Few birthstones are as dazzling as the diamond. April babies are lucky to call diamond their birthstone! In this article, Kirk & Co. Jewelers explores its origins, symbolism, dazzling jewelry options, and expert care tips.
With a long and rich history that can be traced back to 800 BC India, the April birthstone has garnered cultural significance in different parts of the globe. It has been believed to be made from the tears of gods, formed by lightning, to ward off the evil eye, and to have healing powers for a variety of ailments.
It is theorized that the tradition of associating gemstones with specific months of the year dates back to biblical times, when high priests wore breastplates bearing 12 distinct stones. It was also linked to the zodiac signs.
Then came the trend of wearing accessories and jewelry showcasing a specific gemstone for each month. From there, people in Europe started wearing pieces with gemstones based on the month they were born for their purported benefits and protection for the whole year and years to come.
However, it wasn’t until the American National Retail Jewelers Association established the official birthstone list for all 12 months of the year in 1912 that jewelers across America used a standardized list—with the diamond designated as the birthstone for April.
Also signifying purity, the classic colorless diamond has been given spiritual importance since ancient times. The diamond’s clarity also plays a great part in its timeless beauty and appeal.
This particular mix of remarkable toughness and exceptional brilliance continues to contribute to the diamond's enduring popularity. As the saying goes, a diamond is forever—making it a symbol of lasting love, too!
There’s so much more to diamond jewelry than the quintessential diamond engagement ring. Diamond pendants and necklaces are some of the most common jewelry pieces for the birthstone. Consider getting Ostbye’s Shimmering Diamonds® Tear Drop Pendant in 14K Gold.
Other popular diamond jewelry styles include tennis bracelets, stud earrings, and station necklaces. Custom diamond jewelry is also a crowd favorite. No matter your choice, you can never go wrong with diamond pieces.
Design Custom Diamond Jewelry Today!
Don’t limit yourself to colorless diamonds just because they’re the traditional birthstone for April. There are no rules saying you can’t explore colored diamonds, ranging from yellow and blue to pink and green. The vibrancy of fancy color diamonds makes them all the more special.
But it’s better to clean a diamond that has many inclusions by hand to avoid further damaging or completely breaking it. The same goes for treated diamonds.
Use a soft toothbrush or a lint-free cloth with some warm soapy water—use a mild detergent—and gently scrub the gemstone to get rid of the dirt and oil buildup around it. A commercial cleaning solution is also a good choice.
Still, we advise regularly having your diamond jewelry inspected and cleaned professionally to maintain its brilliance and prevent its deterioration, which is inevitable with wear and tear.
From its rich history to its deep symbolism, the diamond is more than just April’s birthstone—it’s a lasting treasure. With proper care, its brilliance will shine for generations to come.
How the Diamond Became the Birthstone for April
Coming from the Greek word adamas, meaning unbreakable, the diamond has definitely stood the test of time as one of the strongest and most sought-after precious gemstones around the world.With a long and rich history that can be traced back to 800 BC India, the April birthstone has garnered cultural significance in different parts of the globe. It has been believed to be made from the tears of gods, formed by lightning, to ward off the evil eye, and to have healing powers for a variety of ailments.
It is theorized that the tradition of associating gemstones with specific months of the year dates back to biblical times, when high priests wore breastplates bearing 12 distinct stones. It was also linked to the zodiac signs.
Then came the trend of wearing accessories and jewelry showcasing a specific gemstone for each month. From there, people in Europe started wearing pieces with gemstones based on the month they were born for their purported benefits and protection for the whole year and years to come.
However, it wasn’t until the American National Retail Jewelers Association established the official birthstone list for all 12 months of the year in 1912 that jewelers across America used a standardized list—with the diamond designated as the birthstone for April.
The Meaning Behind Diamond as the Birthstone for April
Boasting a 10 on the Mohs Hardness scale, the diamond has become the embodiment of strength. Only forming under extreme pressure and temperatures, this gem is perfect for the tenacious and resilient April celebrants.Also signifying purity, the classic colorless diamond has been given spiritual importance since ancient times. The diamond’s clarity also plays a great part in its timeless beauty and appeal.
This particular mix of remarkable toughness and exceptional brilliance continues to contribute to the diamond's enduring popularity. As the saying goes, a diamond is forever—making it a symbol of lasting love, too!
Diamond Birthstone Jewelry for April Babies
Looking for a wonderful gift for yourself or a loved one this April? Then, check out birthstone jewelry options featuring the magnificent diamond.There’s so much more to diamond jewelry than the quintessential diamond engagement ring. Diamond pendants and necklaces are some of the most common jewelry pieces for the birthstone. Consider getting Ostbye’s Shimmering Diamonds® Tear Drop Pendant in 14K Gold.
Other popular diamond jewelry styles include tennis bracelets, stud earrings, and station necklaces. Custom diamond jewelry is also a crowd favorite. No matter your choice, you can never go wrong with diamond pieces.
Design Custom Diamond Jewelry Today!
Don’t limit yourself to colorless diamonds just because they’re the traditional birthstone for April. There are no rules saying you can’t explore colored diamonds, ranging from yellow and blue to pink and green. The vibrancy of fancy color diamonds makes them all the more special.
Diamond Jewelry Care and Cleaning
Caring for and cleaning your precious diamond jewelry is pretty simple. Because of the diamond’s hardiness, it is generally strong enough to be cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner.But it’s better to clean a diamond that has many inclusions by hand to avoid further damaging or completely breaking it. The same goes for treated diamonds.
Use a soft toothbrush or a lint-free cloth with some warm soapy water—use a mild detergent—and gently scrub the gemstone to get rid of the dirt and oil buildup around it. A commercial cleaning solution is also a good choice.
Still, we advise regularly having your diamond jewelry inspected and cleaned professionally to maintain its brilliance and prevent its deterioration, which is inevitable with wear and tear.
From its rich history to its deep symbolism, the diamond is more than just April’s birthstone—it’s a lasting treasure. With proper care, its brilliance will shine for generations to come.