Diamond: The Brilliant April Birthstone

Diamond: The Brilliant April Birthstone


2 minute read

The Diamond 

A diamond's sparkle has a unique and stunning internal fire. If you’re lucky enough to be born in April, your designated birthstone is this incredible stone. Thought to be one of the toughest substances, diamonds can be traced back to their formation billions of years. 

The term itself originates from the Greek word Adamas, meaning invincible or unbreakable. The world’s love of diamonds began in India, where diamonds were gathered from the rivers and streams. Some historians estimate that India was trading in diamonds as early as the fourth century BC. This led them to be traded at markets in Italy, which began the momentum of diamonds being the fashion staple for centuries thereafter. 

In the 1860s, the discovery of diamonds near Kimberley, South Africa, marked the beginning of the modern-day diamond market, though diamonds had been found in a variety of other locations, like Brazil and India. 

Diamond Engagement Ring

Cecil Rhodes established De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited in 1888, and by 1900, De Beers controlled much of the world’s production of rough diamonds. This influenced the birthstone for April to be mined around the world. Now, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Botswana are the major producers of rough diamonds in African regions. Diamonds are also mined in the former Soviet Union, Australia and Canada. De Beers now owns 40% of the rough diamond market. 

Diamonds are hard gemstones, ranking a 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Diamond jewelry is easy to clean. Diamonds can be ultrasonic cleansed or in warm water with mild soap and a soft toothbrush. These stones are some of the strongest to own, making it the perfect stone for everyday wear, which is why diamonds are the most popular stone in an engagement ring. The April birthstone is one of the world's most sought-after and adored gemstones. Explore the radiance, brilliance, and timeless charm of a Skeie’s diamond. Check out the Skeie's Diamond collection.

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