If you were born in February, your birthstone is amethyst, a beautiful purple quartz that has fascinated people for ages. It comes in various shades of lilac and deep purple and can be cut into different shapes and sizes. As per the ancient Indian Vedic Astrology, the natural Amethyst serves as a substitute of Blue Sapphire for Shani planet, as well as it works wonders in healing. Throughout history, amethyst has adorned the collections of royalty in Europe and Asia, but today, it's accessible to most people. You can consider gifting a splendid amethyst to someone special or even treat yourself to this royal gem. If your birthday falls in February, wearing amethyst can also symbolize personal empowerment and inner strength.
Radiating with a dazzling brilliance entirely its own, the diamond stands as one of the world's most coveted and cherished gemstones. Those fortunate enough to be born in April are honored to claim this scintillating gem as their birthstone, symbolizing clarity and strength. So resilient is the diamond that its very name, "diamond," originates from the Greek word "adamas," meaning "invincible" or "unbreakable." The allure of the diamond transcends time, and the places where it is unearthed are as captivating as the legends that enshroud it.
Our fascination with the diamond birthstone can be traced back to ancient India, where diamonds were plucked from the country's rivers and streams. These captivating gems were traded as early as the fourth century BCE and held in high esteem by royalty and the affluent. Subsequently, caravans transported Indian diamonds, along with other exotic treasures, to bustling medieval markets in Venice. By the 1400s, diamonds had emerged as fashionable adornments for Europe's elite. The historical record reflects that the first diamond engagement ring was presented by Archduke Maximillian of Austria to his beloved, Mary of Burgundy, in 1477. Recent findings suggest that the legendary 45.52-carat blue Hope diamond originated in India's Golconda mining region and was acquired by King Louis XIV of France (known as the French Blue diamond) in 1668.
During the early 1700s, as India's diamond reserves dwindled, Brazil emerged as a significant source. Diamond deposits were serendipitously uncovered by gold miners sifting through gravels along the banks of the Jequitinhonha River in Minas Gerais. For over 150 years, Brazil dominated the global diamond market.
The turning point in the history of diamonds occurred with the discovery of diamond mines near Kimberley, South Africa, in the late 1860s. Entrepreneur Cecil Rhodes established De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited in 1888, gaining control of an estimated 90 percent of the world's rough diamond production by 1900. The largest diamond ever unearthed, weighing a staggering 3,106 carats (621 grams), was found in South Africa's Premier mine in 1905. This extraordinary gem was subsequently cut into the 530-carat Cullinan I diamond, known as the Great Star of Africa, and now resides in the Royal Sceptre with Cross, safeguarded with the other Crown Jewels in the Tower of London.
The Mystical Significance of the Diamond Birthstone An anonymous poet from the second century believed that the April birthstone, diamond, possessed the power to ward off the malevolent "evil eye," a gaze thought to inflict sickness, misfortune, and even death. Moreover, it was considered to have healing properties, acting as an antidote to poison and offering protection against plagues. Many have also regarded the diamond as a symbol of longevity, strength, beauty, and happiness.
In addition to its status as April's birthstone, the diamond serves as the perfect gift for the 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries. Today, the diamond engagement ring has become an almost universal emblem of love and matrimony.
Diamonds Around the World The birthstone for April, the diamond, is currently mined across the globe. By the early 2000s, South Africa had been joined by other African nations as major producers of rough diamonds, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly known as Zaire) and Botswana. Russia, which opened its first significant diamond mine in the 1960s, is now among the top producers in terms of both volume and value. The modern diamond market witnessed significant expansion with the establishment of the Argyle mine in Australia in 1983 and the discovery of several diamond deposits in northern Canada in the 1990s.
In Botswana, diamonds are found in the typically hot and semi-arid eastern region of the country. These prolific mines have contributed to economic prosperity, fostering a growing middle class. The nation has also evolved into a diamond hub, where approximately 40 percent of the world's rough diamonds are sorted and valued.
Caring for Your Diamond Birthstone Diamonds, which rank at a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, are typically durable enough for ultrasonic cleaning. However, if your diamond birthstone has numerous inclusions or has undergone treatment, it's advisable to clean it with a lint-free cloth, warm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush or a commercial jewelry cleaning solution. Additionally, periodic professional cleaning and examination of your diamond birthstone jewelry can help preserve its beauty and structural integrity over time.
With this newfound knowledge about the April birthstone, the diamond, you'll be a more informed shopper and, perhaps, have an even deeper appreciation for this enduring and magnificent gem. Whether colored or colorless, large or small, the diamond birthstone continues to captivate the hearts of those fortunate enough to be born in April and those fortunate in love who exchange or receive a diamond engagement ring
