The Invincible Stone
Birthstones exist across cultures and history. Often, they reflect important aspects of society, such as religion or customs. Many groups use these symbolic stones to reflect tastes, thoughts, and trends. Join us as we examine the nature of the April birthstone.
She who from April dates her years
Diamonds should wear, lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow. This stone
Emblem of innocence is known.
-Traditional Birthstone Poem
Modern Birthstone
Diamond is the modern April birthstone. We know diamonds best as a colorless stone, defined by the quality factors of Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat Weight. However, this jewel also occurs in a wide variety of colors known as fancy diamonds. Champagne diamond is just one example, but other colors include yellow, red, blue, pink and purple!
The word diamond comes from the Greek word adamas, also meaning “diamond.” The first known use of the word diamond dates to the 15th century. As the hardest known material, it comes as no surprise to find that diamond is a symbol of protection, perseverance, wisdom, and enlightenment.
For many centuries, the only diamond-producing country was Ancient India. The cultural importance was great, and different colors bore associations with different castes.
- Brahmins, the priestly caste, could only own colorless diamonds.
- Vaisyas, who were landowners, could possess yellow diamonds.
- Kshatriyas, the warriors, would wear red diamonds, appropriately enough.
- Sudras, who are laborers, might own a gray diamond if very lucky.
Today, diamonds occur in many places, and some of the essential diamond sources include Africa, Canada, Australia, and Russia.
Since the early twentieth century, diamond has been the modern April birthstone. However, some records suggest that diamonds were an April birthstone as early as the 15th century.
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Historical Birthstone
Before diamond became the modern April birthstone, sapphire was the primary choice. But, depending on the birthstone list, diamond and sapphire may have shared the honor. Today, sapphire is known as the birthstone of September.
Your Birthstone
Many believe birthstones bring us luck. They continue to be a great gift, and birthstones are a unique way to tell a story about yourself.
Explore the full range of diamond birthstone jewelry today.
What diamond color is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!
[…] sparkling diamond is loved for its unmatched radiance. The modern birthstone of April, diamond is always thought of as a colorless gemstone. But to the surprise of many, diamond comes […]
[…] being the same. This confusion is reasonable; after all, both gemstones nearly look like diamond, the dazzling April birthstone and share an almost identical name. But that’s where the similarity […]