April Birthstone Guide

Pronunciation: DIE-MUND

The one. Signifying wealth, status, marriage. Diamond jewelry is the most sought after jewelry. Coming from the Greek word 'Adamus' meaning invincible, the Diamond has been appropriately named. It is the hardest naturally occurring substance known to man. Its practical applications transcend its own beauty! The Diamond is the anniversary gemstone for the 10th, 69th, and 75th years of marriage. Although a wife would greatly appreciate a nice Diamond tennis bracelet at any year of marriage! Commonly known as the April birthstone, Diamonds are linked to and Aries and Taurans. Again, women born under any sign would love to get a Diamond gold pendant or Diamond gold ring!

History/Lore

Diamonds were tears of the gods, according to the Greeks. Diamonds were created when bolts of lightening struck rocks, according to the Hindus. Diamonds helped Jewish high priests to decide the innocence or guilt of the accused. The gems turned dull and dark in front of the guilty, while glowing with increased brightness before the innocent. Diamonds were actual living beings, embodying celestial spirits, according to Plato.

Science/Chemical

On the Mohs scale, Diamonds are rated at a 10 for hardness. (The Mohs scale of mineral hardness was devised by German mineralogist Frederich Mohs in 1812. He selected ten minerals because they were common or readily available and rated them. The scale is not linear, but arbitrary.) Color, Carat, Cut and Clarity are the four gauges to determine the value of a Diamond. Color is graded on a scale of D - Z, D being colorless, and Z being yellowish. Clarity is broken down into levels of inclusion that range from F (flawless) to I3 (Included). Carat, simply put, is the weight of the jewel. And cut is the shape of the Diamond. To learn even more about diamond grading, visit our web page titled The Four C's of Diamond Grading.

Care and Cleaning

The best way to clean Diamond jewels is with soapy water. Steam cleaners work well with these gemstones, and ultrasonic cleaners will work well too.

Diamond Fame

45.52 carats The Hope Diamond --the world's largest blue Diamond--is over one billion years old. It formed deep within the Earth and was carried by a volcanic eruption to the surface in what is now called India. Since the Hope Diamond was found in the early 1600s, it has crossed oceans and continents and passed from kings to commoners. It has been stolen and recovered, sold and resold, cut and re-cut. Through it all, the Diamonds value increased. In 1958, Harry Winston donated the Hope Diamond to the Museum, and it now belongs to the people of the United States.

Visit Our Diamond April Birthstone Jewelry Department