April Birthstone 

The April birthstone is the diamond, a precious gem beloved for its gorgeous sparkle and impressive durability. Alongside being beautiful, scintillating, and strong, diamonds are rich in history and meaning. Learn more about what makes this dazzling gemstone so special as we go over everything you need to know about the April birthstone. 

History and Meaning of Diamond Birthstone

It takes over a billion years for a diamond to form in the Earth, so these sparkling gemstones pre-date written history. Some of the earliest records of diamonds come from ancient India, where people would gather diamonds from rivers and streams. By the 4th century BC, India started exporting diamonds to western Europe, where they would become immensely popular among the upper class. 

Ancient people valued diamonds for their brilliance and strength, and used them as adornments, tools, and talismans. These people believed that diamonds could ward off evil and protect the wearer in battle. In the Dark Ages, people also believed that diamonds had healing powers. 

Today, diamonds are a symbol of purity, love, and eternity. They’re strongly associated with marriage, as they’re the most popular gemstone for engagement rings and wedding bands. Diamonds are also the traditional gift for the 60th wedding anniversary and are associated with the Aries zodiac sign. 

Diamond Birthstone Characteristics 

Diamonds have unique characteristics that make them both gorgeous and practical. A key part of this precious stone’s appeal is its stunning scintillation. A well cut diamond can capture and reflect light beautifully, allowing it to create impressive sparkle and fire. The birthstone of April is also incredibly hard and durable, so its beauty can endure time and the elements. With a 10 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, diamonds are the hardest gemstone. Not only that, but diamonds are actually the hardest naturally occurring material on earth, hence why the gem has been used by craftsmen since ancient times. Even the gemstone’s name harkens back to its rugged nature. The word “diamond” comes from the Greek word “adamas,” meaning strength. 

Another unique aspect of the diamond is the stone’s color variety. When most people think of diamonds, they envision colorless diamonds, also called white diamonds. But diamonds actually come in every color of the rainbow. So, if you were born in the month of April but prefer colorful gemstones, you’re in luck. Fancy colored diamonds come in a wide range of hues, including pink, blue, yellow, purple, red, orange, and green. 

Where Are Diamonds Found in the World? 

India was the world’s only source of diamonds until the 18th century, when diamonds were also found in Brazil and Russia. In the 19th century, diamonds were discovered in many other parts of the world, including South Africa. In the 21st century, most new gem-quality diamonds are sourced from Russia and Canada. Other leading producers of natural diamonds today include Botswana, South Africa, Siberia, China, and Australia. 

Caring For April Birthstone Jewelry

The highly durable diamond is an excellent choice for everyday fine jewelry that will see significant wear and tear. Diamonds are a particularly good choice for everyday rings, like diamond engagement rings and wedding rings. They’re also perfect for frequently worn pieces like pendant necklaces and stud earrings. 

Diamonds are tough, but it’s important to understand that diamond jewelry can still be damaged and thus should be worn with a bit of care. Whenever possible, take off your diamond earrings, bracelets, pendants, and rings before working out, doing housework or yard work, swimming, or cleaning. You want to do this to protect your diamonds from being exposed to force, which can cause a diamond to chip if the diamond has significant inclusions. You also want to protect the other materials in your diamond jewelry, since precious metals and sensitive accent gemstones can be damaged or discolored by physical force, abrasion, or chemicals. For example, common chemicals like chlorine can weaken gold and even the mildest abrasion can scratch a pearl. 

The best way to clean diamond jewelry at home is with gentle soap, warm water, and a soft toothbrush. When you store diamond jewelry, be sure to keep it in its own pouch or compartment. Diamonds can scratch precious metals and other gemstones, so make sure your diamond jewelry won’t rub up against your other pieces. 

Alternate April Birthstones

Some months have different traditional and modern birthstones, but diamond is both the traditional birthstone and the modern birthstone for the month of April. However, you’ll still see multiple gemstones being used as the April birthstone. This is largely due to the cost of diamonds. Diamonds are quite rare and expensive, so diamond birthstone jewelry can be harder to fit into one’s budget. In order to provide affordable birthstone options for every month, jewelers will often make April birthstone jewelry with alternate April birthstones. 

The most popular alternate birthstones for April are white topaz and clear quartz. These transparent white gemstones are excellent alternatives to diamonds because they can provide a similar look, while being considerably more affordable per carat. They’re also both beautiful, natural stones with their own unique meanings. White topaz is associated with clarity and authenticity, while clear quartz is a symbol of purity and healing.

Discover April Birthstone Jewelry at Frank Jewelers 

Discover the perfect April birthstone piece for yourself or a loved one. Browse our full collection of diamond and white topaz birthstone jewelry by clicking the link below. 

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