Why is April birthstone a diamond?
Diamonds have long been associated with the month of April and are considered the traditional birthstone for this spring month. But why exactly is the diamond designated as April’s birthstone? There are a few key reasons behind this association:
History and folklore
The tradition of birthstones is ancient, dating back thousands of years. In early folklore, certain stones were thought to have special powers or protective abilities based on the month someone was born. The diamond came to be linked with April for a few symbolic reasons:
– Springtime renewal – Diamonds represent purity, innocence, and eternity. April marks the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, a time of renewal and rebirth. The diamond’s pure crystalline structure evoked these concepts.
– Strength and clarity – April’s natural weather features more rain and sun compared to winter months, helping ‘cleanse’ the earth. Diamonds were believed to have an energy of clarity and brightness.
– Zodiac connections – April falls under the zodiac sign of Aries, represented by the ram. Aries has an ambitious, determined nature. The diamond’s strength spoke to these fiery Aries traits.
So in ancient folklore traditions, the diamond’s pure and strong essence came to resonate with April’s springtime themes. These symbolic connections helped establish the diamond as April’s official birthstone.
Modern birthstone charts
While birthstone folklore has very old roots, the modern birthstone calendar we recognize today came about more recently. In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers released an official birthstone chart that assigned the diamond to April. This chart built on traditional folklore links between diamonds and April.
The Jewelers of America updated this birthstone calendar in 1952, but kept the diamond as April’s official birthstone. Other modern birthstone charts, including those from Britain’s National Association of Goldsmiths in 1937, also designate diamond for April. So while the tradition is ancient, the official birthstone calendar assigning diamonds to April is more modern.
Supply and demand
On a practical level, April’s damp spring weather reduced demands for jewelry like the emerald (May’s birthstone) which could be damaged by moisture. The ultra-durable diamond, however, could withstand April’s showers. So the diamond was a practical choice for April in terms of jewelry wearing.
The diamond industry also began to market diamonds as a birthstone more heavily in the 1940s. Designating it as April’s official birthstone increased both demand and sales. So economics helped cement the diamond’s modern association with April.
Enhanced value and meaning
Being designated as the April birthstone has enhanced the diamond’s cultural meaning and economic value. As an official birthstone, diamonds are now considered a traditional, meaningful gift for April-born loved ones. The sentimental value of the diamond as a birthstone has grown over time.
Its birthstone status also means demand increases in April around springtime proposals and ahead of April birthdays. This spike in demand allows diamond sellers to charge premium April birthstone prices. So being linked to April has also boosted the diamond’s monetary worth.
Diamond details
Now that we’ve covered why diamonds came to be April’s birthstone, here are some more details about diamond’s physical properties and origins:
Geology
– Diamonds are comprised of crystallized carbon formed under extreme heat and pressure about 90-120 miles below the earth’s surface
– Diamonds originate in volcanic rock known as kimberlite pipes and are brought close to the surface through deep volcanic eruptions
– Diamonds are over 1 billion years old and are the oldest minerals on earth
Locations
– Important diamond mining regions include Africa, Canada, Australia, and Russia
– Top producing nations are Russia, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Australia, and Canada
Grading
– Diamonds are evaluated and certified according to the 4Cs: Carat, Clarity, Color, and Cut
– Carat measures weight, Clarity refers to internal flaws, Color looks at tints from colorless to yellow/brown, and Cut evaluates proportions and symmetry
– The highest quality diamonds are certified Colorless or Near Colorless, with high Clarity ratings like Flawless/Internally Flawless, Excellent, VVS1 or VVS2
Properties
| Hardness | Diamond is the hardest mineral on the Mohs scale, rating 10 out of 10 |
| Luster | Adamantine (brilliant shine) |
| Crystal structure | Cubic |
| Transparency | Transparent to opaque |
| Dispersion | 0.044 (exceptional fire and brilliance) |
So the diamond’s unique physical and chemical makeup contribute to its beauty, desirability, and status as April’s birthstone.
Famous April diamond births
Many famous celebrities, historical figures, and royalty have April birthdays. Here are just a few of the renowned April diamond births:
| Queen Elizabeth II | April 21, 1926 |
| William Shakespeare | April 23, 1564 (exact date unknown) |
| Thomas Jefferson | April 13, 1743 |
| Marilyn Monroe | April 1, 1926 |
| Emma Watson | April 15, 1990 |
| David Beckham | April 2, 1975 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. | April 4, 1968 |
| Charlie Chaplin | April 16, 1889 |
April diamonds have adorned the crowns of queens and kings. They have inspired artists, leaders, and entertainers. Given to April-born loved ones, they represent good health, prosperity and strength of character.
Conclusion
April’s diamond has a rich history and symbolic meaning. Its inner essence and outer strength resonate with April’s springtime renewal. Traditional folklore linked diamonds to April, and modern associations have deepened its significance as the April birthstone. Diamonds enhance the value of April birthdays, representing purity, brilliance and endurance. April diamonds form over billions of years, bringing eternal sentiment to springtime’s blossoming renewal.