The Fascinating Story of April's Birthstone: The Diamond

Diamonds. Where to even begin?

A stone with the world at its fingertips, the April birthstone, diamond, is society’s most intricate symbol of eternal devotion. Diamonds are forever.

For a fine jeweler, diamonds are everything. But to don diamonds without respect for the magnitude of their story just wouldn’t be quite right. So here, let’s take a deep dive into the fascinating story of April’s birthstone: the diamond. 

DIAMOND DISCOVERY

Let’s take it back to 4,000 BC India where diamonds were first discovered in the country’s rivers and streams. With little to no understanding of how this magnificent stone miraculously appeared among other rocks, sediment and mud, diamonds became a mysterious gift for the country’s most elite. 

Upon discovery, diamonds quickly became amulets of protection in wars fought, lost, and won over the exact stone in question. Indian nobility adorned themselves in droves of diamonds and traded them for other precious stones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. In India’s traditional medical system, the Ayurveda, diamonds were believed to contribute to a long, beautiful life. 

While some say diamonds first made their way to Europe by way of Alexander the Great, others motion toward references to what can only be diamond in literature predating the conqueror. Of course, we can be certain ancient Greece had more than a little influence in the diamond industry as the word “diamond” comes from the Greek “adamas,” translating to “indestructible.” 

Diamonds made their debut on the world’s stage in the Middle Ages when they were transported along with other precious goods like spices and textiles from India in caravans headed toward the Venice markets. While the journey for a merchant was not an easy one, the reward was very, very, worth it. Thus, the global diamond jewelry market began. 

The first official diamond cutting shop appeared in Venice soon after the stone’s fabled market debut. Well established in Italy, it made its way across all Europe, becoming a prized jewel for those who could afford it. The diamond’s popularity would never decline. 

THE DIAMOND INDUSTRY

The evolution of how diamonds are sourced and traded is an epic saga of conflict and discovery. 

According to the fabled tale of the 1860s, a fifteen year old South African boy found a transparent stone on his father’s farm. It was a diamond. Since this discovery, more diamonds were mined in South Africa than in India in over 2,000 years. 

With the discovery of an eternity comes complicated implications. 

Due to their mysterious, rare and precious nature, diamonds became a form of illicit income, fueling war. In the early 2000s, we began to know these diamonds as “blood diamonds” : Diamonds produced from war zones that are funding armed groups.

In 2002, the jewelry industry partnered with world government leaders and human rights organizations to establish the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme. Today, this regulates 99% of the diamond supply. All reputable fine jewelers are Kimberly Certified. 

All Misahara diamond jewelry is conflict free, and furthermore supports a more ethical and sustainable industry.

MAKING OF A DIAMOND

The beauty of April’s birthstone is, like any true beauty, one that has withstood time, pressure, and heat. 

Diamonds are found in volcanic rock buried at a minimum 90 miles into Earth’s crust, and are made entirely of carbon, just like the graphite pencils you’ve probably done homework with, or the coal reserved for the naughty list. But why is a diamond a diamond and coal, well, coal? 

While diamonds, graphite, and coal are made of entirely the same stuff, it’s all about the manner in which their respective atoms bond. In coal and graphite, each individual carbon atom is bonded to another three. In diamonds, each individual carbon is bonded to four. When carbon is under such immense heat and pressure, 1600 degrees Celsius at a pressure 50,000 times the surface of Earth, atoms are forced to bond with one another, creating a new atomic structure so compact that light can pass through. An atomic structure so compact it is now the strongest material known to man. The diamond.

If you’ve ever stared at a diamond, you understand how easy it is to get lost in the multitude of colors and light. The atomic structure exclusive to a diamond is responsible for its unmatched glisten. Each group of five bonded carbon atoms builds off of the other, forming an unshakeable structure that allows light to pass, conducts heat better than any other substance, and has the highest melting point of any known material. It’s impossible to overstate just how remarkable this stone is.

We’ve gotta hand it to the April birthstone. Synonymous with eternity, the diamond reigns supreme.

THE MEANING OF A DIAMOND

The diamond’s profound endurance is a metaphor for love and commitment. 

Diamond is the April birthstone, believed to grant inner strength to all April babies. 

And, of course, diamonds remain the most popular option for engagement rings. Cut to the 1948 DeBeers ad campaign where Mary Frances Gerety coined the phrase “A Diamond is Forever,” launching diamond engagement rings into the mainstream. 

It’s not just the diamond’s beauty that makes it ideal for an engagement ring. Taking millions of years to form, with a lifespan of eternity, a diamond echoes the vows of marriage. A diamond's clear purity and strength is equal to that of love. 

From the diamond’s discovery, it’s singlehandedly influenced culture. Diamond driven conflict aside, the stone continues to inspire stories, art, and gestures of love. As the Ancient Romans said “cupid’s arrow is tipped in diamonds.” While over in Ancient Greece, Plato said that diamonds were the embodiment of celestial beings. 

To mention every significant diamond moment in pop culture would take multiple articles. But here’s a few all-time favorites:

1. Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend

Marilyn Monroe rocked the world in 1949’s Gentlemen Prefer Blondes with her iconic, sparkling showstopper, “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend”. Whether or not you’ve seen the movie, you probably just sang the catchy melody in your head.

2. Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Meanwhile, Hollywood’s brunette starlet, Audrey Hepburn, impressed an iconic diamond ensemble of her own. The poster for Breakfast at Tiffany’s says it all: A massive diamond necklace, hairpiece, and earrings adorn the star. Yet another easy ad for the April birthstone.

