Birthstones - April

Diamond

Mohs Hardness: 10
Specific Gravity: 3.52
Refractive Index: 2.417

Diamond is the birthstone for April and also the gemstone designated for the 10th and 60th anniversaries.
The name "diamond" comes from the Greek "adamas," which means "unconquerable." Diamond is the hardest known substance in the world - its remarkable crystalline structure makes it virtually impossible to cut or scratch, and it was commonly believed to be unbreakable. Today, we know that diamonds can, in fact, be chipped or broken.

The diamond claimed its place as the primary token of love toward the end of the 15th century in 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave the first diamond engagement ring to his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy. It was placed on the fourth finger of her left hand, because the vena amoris, or "vein of love," was believed to run directly to the heart from that finger. Five centuries later, the diamond remains the ultimate symbol of romance, a gem whose strength and pure, transparent beauty have always represented the purest emotions - commitment and everlasting love.

Incredibly, the diamond is the only gemstone made of just one element - carbon, the basic building block found in every living animal and plant on Earth. Part of the mystery of the diamond is that it gets formed at all. Billions of years ago, in a deep layer of the earth, a unique combination of chemicals, pressure, and temperature changes created diamonds out of pure carbon. Diamonds are usually colorless. However, brown, yellow, green, blue, pink, red, gray and black variations are also found, depending on the impurities present, and some fancy intense colors command extraordinary prices. Flawless, colorless diamonds - the most perfect, desirable and, therefore, most costly - are the rarest of the rare. Of the 100 million or so carats mined each year, those in the very top grade number only in the hundreds.

Care & Cleaning of Diamonds

The incredible beauty of your diamond will last forever, if it is properly cared for. As with all gems, protect diamond from scratches and sharp blows, as they are susceptible to damage from an impact that might cause them to chip or crack. While it is the hardest gem known to man, diamond is not indestructible! Use mild soap and water and a soft brush to clean your diamond jewelry, or place it in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. Be sure to rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning. We suggest that you bring your jewelry to Gillespie Jewelers at least three times each year for a complimentary inspection and cleaning.