April's birthstone is remarkably simple in composition, yet
stunning in its unique ability to reflect and refract light into vivid flashes
of brilliant color. The ancient Hindus called the Diamond
"Vajra," meaning lightening, both because of the sparks of light
thrown off by this gem as well as its invincible strength. .
Diamonds have been revered throughout history. Used to
embellish such items as crowns, swords and emblems as well as jewellery,
they've even been part of national holidays. Queen Victoria
declared the celebration of her 50th year of reign a "Diamond
Jubilee." Diamonds have also been credited for having certain
medicinal properties.
The Diamond is harder than any other substance on earth. But even
as hard as it is, it is not impervious. Diamond has four directions of
cleavage, meaning that if it receives a sharp blow in one of these directions
it will cleave, or split. A skilled diamond setter and/or jeweller will prevent
any of these directions from being in a position to be struck while mounted in
a jewellery piece.
As a gemstone,
Diamond's single flaw (perfect cleavage) is far outdistanced by the sum of its
positive qualities. It has a broad color range, high refraction, high
dispersion or fire, very low reactivity to chemicals, rarity, and of course,
extreme hardness and durability.
Diamonds are found in a
type of rock called "Kimberlite", which comprises the core of certain
volcanoes over especially thick portions of the earth's crust. Diamonds
are found in many areas including South Africa, Russia, and even in Arkansas in
the USA. In all cases, the diamonds formed deep within the earth's
mantle, and were brought to the surface in volcanic eruptions. In many
cases, the diamonds weathered out of the kimberlite by natural processes, and
were transported downstream by water. Many diamonds are mined in the
resulting alluvial deposits in areas such as along the coast of South
Africa.
Most
people are unaware of the role diamonds play in bringing real benefits to
people in the countries around the world where diamonds are sourced.
Nowhere is
this more evident than in Africa:
- The charity Jewelers for Children funds a community based care program for orphaned children in South Africa.
- The diamond mining industry generates over 40% of Namibia's annual export earnings.
- The Diamond Development Initiative was established to improve the working conditions of artisanal miners.
- Approximately one million people are employed by the diamond industry in India.
- Approximately $8.5 billion worth of diamonds a year come from African countries.
- The revenue from diamonds is instrumental in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
- An estimated 65% of the world's diamonds come from African countries.
A gift of a Diamond is symbolic of everlasting love. There
is no more convincing a promise of an enduring relationship than the brilliant
gemstone that has endured in people's hearts throughout the ages.
Diamond is the April Birthstone, and an alternate Zodiac stone for the Constellation of Aries.
Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble
without one.
- Confucius
- Confucius
