cut into several famous stones now set in the British Crown Jewels.
- Hope Diamond: A 45.52-carat deep blue diamond, known for its phosphorescence and legends of a curse, now housed at the Smithsonian.
- Elizabeth Taylor’s collection: Included the 69-carat “Burton-Taylor” diamond, a gift from Richard Burton.
These stories highlight the allure and cultural weight diamonds have carried across centuries.
Explore Diamond Jewelry at Copeland Jewelers
The diamond birthstone captures strength, brilliance, and love like no other gem. From April birthdays to once-in-a-lifetime milestones, diamonds remain the ultimate choice.
At Copeland Jewelers, we can guide you through diamond options, from colorless classics to rare fancy colors. Visit our Austin showroom or call us today to explore diamond jewelry and custom designs that reflect your story.