The King of All Birthstones
April’s birthstone is the diamond – the most prized gemstone of them all.
If you or someone you love celebrates a birthday in April, there is no better gift than a diamond. The diamond had long been the precious gemstone assigned to April, but in 1912 the list of monthly birthstones was standardized, naming it the official gemstone.
Natural diamonds are the ultimate gift for a loved one. For centuries, they have symbolized lasting relationships, inner strength, clarity and abundance. From healing powers and mystical qualities, diamonds have been worshipped and revered for their special characteristics.
The diamond has everything going for it – unsurpassed brilliance when properly cut and polished, unbeatable toughness, a long association with enduring love, and a fascinating history dating back to the 4th century BC.
How Are Diamonds Formed?
Diamonds consist of only one element: carbon. They form deep underground from carbon deposits that are subjected to intense temperatures and pressure, forcing them upwards through the earth’s crust. They can take millions of years to develop into raw diamonds, which are then cut and polished. Diamonds are found in about 35 countries, but the largest mines are in South Africa, Russia and Botswana.
Diamonds are the hardest gemstones on earth, rating a 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. They can only be cut with another diamond. This means diamonds can withstand everyday wear and are perfect for engagement or other jewelry worn on a daily basis.
Diamond Color
It is the absence of color that distinguishes the purest of white diamonds. In a white diamond, the presence of a color tint such as yellow or brown greatly lowers its value. The GIA has an international industry standard for diamond color which goes from D, the highest quality and virtually colorless, to Z, which has brown tones.
This is not to be confused with “fancy” colored diamonds which can come in a variety of shades such as pink, green, chocolate, yellow and even red and blue; these are considered different and are graded on a separate scale. Out of 100,000 natural diamonds, only a handful will have a rare color. The deeper the natural color, the more expensive the stone will be.
Natural, fancy red diamonds are the rarest, followed by blue and pink. No doubt you have heard of The Hope Diamond which is on permanent display at the Smithsonian. It is a natural, fancy blue 45.52 carat diamond worth between $200 – $350 million.
Fancy-colored diamonds are often artificially color-enhanced, due to their rarity in nature, so it is worth asking about this before purchase. If a piece is described as “natural,” it has not been color enhanced.
Here are some of Dover’s magnificent fancy colored diamond pieces:
- This is an unusual pink, yellow and white diamond bracelet consisting of 335 genuine round-faceted diamonds romantically depicted in heart motifs.
- These exquisite pendant earrings also feature fancy pink, yellow and white diamonds.
- Here are a pair of GIA Certified 6.67cts Fancy Yellow Cushion Diamond 18K Stud Earrings for a classic look with a burst of sunshine happiness!
- For something completely different, here are a pair of outstanding GIA Natural Fancy Light Pink Diamond Platinum Gold Dangle Earrings, along with its matching 3.76cts GIA Natural Light Pink Platinum18k Diamond Necklace Pendant
Versatile, Durable & Dazzling
- Diamonds can be cut into endless shapes for rings, pendants, earrings, brooches and more. However, it is their durability and classic appeal that makes them a great choice for all types of engagement rings.
- Looking for something out of the ordinary? This is a Vintage Art Deco 17.27cts Diamond Platinum Large Bow Brooch Pin Pendant One of a kind, and outstanding statement piece.
- How about an April birthday gift for a special friend? These Modern 5.70 cts Diamond 14K Gold Dangle Drop Earrings are a perfect choice.
Chopard’s Happy Diamond I Love You pendant says it all. What better way to tell her how you feel?
Diamonds are the gemstone for sixtieth and seventy-fifth wedding anniversaries.
We carry a large collection of stunning diamond anniversary and eternity bands to celebrate any and every important marriage milestone. At Dover Jewelry & Diamonds, we specialize in antique, vintage and estate diamond pieces of all types and at a variety of price points. Our expertise lies in finding some of the finest examples of their period.
- This highly collectible vintage Patek Philippe diamond and platinum watch was made exclusively for Tiffany & Co.
- One of our most beautiful antique pieces is this 1930s diamond and platinum Art Deco-era link bracelet.
Diamonds have always been the ultimate gift. We invite you to explore their brilliance and beauty in our exclusive pieces. We are sure you will find the perfect gift for yourself or for someone you love.
At Dover Jewelry, our certified gemologists share your passion for classic antique jewelry. As one of the most reputable and trusted online jewelry boutiques in the world, we understand your desire for not only striking pieces but also confirmation of their history, which we provide through our professional appraisal documents. We welcome your visit in our New Brickell Showroom. Get Directions to 1000 Brickell Ave, Suite 100 Miami where you can meet with our Certified GIA Gemologists and Antique jewelry experts to evaluate your treasured gem or assist you in finding the gem of your dreams.
If you are looking to start or enhance your antique jewelry collection, get the advice of our professional antique jewelry experts at Dover Jewelry. Contact us online or call Dover Jewelry toll free at 1.877.777.6111 and let us help you find the perfect piece today.
