Diamond

Meaning, Significance and Symbology:    
Diamond has been the official birthstone for the month of April since 1912, as well as the Zodiac sign Aries. The gem is often considered to be the traditional gift to present your partner with on the 60th Wedding Anniversary. Diamond is thought to be the hardest substance on earth, and occurs naturally in a range of colours such as black, blue, green, pink, red, purple, orange and yellow. The colour is dependent upon the type of impurities that are present in the stone. For instance, yellow stones have miniscule traces of nitrogen while blue ones contain boron.   

 

Source:    
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, including Canada, Botswana, Namibia, and Russia. Russia is home to half of the world’s biggest diamond mines, whilst Botswana houses two; including the world’s largest diamond producing mine, Orapa.   

 

Interesting Facts about Diamonds:    
  • On the Mohs scale of hardness diamond is ranked at a 10
  • The gemstone’s name is derived from the Greek word ‘adamas’ meaning ‘invincible’ or ‘indestructible’
  • When worn, diamonds are thought to provide the wearer with better relationships and an increase in inner strength
  • 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).
  • Diamonds are billions of years old—in some cases more than three billion years old.
  • Diamonds form about 100 miles below ground and have been carried to the earth’s surface by deep volcanic eruptions.
  • 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.
  • The hardest substance on earth, the only thing that can scratch a diamond is another diamond
  • Many ancient cultures believed that diamonds gave the wearer strength and courage during battle, and some kings wore diamonds on their armour as they rode into battle.
  • The first known use of a diamond engagement ring took place in 1477, when Archduke Maxmillian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a gold ring featuring an M spelled out in diamonds.
   

 

A Few Famous April ‘Diamond’ Birthdays:    

3rd – Eddie Murphy

4th – Robert Downey Jr

9th – Leighton Meester

11th – Jeremy Clarkson

15th – Emma Watson

23rd – Gigi Hadid

26th – Channing Tatum

28th – Jessica Alba