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GIA Celebrates Birthstones – Diamond, the Invincible Gemstone
Diamonds, from the Greek “adamas” meaning invincible, are the hardest of all gemstones. April’s birthstone is formed deep within the Earth and reached the surface through violent volcanic eruptions.
Natural fancy colored diamonds are rare, and blue diamonds are highly prized by discriminating collectors.
While most people may think of diamond as colorless, truly colorless diamonds are extremely rare. Most diamonds are nearly colorless, with yellow or brown hints. Any color outside of those are called “fancy-colored diamonds.” Fancy-colored diamonds come in almost any color–red, green, purple, and orange are generally the most rare, followed by pink & blue.
‘The Star of the 21st Century’ brooch is a diamond set in platinum. The center stone is a 1.00-carat diamond surrounded by 3.78-total carats of pavé set diamonds. Gift from Fortunoff Fine Jewelry & Silverware.
Some diamonds are more than three billion years old, which is likely the reason that they represent strength and endurance.
Check out diamond in the GIA Celebrates Birthstones exhibit at the GIA Carlsbad campus. Schedule a free tour 24 hours in advance by contacting guestservices@gia.edu; calling 800-421-7250, ext. 4116 or 760-603-4116; or visiting www.gia.edu.