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.

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Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz that has captivated mankind for centuries. Its lilac to deep purple hues can be cut into many shapes and sizes, and can also be manufactured in a lab rather than mined.

Amethyst and pearl “sun” brooch in gold makes a powerful statement for those born in February.

The ancient Greeks associated the mineral with Bacchus, the god of wine, and believed wearing an amethyst prevented intoxication.

Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz and represents power.

Historically, royals admired the deep purple hue of amethyst because of the color’s association with royalty since the days of Alexander the Great. Amethyst lore also includes several claims to mystical powers, including that it would convey strength and wit to those who wore it. More modern beliefs associate amethysts with power.

This “Fireworks” necklace prominently displays regal amethysts with rubelite, tanzanite, apatite and peridot. Designed and gifted by Marya Dabrowski.

If you celebrate a February birthday, wearing an amethyst can be a symbol of personal empowerment and inner strength.

 
Check out amethyst 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.

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Garnet, January’s birthstone, is one of the most diverse gemstones. It comes in an extraordinary range of color, although it’s most commonly known for its rich shade of red. In fact, the name garnet is thought to be derived from the word pomegranate, because the more commonly found deep red varieties of the gemstone resemble pomegranate seeds. Garnet varieties and species actually come in a rainbow of colors, including orange, yellow and green. While rare, these gemstones can also come in blue and violet.

January’s birthstone actually comes in a rainbow of colors.

This gemstone have a long and interesting history. Deep red garnets have been appreciated since biblical times, while a green variety, called tsavorite, was first discovered in 1971 in Kenya’s Tsavo National Park. When worn, garnet is thought to bring one a sense of calm.

“25-leaves” set with 27-carat weight of grossular garnet and 15-carats of diamonds in blackened 18k gold. Gift of Dr. Gary R and Barbara E. Hansen.

Garnet is the birthstone for January and may be celebrated in its many varieties, providing an array of choices for gemstone enthusiasts.

Check out the variety of garnets 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.

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Everyone has a birthstone. Do you know what yours is?

GIA is showcasing birthstones in a big way at the Carlsbad campus with a special exhibit running through spring 2013. The GIA Museum team strives to provide incredible shows that will appeal to everyone. It is fascinating to not only learn about your own birthstone, but your friends’ and family members’ too!

“Birthstones are a fun, popular and colorful area of gemology that will appeal to all audiences regardless of gender, age, nationality or religion,” said Terri Ottaway, curator of the GIA Museum. “The lore, origins, attributes and characteristics associated with various gems are educational and hold universal appeal for all of us.”

“GIA Celebrates Birthstones” contains more than 250 objects from around the world, including gemstones, minerals and jewelry pieces. Each month of the year and its corresponding birthstone is represented, along with fun facts about the gems. For example, did you know that garnets can be green, topaz can be blue and sapphires can be pink? Or that ancient people believed wearing amethyst would keep them sober, while emeralds were thought to have healing properties for the eye?

Various traditions don’t always attribute the same birthstones to the corresponding month. So if you were born in September but aren’t a fan of sapphires, then you have another option!

Learn more about the first featured gemstone, the January Birthstone – Garnet.

Visitors can schedule a free tour at the GIA campus in Carlsbad 24 hours in advance by contacting guestservices@gia.edu; calling 800-421-7250, ext. 4116 or 760-603-4116; or visiting www.gia.edu.

The post The Beauty of Birthstones Connects Us All appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.