We hate to have favourites but the April birthstone might just have stolen the crown - the diamond-encrusted one at that.
Yes, those lucky enough to have been born in April are truly blessed with the world’s most sought-after and adored gemstone as their birthstone: the epic diamond.
Undisputedly the world's most cherished and coveted gem stone, diamond has long been held in high regard thanks to its unrivalled shine and strength. In fact, the name diamond originates from the Greek word "adamas", which means “invincible” or “unbreakable” and because diamonds are harder and more durable than any other precious gem, the ancient Greeks deemed diamonds are the most valuable object on earth.
Whether it's your pal showing off her 3 carat diamond engagement ring or your favourite celebrity dripping in the stuff on the red carpet, diamonds are commonly synonymous with wealth. But despite the common misconception that diamonds are only attainable for the rich, anyone can afford diamonds… you just have to shop savvy.
Whilst diamonds are commonly associated with an engagement or wedding ring, anyone can own a piece of diamond jewellery and thanks to its durability, it's a brilliant piece of investment jewellery that will last for years to come.
So, if your birthday falls in April and you're looking to treat yourself to your very own diamond birthstone - or you're seeking a gift for a friend with a birthday - we've answered everything you need to know about the April birthstone. We've also compiled a shopping guide to the best April birthstones to buy now and wear forever (and there's a piece to suit every budget and taste, yes really).
Missoma April Birthstone 18ct yellow gold-plated vermeil sterling-silver and crystal pendant necklaceDinny Hall 22ct Gold Plated Vermeil Silver Gem Drop Small Rose Cut White Topaz Pendant NecklaceWhat is the birthstone for April?
Diamond is the birthstone for April - and what a birthstone at that! Colour-wise, diamonds are glass-like and translucent with vivid diffractions of light that dazzle incredibly.
Originally found in rivers and streams in India back in the fourth century, diamonds form under highly pressured carbon in warm temperatures. The high content of carbon makes a diamond's structure 58 times (!) harder than absolutely anything in nature. Diamond, which can only be cut with diamond, doesn't just come in clear hues; it is also found in brown, yellow, red, pink, blue, and green and surprisingly, deeply coloured diamonds can often be valued higher than the clear ones we know and love. If you've heard of ‘colour-treated diamonds’, these are ones made in a lab to have that much-prized saturated hue.
What colour is the April birthstone?
Diamonds are most commonly worn in clear hues and wearers often seek out that exquisite clarity to ensure the gem stone captures a plethora of the rainbow colours in a myriad of light diffractions.
There are actually three different diamond colourways: white diamonds, which are the best-known gem stones that are bright, clear and brilliantly reflective. Then there's champagne diamonds, which have a slightly warm yellow tint to them, and ‘fancy diamonds’ which is basically the term given to diamonds in any other colour, from blue to pink.
Fortnum & Mason X EC One April Birthstone Necklace, DiamondPascale Monvoisin Ava N°1 9-karat gold and sterling silver diamond ringWhat does the April birthstone symbolise?
As you've probably gleaned by now, diamonds are the hardest material on earth so have long been associated with strength, longevity, endurance and power. Indeed, the word ‘diamond’ originates from the Greek word ‘adamas’, which translates as ‘unconquerable’.
The Romans referred to diamonds as the ‘love’ stone and were convinced that the tips of Cupid’s arrow were emblazoned with little diamonds to penetrate the hearts of even the most stubborn lovers. The diamond has since been prized as a symbol of everlasting love, which is why it's become a near-universal symbol of love and marriage (unless you're Kate Middleton who was given a sapphire engagement ring by William). The diamond is also the gift of choice for the 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries; hence it's a symbol of longevity.
In Ancient times, diamond was thought to ward off the evil eye - a malevolent look believed to cause sickness, poverty and even death. It was also considered an antidote to poison and protection against the plague. People would even heat up diamonds on a fire and sleep with them in the hope of removing bad toxins from their blood.
What stone is rarer than a diamond?
Despite its universal allure - and hefty price tag - there are actually 9 gem stones rarer than diamond. It was only in the last century that diamonds become so readily available and before that, sapphire and ruby were the most popular gem of choice for engagement ring (Prince William was on to something then). In 2005, the Guinness Book of World Records hailed painite as the rarest gemstone in the world, even rarer than diamonds. Named after Arthur Charles Davy Pain, the gemologist that discovered it in 1950, there are less than 25 painite gemstones in existence right now.
After more jewellery content? You're in luck because we've got plenty, including gold jewellery, gold hoop earrings and initial pendants. We've also got friendship bracelets, pearl jewellery, unique engagement rings, Missoma jewellery, Monica Vinader jewellery, resin rings a la Dua Lipa and clip on earrings (yes, really). We also have guides to the best September birthstone jewellery, October birthstone jewellery, November birthstone jewellery, December birthstone jewellery, January birthstone jewellery, February birthstone jewellery and March birthstone jewellery if you're looking to treat someone with a birthday in those months. You're most welcome.
Scroll to shop the best April birthstone jewellery, from diamond earrings to rings for every budget…
Monica Vinader Essential 18ct recycled yellow gold-plated vermeil sterling-silver and 0.5ct round-cut diamond pendant necklaceThe Modern Solitaire 0.26ct Diamond Stud EarringsRosa de la Cruz diamond & 18kt gold braceletMonica Vinader linear 18ct sterling-silver and white diamond stud earringsSydney Evan Hamsa 14-karat gold, cord and diamond braceletYvonne Leon mini diamond & 9kt gold signet ringCartier Cartier d'Amour extra-small 18ct white-gold and 0.04ct round-cut diamond braceletStone and Strand lips gold diamond necklaceStone and Strand teeny gold diamond single earringKatKim 18K Yellow Gold Cosma Diamond NecklaceThe Alkemistry Dinny Hall Shuga 14ct yellow-gold, pearl and diamond drop earringsMaria Tash 18K White Gold Lightning Bolt Diamond CharmStar Solid Gold & Diamond Bracelet, 9ct GoldApril Birthstone Beaded RingWhite Topaz April Birthstone Necklace - SilverSydney Evan 14K Yellow Gold Mini Moroccan Diamond Beaded BraceletWWAKE Small Fragment 14-karat gold diamond earringsApril Birthstone O Pendant SetncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLjApqauqp2WtKLGyKecZ5ufY8Kse8Crq6KbnJp8orzRoqNmmpmnwam%2F06ilng%3D%3D