April Birthstones: A Comprehensive Guide to Birthstone

Zodiac

Diamond is the birthstone for the month of April. It is associated with the Aries Zodiac sign. It symbolises purity and eternal love. 

Meaning of Diamond

Diamond comes from the Greek word ADAMAS which means invincible or unbreakable. In the Indian language, the Sanskrit diamond is called Vajra which means lightening. Vajra was the weapon of the King of Gods Indra. 

Folklore

The diamonds were formed 3 billion years ago. India is the country where diamonds originated and the Indians began trading in diamonds as far back as the 4th century BC. The gem was reserved for wealthy Indians. Indian diamonds made their way into the western world by the 14000s. It became fashionable to wear diamonds in European high society. The Golconda mines became very important for trade around that time.

Colour

The diamond comes in clear colour predominantly. You can find diamonds in a huge range of colours like brown, yellow, red, pink, blue and green. Blue, green and red are the rarest colours. 

Hardness

The diamond has a Mohs Hardness rating of 10. Only a diamond can scratch a diamond. 

Formation

Diamonds are formed under extreme temperature and pressure conditions found more than 75 miles under Earth’s surface. A gem-quality diamond is 99.9 % carbon. 

Zones

The diamonds were first found in India. Later on, the diamonds were found in Brazil, South Africa, Australia China, Russia, Congo, Botswana and Canada.

Healing and Spiritual

It is a symbol of eternal love and purity. In old age, it was thought that carrying a diamond would provide strength, beauty and happiness. It is said to ward off the evil eye which can cause sickness poverty and death.

Physical Properties

In Middle Ages, diamonds were thought to cure ailments of pituitary glands and the brain.

Chakra Healing

It activates the Crown Chakra and enhances the connection between mind and body by detaching the unwanted patterns.

Anniversary

It is gifted on the 60th and 75th Marriage Anniversary.

Famous Diamonds of the World

1. Kohinoor – It belonged to the Indian raj weighing 186 carats. It was then plundered by the Shah of Persia who named it ‘mountain of light’. It came into the possession of East India Company and was presented to Queen Victoria in 1850. It is now a crown jewel weighing 108.92 carats.
   
2. Hope Diamond – the fancy blue diamond weighs 45.52 carats and appeared in 1830. It was bought by a banker named H. Ph. Hope hence naming it Hope Diamond. 
3. Cullinan 1, Star of Africa – The Star of Africa weighs 530.20 carats. It is cut from the largest rough diamond gem ever to be found weighing 3106 carats. The rough diamond was cut into 104 diamonds including the Star of Africa.

Popular Culture 

Many movies are made on the theme of gems. The two most iconic movies on diamonds are Titanic and Blood Diamond. These two movies are mainstream classics watched by many people across the world.

You can learn more about Diamond in the IIG’s Diamond Programs. The Masters in Diamond Program at IIG teaches about the 10 Cs of polished diamonds and about rough diamonds. It is a comprehensive Program with a complete curriculum on diamonds. We have a graduate and short-term Program which will give you the knowledge about diamonds to start your career. Avail of free Diamond Identification kits with the Program.

Visit the fastest-expanding premier education institute of the Gems and Jewellery Industry at our locations at Mumbai – Opera House & Andheri (East), Bengaluru, Kolkata and Surat. 

We are easily accessible on Instagram, Facebook, and Google. You can visit our website: www.iigindia.com and write to us at: inquiry@iigindia.com.

 

Author:-

Charmi Soni Shroff – CHRO

Being a part of the Gems & Jewellery industry for the last 15 years I garnered insights into gems, diamonds and jewellery. I have authored a handbook on casting techniques and various blogs on various methods of healing and meditation with gemstones. Presently working with IIG Mumbai as a writer, author, external spokesperson and PR representative.