DIAMOND
Strength & invincibility
Diamonds have their name from the Greek word “Adamas”-, meaning the invincible. No material made from nature is as hard as the diamond, which means it has an amazing ability to reflect light. The most important thing to know about the diamond is the 4 Cs, which determine a diamond’s quality – Colour, Carat, Cut and Clarity. Read along if you want to know more about diamonds!
APRIL'S BIRTHSTONE
Diamond is April's birthstone, and is also the birthstone for the zodiacs Aries & Taurus. Each month has its own unique gemstone to represent it. Carrying your birthstone is said to bring good luck. You can carry your birthstone as a good luck amulet, or your loved ones’ birthstone as a symbol of love.
SYMBOLISM
The diamond symbolises strength, invincibility and wealth. The diamond is also a classic symbol of love. The combination of strength and love makes it the obvious choice of gemstone for relationships.
Learn more about gemstone symbolism in our large Gemstone Encyclopedia here.
SPIRITUALITY
Diamonds are said to cleanse and balance the mind, body, and soul. Due to its exceptional shine, the Diamond is associated with the power to enlighten the mind and give its wearer mental clarity as well as strengthen emotions and energies. The Diamond absorbs thoughts and emotions and projects them outwards – wear the diamond when you want to spread positivity and joy around you.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR DIAMOND JEWELLERY
The Diamond is the hardest gemstone in the world, and
thus also easy to look after and clean. Clean your diamond with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft brush or cloth. Rise with clean water. Even though the Diamond in itself isn’t easy to break, be careful with the prongs that are used to set the Diamond securely in your jewellery.
THE HISTORY OF DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RINGS
The diamond is the traditional gemstone for engagement rings. The tradition reportedly began in the year 1477, when Duke Maximillian of Austria gifted his lover, Marie of Bourgogne, a diamond ring. However, it wasn’t until after the 2nd World War that the tradition truly became widespread by the British diamond company, De Beers with their slogan “A Diamond is Forever”.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
In ancient Greece, it was believed that diamonds were the tears of the gods or splinters from fallen stars. It was said that the tips of Cupid’s arrows were set with diamonds and had magical powers. The Greek philosopher, Plato, described diamonds as living beings, containing heavenly spirits. In other cultures, the diamond was used as a stone of truth. By placing the diamond in front of a person, it would sparkle when the truth was told, and cloud up when faced with lies.
DIAMOND'S GEMMOLOGY
Diamonds consist of carbon and are formed more than 150 kilometres underneath the Earth’s surface as a result of extremely high temperatures and pressure. Hereafter, the diamonds are brought closer to the Earth’s crust through crater tubes. Today, diamonds are mainly extracted and mined in South Africa, Botswana, Angola, Russia, and Canada. When you measure a gemstone’s hardness, Moh’s Hardness Scale is used. The scale goes from 1-10, where 10 is the hardest – here, you will also find the diamond. The hardest gemstone.
ALL DIAMOND JEWELLERY
Shop the birthstone of April here
AQUAMARINE
Intellect, clarity & focus
AMETHYST
Spirituality & courage
GREEN AGATE
Harmony, health & protection
PEARL
Integrity, purity & honesty