Ah, April! The month of rain showers, blooming flowers, and the perfect excuse to treat yourself to some sparkly new birthstone jewelry. But what is April's birthstone, you may ask? It's none other than the beloved DIAMOND!
Originating from the Greek word "adamas," meaning invincible or unbreakable, diamonds have been revered for their strength, beauty, and symbolic power for centuries. But where do diamonds actually come from? Well, they're formed deep within the earth's mantle, under intense pressure and heat, before being brought to the surface by volcanic activity.
The majority of the world's diamonds are mined in countries such as Russia, Botswana, Canada, and Australia. In fact, Australia is home to the world's largest diamond mine, the Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia, which produces over 90% of the world's pink diamonds.
Diamonds are composed of pure carbon, arranged in a crystal lattice structure. This makes them the hardest known natural material, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. In fact, the only thing that can scratch a diamond is another diamond!
In terms of folklore and symbolism, diamonds have been associated with everything from love and commitment to power and wealth. Ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were the tears of the gods, while medieval Europeans believed that they could cure illnesses and ward off evil spirits.
Perhaps the most well-known association with diamonds, however, is their symbolic meaning in engagement rings. The first diamond engagement ring dates back to the 15th century, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy as a sign of his love and commitment.
Mary of Burgundy received a letter by Archduke Maximilian of Austria with an engagement ring.
Popularity for diamond engagement rings in the late 19th century thanks to a little marketing campaign created by the De Beers company. (Read more here.) Since then, diamonds have become a timeless symbol of love and devotion, with their unmatched beauty and durability making them the perfect choice for engagement rings and other special jewelry pieces.
Whether you're looking to celebrate a special occasion or just treat yourself to something sparkly, there's no denying the enduring appeal of this beloved gemstone.
Originating from the Greek word "adamas," meaning invincible or unbreakable, diamonds have been revered for their strength, beauty, and symbolic power for centuries. But where do diamonds actually come from? Well, they're formed deep within the earth's mantle, under intense pressure and heat, before being brought to the surface by volcanic activity.
The majority of the world's diamonds are mined in countries such as Russia, Botswana, Canada, and Australia. In fact, Australia is home to the world's largest diamond mine, the Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia, which produces over 90% of the world's pink diamonds.
Diamonds are composed of pure carbon, arranged in a crystal lattice structure. This makes them the hardest known natural material, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. In fact, the only thing that can scratch a diamond is another diamond!
In terms of folklore and symbolism, diamonds have been associated with everything from love and commitment to power and wealth. Ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were the tears of the gods, while medieval Europeans believed that they could cure illnesses and ward off evil spirits.
Perhaps the most well-known association with diamonds, however, is their symbolic meaning in engagement rings. The first diamond engagement ring dates back to the 15th century, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy as a sign of his love and commitment.
Mary of Burgundy received a letter by Archduke Maximilian of Austria with an engagement ring.Popularity for diamond engagement rings in the late 19th century thanks to a little marketing campaign created by the De Beers company. (Read more here.) Since then, diamonds have become a timeless symbol of love and devotion, with their unmatched beauty and durability making them the perfect choice for engagement rings and other special jewelry pieces.
Whether you're looking to celebrate a special occasion or just treat yourself to something sparkly, there's no denying the enduring appeal of this beloved gemstone.