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The April Birthstone Sparkles and Shimmers
Shimmering with an internal fire all its own, diamond is one of the world’s most sought-after and adored gemstones. Those born in the fair month of April are lucky enough to call this scintillating stone their “birthstone,” a symbol of clarity and strength. Diamond is so strong, in fact, , that its name comes from the Greek “adamastos,” or “invincible.”
A diamond’s quality is evaluated by the 4Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
Color refers to the absence of color in a diamond. The less color in the stone, the more desirable and valuable it is.
Clarity measures the amount, size and placement of internal inclusions, and external blemishes. Grades run from Flawless, with virtually no imperfections, to Included, with a significant number of imperfections.
Cut refers to the proportion and arrangement of the diamond’s facets and the quality of workmanship. The amount of brilliance, sparkle and fire in a diamond is determined by cut.
Carat weight refers to a diamond’s weight. Most often, the higher the carat weight, the more expensive the stone.
Diamonds have remained a staple in historical and modern culture, adored by everyday girls and movie stars alike. Elizabeth Taylor’s famous book, My Love Affair with Jewelry, is filled with diamond images and memories; in December 2011, one of her larger diamonds sold for a record $11,842,500 at auction. The 50-carat stunner was sold after only four minutes of bidding. In 2006, actress Ellen Barkin’s post-divorce auction of the GIA-graded diamond gifts her husband had given her yielded very large numbers, including a diamond hair pin that went for $4,800 and a diamond solitaire “thread” ring for $1.8 million.
Other leading ladies who fancy diamonds include Queen Elizabeth of England (also born in April), who frequently decorates her outfits with diamond necklaces and other beautiful pieces of diamond jewelry. Red carpet events in the U.S. and around the world are replete with starlets donning diamonds from earrings to necklaces to surprising accessories. Actress Nicole Kidman once wore dueling diamond cuffs on each wrist, with 375 carats of diamonds on each, worth over $2,000,000 combined.
Diamond holds center stage for pop culture and historical jewelry references. Perhaps this is because the inherent strength and beauty of a diamond is unmatched. The famous phrase “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” just might ring true for you; and those born in the month of April rejoice in being gifted with a diamond stone to celebrate.