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History of the Diamond as the April Birthstone

Natural diamonds are a rare and unique ultimate gift for a loved one. Thought to be one of the hardest substances on the globe, natural diamonds date back billions of years.

The diamond is the traditional birthstone of April and holds significant meaning for those born in that month, it is thought to provide the wearer with better relationships and an increase in inner strength.

Wearing diamonds is purported to bring other benefits such as balance, clarity and abundance. It’s also symbolic of eternal love, and those fortunate enough to call April their birth month will enjoy learning about the history of this rare gem.

Elegant Diamond Engagement Ring Jewelry
Brielle engagement ring by Hearts On Fire.

Diamond Gemstones

Adapted from the Greek word adamas, meaning “invincible,” diamonds come in a wide range of colors such as black, blue, green, pink, red, purple, orange and yellow. The color is dependent upon the types of trace impurities and structural irregularities in the crystal when the diamond forms. For instance, yellow diamonds have minuscule traces of nitrogen and blue ones contain boron. The colors of pink and red diamonds are due to graining or distortion of the crystal lattice.

The Origin of Birthstones

It’s uncertain how the specific months became connected with the various birthstones. However, many speculate that the origins of birthstones dates to biblical times when the breastplate belonging to a priest was decorated with 12 colored gems to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. As time wore on, the 12 gems became associated with the zodiac and the months connected to it.

This started the tradition of wearing a colored stone each month as a talisman or good luck charm. Initially people wore all twelve stones, rotating according to the month of the year to derive the greatest benefit from each stone.

Believing that the relevant gemstone held enhanced benefits and protections for the individual born within a given month, people began to wear the stone associated with their birth month for the entire year. Thus, the Diamond was worn by those born during April.

In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers convened and voted to create an agreed upon list of gemstones, each associated with one of the twelve calendar months. What was once thought to be controversial based on its commercialism is now widely accepted as the official birthstone list.

The History and Beliefs Surrounding the Diamond

As told through the Encarta, Sanskrit texts dating back to before 400 B.C. found that people associated crystals with significant value, wonderment and mysteries. There is also significant research dating back to 1330 showing diamond cutting in Venice. The diamond trading business flourished towards the 15th century with the opening of Eastern trade routes and advances in using diamond dust to shape and polish faceted diamonds.

Ancient theories touting the magical powers of diamonds were prevalent: some thought lightning bolts formed diamonds, while other theories asserted that diamonds were the tears of Gods.

The Healing Powers of Diamonds

During the Middle Ages, diamonds were thought to hold healing powers and to cure ailments stemming from the pituitary gland and brain. By heating the crystal and taking it to bed, it was thought to draw out the harmful toxins that were crippling the body.

It was also believed that diamonds could have an effect on an individual’s balance and clarity, and combining them with other crystals like amethyst and could boost their energy.

The diamond as the April gemstone has garnered the hearts of many and is the most coveted gemstone to date. Often referred to as the “King of Gems,” diamonds make the ideal choice for an April birthday gift. Buy it to celebrate your special day or give it to another person lucky enough to call April their birth month.

Visit a trusted AGS diamond jeweler near you to find that perfect gift, or learn more about the history of the diamond as an engagement ring