How did the diamond become April’s birthstone?
April’s birthstone is perhaps the most beloved and sought-after stone of all time - the diamond.
Valued worldwide as the traditional jewel for engagement rings and a representation of lasting love and commitment, diamonds were adored long before they became the April birthstone.
Diamonds were first discovered in India and then later transported and traded at medieval markets in Venice from as early as the 4th century BCE. By the 1400s diamonds were popular accessories for Europe’s royalty and elite upper class.
Prized for more than its otherworldly beauty, the diamond was thought to possess healing and protective qualities as an antidote to poison and shield against the plague. It has a long association with longevity, strength, beauty and happiness.
In 1912, the American National Association of Jewellers (ANAJ) released a chart in which each month was assigned a different gem or ‘birthstone’.
At first this was not very popular and considered a marketing tactic. However, the ANAJ’s birthstone chart is now widely acknowledged all over the world. The diamond emerged as a representation of lasting love, strength and power.
Today the diamond continues to be a highly desired accessory and status symbol. Of course, it is also the most popular stone used in engagement rings as a symbol of love and commitment.
Diamond is unique as the hardest natural material found on Earth. It is rated as a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, the highest durability rating a stone can receive. In fact, diamonds are so hard that the only thing that can scratch a diamond is another diamond.
Diamonds are made of pure carbon. They are formed deep beneath the Earth’s surface where intense heat and pressure cause the carbon to crystalize into diamonds. When magma erupts to the Earth’s surface it brings along these diamonds. The magma cools and hardens into ‘kimberlite pipes. These pipes are where we most commonly find diamonds.
The Perth Mint is home to some of the world’s most exclusive diamond jewellery. This includes famous Argyle Pink Diamonds™ from Western Australia’s magnificent Kimberley region. With the mine’s closure in late 2020, pink diamond from the Argyle Mine are among the most feted jewels in the world.
Visit The Perth Mint Shop today and discover the exquisite range at our luxury jewellery boutique.
