April Birthstone: Diamond
Birthstone jewelry is incredibly popular. Many people have an affinity for their birthstone, partially because it feels like there is a personal connection. As the country prepares for April showers, some people’s minds turn to the April birthstone. If they were born during April, they might want to find themselves a piece of jewelry as a treat. If they have a friend or loved one born during April, finding a gift might be a priority.
But, if you are going to make the right purchase, you need to know which one is the April stone. If you are wondering what the April birthstone is, here’s everything you need to know.
What is the Birthstone for April?
By Mario Sarto - Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
April, like many other months, only has one official birthstone, and it’s the diamond. Renown as the hardest gemstone on Earth, diamonds are incredibly durable. But they are also considered one of the most beautiful stones around.
As a result, diamonds also become favorites for a variety of sentimental jewelry pieces, including engagement rings and anniversary jewelry. However, they weren’t always used for engagement rings. It’s only in the last century that diamonds became the tradition, as rubies and sapphires held that title previously. Many people believe that a massive ad campaign by De Beers made diamonds the standard for engagements, convincing consumers it was the best choice.
Comprised of pure carbon, diamonds aren’t as rare as many people believe. The April birthstone is widely available commercially and is very prevalent in the Earth’s crust. Approximately 35 countries are known to have diamond deposits, with South Africa, Botswana, and Russia being some of the largest producers.
But, even with diamonds being prevalent, that doesn’t make them cheap. Pricing has primarily remained in control of a single company, and the other producers are mainly happy to follow its lead. This means that the price of a diamond isn’t a reflection of rarity. Instead, supply and demand play a role, predominately based on what consumers are willing to shell out for the stones.
As far as the meaning of diamond, there are a few belief systems that consider the stone a symbol of purity and innocence. Some associate it with perfection and strength, while others think they are connected with personal empowerment.
What Color is April Birthstone?
Technically, the April birthstone color is clear. When a diamond is pure, it’s virtually colorless and completely transparent. Light passes through with ease, but can also reflect off of the cut surfaces. That’s what leads to a diamond’s “sparkle.”
It is important to note that a diamond doesn’t have to be clear to be classified as a diamond. In fact, there are diamonds available in a range of colors. Blue, pink, yellow, green, red, and brown diamonds all exist. In some cases, the coloring is very subtle. However, some are naturally highly saturated and, at times, are considered more valuable than some of the highest quality clear diamonds.
By roy fuchs - Royfuchs, Public Domain, Link
There are also color-treated diamonds. These April gemstones are treated with coloring in a lab, giving them a new hue. These usually aren’t as valuable (or expensive) as diamonds featuring natural coloring of the same shade and intensity, but are still pretty desirable for those who enjoy the color.
April Birthstone Jewelry
When it comes to April birthstone jewelry, the options are near-endless. The only trick tends to be that diamonds are almost always cut and faceted. Partially, this is because of a diamond’s toughness. Special techniques and materials are necessary, so it isn’t practical to turn one into a cabochon. Plus, a diamond’s ability to reflect and refract light when cut is one of the reasons the April gemstone is so popular and that look isn’t achieved with a cabochon.
By Tiffany & Co. - Walters Art Museum: Home page Info about artwork, Public Domain, Link
As long as you enjoy the look of a cut and faceted stone, you have plenty of options from which to choose. You can find an April birthstone necklace, bracelet, ring, or earrings with ease. Even various kinds of body jewelry - like nose rings, Monroe or labret studs, and dermals – are also available with diamonds.
For supporting metals, you’ll find nearly every option you could imagine. Yellow, white, and rose gold are common, as well as silver and platinum. If there is a metal hue you prefer, you can likely track a piece of diamond jewelry down that features it.
Stones Similar to the April Gemstone
If you want the look of a diamond without the hefty price tag, you do have options. There are quite a few stones that have a similar appearance.
The first option is cubic zirconia. It’s a synthetic gemstone made of zirconium dioxide and has been standing in for diamonds for decades upon decades. It is significantly less expensive and, since they are created, finding large ones without inclusions isn’t much of a challenge.
Moissanite, another synthetic alternative, this time made of a type of silicon carbide, has become increasingly popular as a diamond substitute. It is favored because of its sparkle and “fire,” making it appear brighter than diamonds. Plus, it’s also incredibly durable, which helps them stand the test of time.
By Brillar CO., LTD - CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
However, if you prefer natural stones, you have choices there as well. White sapphires can be a great choice if you want a smaller stone, especially if you need a durable gemstone. At larger sizes, white sapphires can look cloudy, as they aren’t technically colorless, so it’s important to keep that in mind.
There’s also white topaz, spinel, colorless beryl (goshenite), and white zircon. Even a piece of clear quartz can resemble a diamond when properly cut. Each of those options has the potential to resemble a diamond and commonly cost much less than the real thing.