April’s Birthstone: Diamond
However, changing attitudes and industry practices have led to some spectacular alternatives, including lab-grown diamonds. Or consider an alternate April birthstone.
The American Gem Society (AGS) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) are two of the most-respected diamond-grading labs in the world.
Diamond Color
“Perfect” diamonds are colorless, transparent without any hint of color. In reality, most diamonds have detectable hues, including yellows, pinks, blues, and reds. Chemical impurities or defects can heighten the presence of color in diamonds.
Further, diamonds do occur in many different colors, including black, brown, gray, white, yellow, orange, green, red, pink, and purple.
Diamond Significance
Aside from status, April’s birthstone, the diamond, is believed to bring about inner strength, better relationships, and balance and abundance in one’s life.
Diamonds are also a treasured wedding ring staple that signifies everlasting love and marriage.
Diamond History
Diamonds are among the 5 Cardinal Gems; stones that were historically prized by royalty and other leaders as being more precious than other gems.
Diamonds have a checkered history in many regions, with conflict diamonds — also known as “blood diamonds” — presenting moral and ethical challenges for those shopping for diamond jewelry.
Diamond Facts
Diamonds are typically graded using the 4 C's: Carat, Cut, Clarity, and Color.
Alternative birthstones for April include white topaz, quartz, sapphire, and opal.
Imitation diamonds can also be found in cubic zirconia and silicon carbide.
Diamonds are the official gemstone of the state of Arkansas.
Diamonds are mined in Africa, Russia, Australia, Brazil, China, and Canada.
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