April babies share their birthstone with the most famous gem in the world: the diamond. At Lilliane’s Jewelry, we spend most of our days surrounded by diamonds, and we never tire of watching a client’s face light up when the perfect stone catches the light in our Leawood showroom.
The Hardest Natural Material on Earth
Diamonds form 1 to 3 billion years ago deep within the earth’s mantle under extreme heat and pressure, and are made almost entirely of a single element: carbon. That intense pressure gives diamond its legendary hardness, a 10 on the Mohs scale, making it the hardest naturally occurring material known.
A Symbol Older Than You Might Think
The word diamond comes from the Greek adamas, meaning unbreakable. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed diamonds were splinters of falling stars, or tears of the gods. It was not until the late 1400s that diamonds became associated with engagement, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave one to Mary of Burgundy, starting a tradition that continues today.
The 4Cs Refresher
Every diamond is judged on four factors: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Of these, cut has the greatest impact on how a diamond sparkles, since it determines how well light bounces back to your eye. A well-cut diamond in a lower color or clarity grade can often outshine a poorly cut diamond with a higher grade on paper.
Caring for a Lifetime of Wear
Because diamonds are so hard, they resist scratching better than any other gemstone, but that same hardness means a diamond can actually scratch other diamonds if stored carelessly together. Keep diamond jewelry in individual compartments and clean regularly with warm soapy water and a soft brush to keep the facets sparkling.
Lilliane’s Tip: If you are shopping on a budget, look for a diamond that is eye-clean, meaning any inclusions are invisible without magnification. You can often save significantly by choosing a slightly lower clarity grade that still looks flawless to the naked eye.
Quick Facts About Diamond
- Mohs Hardness: 10
- Color Range: Colorless to yellow, brown, and rare fancy colors
- Symbolism: Eternal love, strength, and clarity
- Zodiac Connection: Aries and Taurus
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds; the difference lies in where and how they were formed.
Q: How often should I get my diamond jewelry inspected?
We recommend having prongs and settings checked about once a year to make sure your diamond stays secure.
Visit Us in Leawood
Whether you were born in April or are searching for the perfect symbol of forever, we invite you to visit our Leawood showroom to compare diamonds side-by-side and find the one that catches your eye.
