April Birthstone Spotlight

APRIL’S BIRTHSTONE IS DIAMOND

Few gemstones can match the magic and allure of a diamond. Cherished for more than 6,000 years, diamonds were thought to be pieces of the stars that had fallen to Earth.

First mined in India, diamonds made their way to the Mediterranean by 100 B.C. where they picked up their name from the Greek word “adamas,” which means unbreakable or invincible. In 1870, rich diamond deposits were discovered in South Africa, setting the diamond industry on its current path.

Not just a pretty rock, diamonds are the hardest known substance on Earth. Any diamonds not of gemstone quality become tool parts for industrial applications such as cutting and grinding. Diamond-tipped drill bits and saws are commonly found in factories around the world.

Besides being April’s birthstone, diamonds are known as the gem for romance and have been used in engagement rings since the Middle Ages. Diamonds were believed to uphold harmony between husband and wife. If worn on the left hand, diamonds were thought to ward off evil and attract good fortune. With this bit of lore, it’s no wonder that the diamond has been appointed the traditional stone for a couple’s 75^th wedding anniversary.

History is filled with famous diamonds. The largest diamond ever found was the Cullinan, weighing in at an astounding 3,106 carats! This stone was broken up into many smaller pieces including the Great Star of Africa, a 530 carat diamond set into the Royal Scepter which is part of the Crown Jewels collection. Many have heard of the Hope Diamond and its infamous curse; this stone can be viewed at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. With the recent auctions of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry collection, the 69.42 carat Taylor-Burton diamond has received much press lately. 

One of the lesser known diamonds has the most mystery and intrigue surrounding it. The Great Mogul Diamond was discovered in India around 1650 and weighed 787.5 carats. Presented to the emperor and later taken as spoils of war, in 1747 its owner was assassinated and The Great Mogul was stolen. No one has seen it since. Many speculate that this legendary diamond has been re-cut into other stones to hide its location and identity, but no one knows for sure. Maybe one day it will show up on Antiques Roadshow! To learn more about famous diamonds, click HERE.

Although diamonds are the hardest substance, they can still break. Take care to protect your stones from sharp blows; this will help guard against chips and cracks. When set in a ring, chances are your mounting will wear down before your stone will. Have your jeweler check for worn and broken prongs to avoid losing your diamond. Make sure you insure your diamond jewelry against the event of theft, loss, or damage.