Guide to April’s Birthstone: Diamonds

Diamonds are known for their rare and natural beauty, and have been admired for centuries. The hardest stone in existence, diamonds align perfectly with the personality traits of Aries and Taurus, the two star signs that fall in April, reflecting boldness, fire and energy as well as luxury and strength. 

If you’re planning to get engaged in April, a diamond ring is the perfect choice for a traditional engagement ring. Or, if it’s your special someone's birthday in April, why not treat them to a taste of affordable luxury with a lab-grown diamond? 

In our guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about April's Birthstone and what to consider when buying Diamond Jewellery. 

What do Diamonds symbolise? 

It’s no secret that diamonds represent power, wealth and luxury, having been a status symbol for hundreds of years. But did you know diamonds have a number of other symbolic meanings? Including;

Love and commitment: There’s a good reason why diamonds are commonly used in engagement rings, eternity rings and wedding rings - their representation of love and commitment. Diamonds are the hardest material on the planet, representing like a diamond, a love that is indestructible and lasts forever. 

Strength: Hard and strong, there’s an obvious link between diamonds and physical and mental strength. A great choice to encourage your partner to build their inner strength, courage and build on your relationship together. 

Purity and truth: A flawless diamond is one of the most desirable and valuable gemstones on earth. The clarity at this grade has a very sparkly glasslike experience representing honesty, purity and truth. A great choice for showing your partner your true and pure intentions. 

What is the history of Diamonds as April’s Birthstone?

The Birthstone of the month as we know them today were established just over 100 years ago by the American Gemstone Society. There have been several other contenders for April’s birthstone including Topaz and Opal.

While diamonds are found in different locations across the world, and can now even be made in a lab, they were first mined in India nearly 2,500 years ago and were held in esteem due to their hardness. They were worn by warriors and the elite to represent strength and invincibility. 

Diamonds were first documented as being used in engagement rings in the 15th century when the Archduke of Austria proposed the first known diamond engagement ring. This started a trend within royal families and set a precedent for the glamour and luxury we associate with diamonds today.

From the 20th century onwards, diamonds weren’t just associated with crowned royalty but with Hollywood royalty too. Diamonds have stood the test of time in terms of popularity and we’re all still familiar with these famous sayings about diamonds too!

• Diamonds are a girl’s best friend
• Diamonds are forever
• Shine bright like a diamond

How to care for diamond jewellery?

Diamonds are strong and durable meaning they’re ideal for jewellery. However, diamonds need regular cleaning to maintain their gorgeous sparkle. And, it’s not just the diamond you need to consider - the more delicate the setting the more maintenance you’ll need to keep your jewellery looking brand new and tarnish free.

Bring your diamond jewellery to your local Shining Diamonds store for regular cleaning and setting inspection. We can professionally clean your jewellery so it sparkles like the day you bought it, and make sure your diamond setting is secure and if any re-tipping is needed as over time all jewellery settings can show signs of wear and tear and regular checks by your jewellers can help you avoid any risk to the setting.

How to choose a diamond?

Ready to choose your diamond jewellery for that special birthday in April? Well before you start shopping there are a few fundamentals to consider so you know that you’re picking the best option for your budget. 

• Lab grown or natural: While lab grown diamonds might look identical to a natural stone, they cost far less to produce, making them a more affordable choice if you want a luxury gift at a more affordable price. However if you’re looking for an investment piece to pass down generations, then a natural diamond might be a better option as they hold their value more over time. 
• Fancy or colourless: The diamond colour scale is rated on a scale from D-Z with D being the highest graded colourless diamond which is said to represent the purity associated with April’s birthstone. You could also choose a fancy coloured diamond like a black or yellow diamond depending on your or your partner’s preference. 
• The four C’s: The cut, carat, clarity and colour are the four factors that are used to grade, buy and sell diamonds, with the most valuable diamonds being colourless and flawless with an ideal cut, these diamonds are very rare in higher carat weights and this is why you will see such a price leap the higher the carat weight you select. 

Need help choosing the perfect diamond? Here at Shining Diamonds, our team will always be on hand to help you make the right decision, book an appointment and our experienced staff will help you choose the perfect April birthstone gift for your special someone.