The Rich Significance Behind the April Birthstone

The Rich Significance Behind the April Birthstone — Diamond

July 25, 2022

Popularly referred to as a ‘girl’s best friend’, the April birthstone Diamond continues to dazzle us with its astounding beauty. At the liberty of sounding a bit extravagant, we may go as far as to proclaim the stone as not just a best friend but also a woman’s forever love. When it comes to purchasing a jewelry piece, undeniably, high-quality diamonds find favor with most of us. The most scintillating stone ever known to humankind, the shining diamond crystals have a bewitching attribute that lures every heart.

The modern birthstone classification does identify the sparkling stone as the traditional April birthstone, but the love for diamonds dates back in history to around the fourth century BCE. Interestingly, archeologists and miners worldwide believe that the formation of diamonds beneath the Earth’s surface had begun as early as 900 million years ago. And for those born in April, you just have an additional reason to fall full throttle in love with diamonds! A universally acknowledged symbol of love, romance, and an unwavering commitment, diamonds also hold the distinction of being the gifts of choice for the 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries. Read on as we unravel all the folklore, historical facts, and symbolic significance associated with this widely sought-after gemstone.

History Behind the April Birthstone, Diamond: Journey Through the Ages

Much true to its strength and resilience, the gemstone diamond derives its name from the Greek word Adamas, which means “Invincible”, something that can never be defeated. Historians concurred the world’s earliest acquaintance with diamonds to India. Glistening stones were found flowing in the streams and rivers of the land. These were traded off to the royalty at exorbitant prices, who developed a fetish for these charming gems at the very first glimpse. Later on, as trade expanded, Indian exporters introduced the exotic gemstone to the niche merchandising markets in Venice. Before anyone could realize it, diamonds had become a hugely valued accessory for the wealthy and affluent in Europe by the 1400s.

The iconic Hope Diamond weighing 45.54 carats, was also originally mined in the Kollur mines in Golconda, India, in the 17th century. The stunning blue diamond that traversed through various renowned owners in history is currently at the Natural Museum of Natural History in Washington DC.

After being discovered in India, as the demand for diamonds grew to frenzied proportions the world over, new mines were identified across other geographies. Over time, Brazil constituted the major contribution of diamonds for almost 150 years during the early 1600s. During the 19th century, high-quality diamonds in huge volumes were mined from the Kimberley area in South Africa, making it a leader in diamond supplies. The world’s largest diamond weighing 3,106 carats was unearthed from South Africa’s Premier Mine in 1905. The huge rock was later cut, creased, and polished into a 530-carat drop-shaped diamond that came to be known as the Cullinan I Diamond and popularized by the name of the ‘Great Star of Africa’. Another diamond, the Cullinan II Diamond, carved from the same rock, is slightly smaller and christened the ‘Lesser Star of Africa’.

History records the first diamond engagement ring given to Mary of Burgundy by Archduke Maximillian of Austria in 1477. With such a noteworthy historical repertoire, no wonder the remarkable diamond stone continues to fascinate us. Thankfully, it is accessible to many more of us and not just confined to the super-rich and elite.