The Perfect Diamond Ring

Diamond, the birthstone of April, is the perfect gemstone.

I found this great blog post about diamonds by Celeste Perron for Brilliant Earth:

Diamonds are the birthstone for the month of April, meaning that April-born ladies have an extra reason to ask for gifts of sparkling diamond jewelry (or buy diamonds for themselves).

To celebrate these dazzling gemstones, we’ve rounded up fifteen interesting facts and bits of lore about diamonds’ origins and history:

1 The ancient Romans and Greeks believed that diamonds were tears cried by the gods or splinters from falling stars, and Romans believed that Cupid’s arrows were tipped with diamonds (perhaps the earliest association between diamonds and romantic love).

2 Diamonds are billions of years old—in some cases more than three billion years old.

3 Diamonds form about 100 miles below ground and have been carried to the earth’s surface by deep volcanic eruptions.

4 Diamonds are made of a single element—they’re nearly 100% carbon. Under the immense heat and pressure far below the earth’s surface, the carbon atoms bond in a unique way that results in diamonds’ beautiful and rare crystalline structure.

5 The word diamond derives from the Greek word “adamas,” which means invincible or indestructible.

6 Diamonds are the very hardest natural substance. The only thing that can scratch a diamond is another diamond.

“It's hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world.”
― Dolly Parton

7 Diamonds have been valued and coveted for thousands of years. There is evidence that diamonds were being collected and traded in India as early as the fourth century BC. In the first century AD, the Roman naturalist Pliny is quoted as having said, “Diamond is the most valuable, not only of precious stones, but of all things in this world.”

8 Ancient Hindus used diamonds in the eyes of devotional statues, and believed that a diamond could protect its wearer from danger.

9 Many ancient cultures believed that diamonds gave the wearer strength and courage during battle, and some kings wore diamonds on their armor as they rode into battle.

10 During the Middle Ages diamonds were thought to have healing properties able to cure ailments ranging from fatigue to mental illness.

11 The countries that are the main sources of diamonds have changed over time. India was the world’s original source of diamonds, beginning in the 1400s when Indian diamonds began to be sold in Venice and other European trade centers. Then in the 1700s India’s diamond supplies declined and Brazil became the world’s major source of diamonds, until the late 1800s when a huge diamond reserve was discovered in South Africa. Today, diamonds are mined in many parts of the world. Brilliant Earth goes above and beyond the current industry standards to offer Beyond Conflict Free Diamonds™ with a listed country of origin of Canada, Botswana Sort, or Russia.

12 The largest diamond ever discovered was called the Cullinan diamond, and weighed in at an amazing 3106 carats, or 1.33 pounds. Discovered in 1905 in South Africa, the mine’s owner and the South African leaders gave the diamond to King Edward. The Cullinan was eventually cut into nine large diamonds and 100 smaller ones, and the three largest of these are on display in the Tower of London as part of the crown jewels.

13 The first known use of a diamond engagement ring took place in 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a gold ring featuring an M spelled out in diamonds.

14 Lab diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. They are sustainable diamonds that have minimal environmental impact. Discover Brilliant Earth’s collection of lab diamonds.

15 The most mind-blowing diamond facts of all: Scientists have discovered a planet that they believe is composed mostly of carbon, and is one-third pure diamond! Discovered in 2004, the planet orbits a nearby star in the Milky Way, and is named “55 Cancri e” (which, in our opinion, is not a sufficiently glamorous name for such an extraordinary planet). Perhaps even more amazing, scientists have discovered a star that is essentially a diamond of ten billion trillion trillion carats. They named the star Lucy after the Beatles song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” (We approve.)

“I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number you get in a diamond.”

― Mae West

White topaz and crystal quartz are a lovely alternative to diamonds. I've used these diamond alternatives in many of my 22k jewelry designs.

Naturally colored fancy diamonds are a gorgeous alternative to white diamonds. This parcel would be an amazing stack of birthstone rings. I would love to design and create the most special - and personal - piece of 22k birthstone jewelry you will ever have. Learn more here.

You can take as broad as interpretation as you want when it comes to birthstones.

Standardized by Jeweler's of America in 1912, experts believe that birthstones can be traced back to the Bible. In Exodus 28, Moses sets forth directions for making special garments for Aaron, the High Priest of the Hebrews. Specifically, the breastplate was to contain twelve precious gemstones, representing the twelve tribes of Israel.

Later, these twelve stones were likely also linked to the twelve signs of the zodiac. Eventually, they also became associated with the twelve months of the calendar year.

So, keep your mind open when it comes to your birthstone. The rules aren't set in stone...no pun intended.

Make sure your birthstone color makes you feel beautiful - inside and out.

If not, you have options!

Happy Birthday April Babies!

Katy Beh

About Katy Beh Jewelry