The Magic of Diamonds

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

  

Visit our website HERE to see our beautiful diamond jewellery or visit us on Facebook.

The Magic Properties of Garnet Gemstones.

Garnets are the modern birthstone for January and they are given on the 2nd and 6th anniversary. Garnets are associated with strength, perseverity, prosperity, and health.


Some also believe that Garnet is the stone for a successful business. If your business is not as good as it should be, just put 3 or more garnets on your desk. It is believed that if a garnet is put under a pillow it will cure depression. Garnets can be used to make a person popular and have self-esteem when worn as jewellery. It helps protect one on trips. Garnets bring constancy to friendships. 

Currently, the world's largest supply of garnets is the continent of Africa. In December 1996, a student in Central Australia discovered what is thought to be the largest single garnet ever found - measuring nearly one hundred feet across! Other sources of garnet include India, Soviet Union, Brazil and the United States.


CONTACT us to design your very own Garnet Jewellery piece or visit our on-line jewellery store HERE.

Peridot - August's Birthstone

The beautiful green colour of peridot, with hint of gold, is the ideal birthstone for the month of August.

Peridot is a very old gemstone, and one which has become very popular again today. It is so ancient that it can be found in Egyptian jewellery from the early 2nd millennium B.C. Historical legend has it that peridot was the favourite gemstone of Cleopatra. The stones used at that time came from a deposit on a small volcanic island in the Red Sea, which was not rediscovered until about 1900.

Peridot is also found in Europe in medieval churches, where it adorns many treasures and shrines. During the baroque period, the rich green gemstone once again enjoyed great popularity.

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color, an olive green. The intensity and tint of the green depends on how much iron is contained in the internal crystal structure, so the color of individual peridot gems can vary from yellow- to olive- to brownish-green. The most valued color is a dark olive-green and was nicknamed “the emerald of the evening” by the ancient Romans. Peridot in general is a very abundant mineral, but gem quality peridot is rather rare. This makes the mineral precious.

Another interesting fact is that Peridot can be also found in meteorites.

For more information on this beautiful stone, or to have your very own peridot jewellery piece designed, feel free to contact us HERE.

You can also visit our Hilligers Jewellery Facebook Page for more information and specials.