Diamonds embody these traits: classic, timeless, highly desired, beautiful, and rugged. Unsurprisingly, those born in April who claim the diamond as their birthstone reflect these qualities.
Diamonds are the hardest natural mineral on Earth, formed over billions of years under immense heat and pressure. Once unearthed, cleaned, and polished, their brilliance is simply unmatched.
The Spiritual Significance of Diamonds
Beyond their radiant beauty, diamonds are believed to hold significant spiritual properties. They are said to dispel fear, symbolize new beginnings, inspire creativity, and promote stronger relationships and mental clarity. Perhaps this is why diamonds remain the top choice for engagement rings and wedding bands—a sparkling testament to love and commitment.
How Diamonds are Formed
Diamonds are the purest form of transparent carbon and are among the rarest gems on Earth. The slightest variation in their hue, transparency, or crystallography can mean a difference of tens of thousands per carat or more. Their name originates from the Greek word Adamas, meaning “unconquerable” or “invincible,” a fitting tribute to their unmatched hardness (scoring a 10 on the Mohs scale) (Gemological Institute of America).
Deep beneath the Earth’s surface, about 124 miles down in the mantle, carbon is subjected to extreme conditions—temperatures up to 2,372°F and pressures exceeding 725,000 lbs. per square inch. This extraordinary environment transforms carbon into diamonds (American Museum of Natural History). But how do they reach the surface? The answer is volcanic eruptions.
Diamonds have traveled to the Earth’s surface in historic volcanic eruptions worldwide. In certain areas, the historical volcanic activity is so ancient that the volcanic mound has been all but eroded, and all diamonds are found below ground or in alluvial (river) or ground deposits. Thousands of years after the magma cools, the previously erupted magma tube is known as a kimberlite pipe. Kimberlite is the name for the mineral-rich soil within the prior magma pipe. Kimberlite also contains abundant olivine, which is related to peridot, August’s birthstone. Without the natural geological phenomena of volcanic eruptions and erosion, diamonds would remain hidden deep within the Earth.
The History of Diamonds
The earliest recorded discovery of diamonds dates back to India in the fourth century BCE. However, these extraordinary gems had existed for millions—if not billions—of years before their discovery. The youngest diamond deposits are estimated at least 900 million years old (Smithsonian Institution).
Once uncovered, diamonds quickly became symbols of beauty, wealth, and status. Ancient civilizations even believed that diamonds possessed healing properties, capable of curing wounds and illnesses. Due to their hardness, traders and blacksmiths valued diamonds as tools for engraving metal.
By the 1400s, diamonds had spread across Europe, becoming a fashionable luxury. When India’s supply dwindled in the 1700s, Brazil emerged as the world’s leading diamond supplier. Over time, sources shifted again, and today, Russia, Botswana, and eight other countries are the primary contributors to the global diamond supply.
While diamonds are cherished as luxurious adornments, they also serve essential industrial purposes—they are used in cutting tools, drilling equipment, and even advanced laser technology, where precision and durability are critical.
The Symbolism of diamonds
While diamonds hold personal significance for each individual, common symbolic themes remain consistent across cultures:
- Eternal Love – Diamonds represent everlasting love, making them the gemstone of choice for engagements and weddings. Their enduring sparkle is a metaphor for a love that lasts a lifetime.
- Faith – The purity of a diamond’s clarity symbolizes faith and honesty.
- Perfection – Diamonds are associated with perfection due to their durability and ability to refract light into various colors.
- Purity – The transparency of a diamond signifies innocence, truth, and trustworthiness.
- Strength – As the hardest natural substance on Earth, diamonds symbolize unwavering strength and resilience.
Diamonds: a spectrum of Colors
Did you know that diamonds come in a variety of colors? While April-born individuals may traditionally think of clear diamonds as their birthstone, colored diamonds offer a unique and valuable alternative. The richer the color, the rarer and more valuable the diamond becomes.
Popular Diamond Colors:
- Pink – Formed under extreme pressure, pink diamonds are rare and highly sought after.
- Chocolate (Brown) – Making up about one-sixth of all diamonds, brown diamonds are commonly used for industrial purposes rather than jewelry.
- Yellow – Mined primarily in South Africa, vivid yellow diamonds are among the most expensive due to their striking hue.
- Blue – The presence of boron during formation gives these diamonds their stunning blue color, ranging from light to deep blue.
- Green – These diamonds acquire their vibrant color through natural radiation exposure over millions of years. This process alters the diamond’s atomic structure, producing a striking green hue that collectors prize.
- Orange – One of the rarest diamond colors, orange diamonds owe their hue to nitrogen atoms within their crystal structure. Pure orange diamonds are so rare that the Gemological Institute of America seldom grades them as such (GIA).
How to Wear Diamonds
Diamonds are versatile. Depending on personal preference, they can be worn every day or reserved for special occasions. Their lasting beauty and timeless appeal make them a cherished addition to any jewelry collection.
At Brinker’s Jewelers, we offer a stunning selection of diamond necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings—perfect for those looking to celebrate their April birthstone or add a touch of brilliance to their wardrobe. Visit our showroom today and discover your perfect diamond!
