April's Birthstone - Diamond

Those born in April are thought to be kind, caring and successful in work and love, hence the association with diamond jewellery - the stone of love. Strength is also a key component - in fact, the name diamond actually derives from the Greek word adamas which mean ‘invincible’ or ‘unbreakable’. The name refers to the unbeatable hardness of the stone, but also - according to legend - the magical protective powers of diamonds. Over the years, the diamond birthstone has been said to act as an antidote to poison and protection against the Plague. Not a bad one to have as a birthstone, then. 

As well as being the April birthstone, diamond jewellery is the gift of choice for 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries. In fact, the Romans believed Cupid’s arrows were tipped with diamonds for everlasting love. Awww. 

Back when diamonds were first discovered in India some 2500 years ago, they looked very different to the diamond jewellery we know today. The ‘brilliance’ or incredible burst of rainbow light that we associate with diamonds wasn’t actually discovered until the 20th Century with the development of the ‘brilliant cut’. 

Diamonds are generally colourless but they do exist in many other colours - red being the rarest. 

It was the Romans who came up with the concept of betrothal or ‘truth’ rings worn on the third finger of the left hand where they believed the ‘Vein of Love’ ran straight to the heart. These rings weren’t reserved for romantic love - they were often given as a sign of friendship. 

However, it wasn’t until 1477 when the first diamond engagement ring was presented by Archduke Maximilian of Austria when he proposed marriage to Mary of Burgundy. It was a thin gold ring with flat pieces of diamonds used to form the letter ‘M’. It seems even then, we loved a bit of personalisation. 

In the realm of fine jewellery, diamonds have always held a special place. Their timeless beauty, unmatched brilliance, and enduring symbolism have made them a cherished possession for centuries. However, the traditional process of mining diamonds comes with ethical and environmental concerns. In recent years, a groundbreaking alternative has emerged – lab-grown diamonds. These man-made marvels offer all the qualities of natural diamonds while alleviating many of the ethical and environmental issues associated with traditional diamond mining.

Lab-grown diamonds are created through advanced technological processes that replicate the natural conditions in which diamonds form beneath the Earth's surface. Scientists are able to produce diamonds that are chemically, physically, and optically identical to those found in nature. This breakthrough in diamond production has paved the way for a new era in the jewellery industry. One of the most significant advantages of lab-grown diamonds is their ethical integrity. Lab-grown diamonds are entirely conflict-free and produced in controlled environments, ensuring that no human rights abuses or environmental damage are associated with their creation. Equally, by opting for lab-grown diamonds, consumers can minimise their ecological footprint and support more sustainable practices in the jewellery industry. 

Our diamond collection features lots of meaningful talisman so you can tell your unique story.

Colourless and dazzling, diamonds go with everything. No matter your style, there’s a diamond piece to suit you. For those who like something subtle and stylish,  try our tiny diamond-encrusted Huggie hoops or Flash Interstellar Diamond Ring. Or if ‘Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend’ is their favourite song, pick a statement piece like the statement Comet Diamond ring or Mini Icon Aura Diamond Drop Earrings, there’s lots to choose from when it comes to the April birthstone. 

Our diamond lockets are also a beautiful gift, fully engraveable and with a photo added. Want more diamond gifting inspo?

All of our diamonds here at Astley Clarke adhere to the Kimberley process to ensure conflict-free stones. Find all you need to know about buying diamonds - as well as more about the Kimberley process - right here in our Diamond Buying Guide.