4. James Bond: Diamonds Are Forever

Diamonds are Forever, the 7th film in the James Bond franchise, centers around an action packed diamond heist. You’ve probably heard the iconic theme song sharing the same sentiment as Monroe’s “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend,” with the lyrics, “diamonds are forever, they are all I need to please me.”

5. The Pink Panther Diamond

And who doesn’t adore the titular Pink Panther diamond? While this giant pink diamond is fictional, it’s possible it was inspired by a 60ct pink diamond centerstone in a tiara worn by the Empress of Iran in 1958.

While all of the above is fictional, it’s important to note there are many very, very real diamonds that have influenced our culture, like the Hope Diamond, and the Koh-i-Noor.

The Hope Diamond is one of modern history’s most fabled stones, having been passed down from multiple monarchies across multiple nations. The dusty blue diamond has been cut from its original almost 113ct and is now a 45.52ct diamond pendant necklace. Victim to at least one successful theft, it now resides in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. where it’s among the most exclusive attractions. Who doesn’t love a diamond necklace?

The Koh-i-Noor Diamond originally of India is famously the star of the British Crown Jewels. This brilliant 105.6ct dazzling white diamond is not without its controversy. India claims Great Britain stole the diamond and will not give it back. In recent years some royalty has refused to wear the stone, perhaps fearing a cursed consequence.

The Cullinan Diamond, also known as the Great Star of Africa, is perhaps the next most famous of the British Crown Jewels. This 530.2ct (woah) diamond is currently set in King Charles’s royal spector. 

There are truly countless diamonds of equal stature with great cultural impact. When legacies fade and life evolves, a diamond remains ever glistening into the unknown.

APRIL’S BIRTHSTONE: THE DIAMOND

Scholars trace the concept of “birthstones” all the way back to the Bible’s Book of Exodus. According to the book, the Breastplate of Aaron was studded with twelve unique gemstones representing the Tribes of Israel. In the 18th century, we began to associate these stones with birth month.

While we’re total gemstone equal opportunists, the April birthstone of diamond is, as we’ve already quite established, remarkable.

April babies can expect their Diamond birthstone to bring them inner strength, and, of course, love. 

If you’re currently shopping for the April birthstone, diamond, the Misahara Mini Diamond Cluster, along with our entire Mini Birthstone Collection will give you the rich, vibrant gemstones you need to express your love.

This is the ideal gift for anyone just beginning their fine jewelry collection, loved ones with an April birthday, or anyone who simply appreciates the enduring beauty of diamond earrings. 14k gold supports three pristine .12ct diamonds creating a sparkle like none other. Stack with other birthstones or motifs from our collection to tell a story in the way only fine gemstones can.

This is the ideal gift for anyone just beginning their fine jewelry collection, loved ones with an April birthday, or anyone who simply appreciates the enduring beauty of diamond earrings. 14k gold supports three pristine .12ct diamonds creating a sparkle like none other. Stack with other birthstones or motifs from our collection to tell a story in the way only fine gemstones can.

In addition to being the clearest gift for April babies, diamonds are a way to commemorate achievements and milestones. Diamond is traditionally gifted on the 10th and 30th wedding anniversaries. Other achievements like graduations, religious sacraments, and career milestones are all proper occasions to gift diamonds. For those who have fought and conquered, only the invincible stone will do.

HOW TO CARE FOR DIAMOND JEWELRY

So you’ve been on the receiving end of the most beautiful gift of all: Diamond jewelry. While diamonds are the most durable of all gemstones, and therefore considered a low maintenance jewelry option, without care, they won’t sparkle as bright as they should.

A diamond can be scratched by another diamond. With this, it’s best to store each individual piece of diamond jewelry in its own softbox or cloth bag. For diamond jewelry that gets a ton of daily wear, you can consult with your jeweler to see if a yearly professional polish is necessary. Lotions and oils can leave a greasy film over your diamond jewelry. A quick polish with a dab of warm water and a microfiber cloth should suffice. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF SHOPPING CONFLICT FREE DIAMONDS

Today, Kimberly Process Certified diamonds regulate 99% of the rough diamond supply. 

Before making any diamond purchase, it’s worth learning about ongoing conflicts due to illicit diamond trading and ensuring that any jeweler you invest in contributes to a safe, sustainable and ethical ecosystem. The Kimberly Process Certification Scheme has made tremendous strides in creating a more stable Africa.

All Misahara gemstones are sourced from ethical mines where the workers are treated fairly and their communities are supported. We have an ongoing partnership with Gemfields, a UK based mining company that makes tremendous efforts to give back to the communities in Africa that have given us so much. 

We are also proud members of Jewelers of America, the most prestigious organization ensuring consumer trust in the jewelry industry, advocating for excellence in ethical, social, and environmental arenas.

With Misahara Jewelry, you can be certain your diamonds are not only conflict free, but contribute to a more sustainable and healthy environment. Misahara Founder and Designer, Lepa Galeb-Roskopp’s entire ethos surrounding the brand has always been for betterment of the planet and unity among those who inhabit it.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Oh, April babies, how lucky you are. There is nothing like the diamond.

A stone of legendary origin with the power to wage wars and restore peace, the hardest material known to man continues to inspire our culture with its glisten like none other.

For those purchasing luxury jewelry for the first time, invest in the most durable of all gemstones, that which can balance all metals and styles.

Shop the April Birthstone Diamond Cluster, and our entire Mini Collection to experience the power of diamonds at our most accessible level. 

From millions of years of brutal heat and pressure emerges a rock so singular, so unbreakable. The diamond is a testament to life’s challenges and uncertainties. May we all proceed with the strength of a diamond.