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What Is the Birthstone for April?
Diamond is the official birthstone for April. As nature's hardest substance, diamond stands as a fitting symbol for those born during this month of renewal and growth. Dating back billions of years, diamonds are among the oldest treasures on Earth.
The name "diamond" derives from the Greek word "adamas," meaning "invincible" or "unbreakable," reflecting its exceptional durability. This characteristic makes diamond not just a beautiful gemstone but also a powerful symbol of endurance and strength for April-born individuals.
April Birthstone History & Meaning
Diamonds were first discovered in India around the 4th century BC, and quickly became symbols of power, strength, and invincibility. By the Middle Ages, diamonds were believed to have healing properties, capable of curing ailments and warding off evil. The tradition of giving diamonds as a birthstone for April was solidified in the early 20th century, when the modern birthstone list was established.
For April-born individuals, diamonds symbolize eternal love, strength, and invincibility. The hardness and durability of diamonds make them a perfect symbol of an unbreakable bond, which is why they are often associated with marriage and lifelong commitment. Additionally, diamonds are believed to bring balance, clarity, and abundance to the wearer, attributes often associated with the refreshing clarity of the spring season when April occurs.
April Birthstone Color
Diamonds are traditionally known for their clear, colorless appearance. Fancy-colored diamonds, which come in hues like blue, pink, yellow, and green, are also highly prized and can be even more valuable than their colorless counterparts. The color is determined by the types of trace impurities and structural irregularities in the crystal when the diamond forms.
The diamond's exceptional optical properties — including its high refractive index and dispersion — give it the remarkable ability to bend and separate light into the colors of the spectrum, creating that distinctive sparkle and fire that makes diamonds so desirable.
April Birthstone Durability
One of the defining characteristics of diamonds is their exceptional durability. Diamonds rank a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making them the hardest known natural material on Earth. This hardness means diamonds are resistant to scratches and abrasions, making them ideal for everyday wear.
This extraordinary durability is why diamonds have become such a powerful symbol of enduring commitment, particularly in engagement rings. For those born in April, this characteristic reflects an innate strength and resilience that serves them well throughout life's challenges.
April Birthstone Origin
Diamonds are commonly found in various parts of the world, with some of the most significant sources being Botswana and Canada. Check out Brilliant Earth’s Transparency page to learn more about our diamond’s origins, innovative lab grown diamonds, sourcing practices, and pioneering standards for natural diamonds.
April Birthstone Care & Maintenance
Cleaning and caring for your April birthstone jewelry is relatively simple. To maintain their brilliance, diamonds should be cleaned regularly using a mild detergent and warm water. Use a soft brush to gently scrub the diamond, especially around the setting, to remove any dirt or oils. Always dry your diamond jewelry with a lint-free cloth and store it separately to avoid scratches. Learn more in our How to Clean a Diamond Ring Guide.
April Birthstone FAQ
What month is the diamond birthstone?
April is the month associated with the diamond birthstone. Diamond is universally recognized as the official birthstone for April and has been firmly established as such since the standardization of birthstones by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912.
Why is diamond the April birthstone?
Diamond became the April birthstone due to its symbolic connection to the attributes of the spring season and those born during this time of renewal. Its clarity, brilliance, and strength perfectly complement April's themes of new beginnings and growth. Historically, the connection between diamonds and April evolved from ancient practices of associating gemstones with specific months based on their perceived powers and benefits for the wearer.
Is diamond the only April birthstone?
Yes, diamonds are the only recognized modern birthstone for April. Unlike some months that have two or three birthstone options, April has consistently maintained diamond as its sole birthstone in both traditional and modern birthstone charts. This exclusivity highlights the diamond's significant cultural importance and its perfect symbolic match for the month of April.
