April Birthstone - Diamond

Diamond is the traditional birthstone for April. Cherished for its scintillating fire and durability, the diamond has captivated us for centuries. Explore the history, legend, and styling inspiration behind the brilliant April birthstone diamond.

What is Diamond?

Diamond is the hardest known natural material composed of pure carbon crystal. It is renowned for its superlative physical qualities of brilliance, dispersion, and hardness.

Diamond rates 10 on the Mohs scale. When expertly cut and polished, its refractive index produces exceptional flashes of color and light.

While most diamonds are colorless or white, colored diamonds like pink, blue, yellow and black also occur. The most prized are fully transparent with no visible inclusions.

Learn more facts about diamond

Diamond History & Lore

Diamonds have been treasured in India for over 2,000 years, where the first diamonds were likely found in riverbeds. Only kings and the wealthy could afford them.

The name diamond comes from the Greek word “adamas” meaning invincible, referencing diamond’s indestructibility. In medieval times, it was thought to cure illnesses, protect against poisons, and provide longevity.

Diamonds gained traction in Europe by the 1400s. The first diamond engagement ring was given by Archduke Maximillian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy in 1477.

The diamond is now globally recognized as the premier gem for engagement rings as a symbol of love. It is also the traditional 60th and 75th wedding anniversary stone.

Where are Diamonds Found?

Historic sources include:

• India - Originally mined from rivers
• Brazil - Key source from 1700s to 1870s
• South Africa - Major producer since the 1870s
• Russia - Major mine developed in the 1950s

Today, leading diamond producers include:

• Botswana
• Russia
• Canada
• Australia
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• South Africa

Large diamond mines exist in subarctic Canada and the hot desert climates of Botswana and Western Australia.

Diamond Jewelry Care and Cleaning

As the hardest gem, diamond is durable for all jewelry types. Use an ultrasonic cleaner or commercial cleaner with caution if the diamond has inclusions or fractures. Warm soapy water with a soft brush also works well.

Have diamond jewelry checked annually by a jeweler to ensure prongs and settings remain secure.

How to Buy Diamond Jewelry

• Select a reputable jeweler with certification
• Review the 4Cs: carat, cut, clarity, color
• Choose the best cut diamond within budget
• Purchase the highest clarity eye-clean stone
• Look for colorless or near-colorless stones
• Request an independent grading report
• Ask about treatments like irradiation

See our diamond buying guide for more expert tips.

Styling the April Birthstone Diamond

• Solitaire pendants surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds
• Five-stone anniversary bands representing past, present, future
• Vintage floral motif rings and earrings accented with diamonds
• Tennis bracelets and chokers to showcase diamond brilliance
• Layered necklaces mixing white, yellow and rose gold with diamonds
• Modern asymmetric earrings with diamond slices and studs

Have fun styling diamond jewelry as the dazzling April birthstone!

Key Facts About the April Birthstone

• Most brilliant and hard natural gemstone
• Ranks 10 on Mohs scale of mineral hardness
• Extremely rare in large sizes over 1 carat
• Valued for fire, brilliance, and clarity
• Symbol of enduring love and relationships
• Requires expert cutting for maximum sparkle
• Worn by kings and celebrities over centuries
• Available in colors beyond classic white

Find the perfect diamond jewelry as the April birthstone to shine eternally!