APRIL BIRTHSTONE - DIAMOND

Diamond is the ultimate gemstone, having few weaknesses and many strengths. It is well known that Diamond is the hardest substance found in nature, but few people realize that Diamond is four times harder than the next hardest natural mineral, corundum (sapphire and ruby). 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 jeweler will prevent any of these directions from being in a position to be struck while mounted in a jewelry 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.

Diamond is the April Birthstone, and an alternate Zodiac stone for the Constellation of Aries.

Diamond is the ultimate gemstone in several ways:

• Hardness: Diamond is a perfect "10", simply the hardest substance known by a wide margin. Nothing can scratch a diamond other than another diamond. And a diamond can scratch anything, even a sapphire.
• Clarity: Pure diamond is completely colorless and transparent over a larger range of wavelengths (from the ultraviolet into the far infrared) than is any other solid or liquid substance - nothing else even comes close.
• Thermal Conductivity: Diamond conducts heat better than anything - five times better than the second best element, Silver! This characteristic is the basis for "diamond tests", as it is simple and cannot be faked.
• Refraction: Diamond has a relatively high index of refraction (ability to bend light), which gives it the high luster called adamantine.
• Dispersion: Diamond has a relatively high optical dispersion which gives diamond the "fire" that makes it so desirable.

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.  This hard stone is mined and then crushed between giant steel rollers.  The kimberlite is reduced to fine gravel, yet the extremely hard diamonds come out unharmed!  Water is added and a grease covered roller sorts the diamonds from the gravel, as the diamonds stick to the grease. Typically, a single carat of diamond is recovered from a ton of rich ore.

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.

Also See:
• The Mineral Diamond
• Diamond - the Ultimate Gemstone
• Diamond Mining Around the World
• The History and Lore of Diamonds
• Buyer Beware - Imitation Diamonds
• Diamond - the April Birthstone

To see our natural diamond specimens, see the diamond specimens pages.

Diamond Jewelry Powered by Bizrate - Hover over an item for more information

BACCARAT Love Diamond Medallion, Large
18-karat rose gold with cutout "LOVE" center. Diamond detail 0.25 carats. Rose gold chain. Logo engraving. Keywords: charm necklace,choker,necklace,BACCARAT,633 Baccarat,536 Baccarat Jewelry,140 NecklacesOnly $995.00 at

BACCARAT Love Diamond Medallion, Large
$995.00

3.00ct Amethyst & Diamonds Engagement Ring
The princess-cut Amethyst weighs 3.00ct and is further enhanced with fine white diamonds. The ring weighs 5.6 grams and is made of 14k white gold.Only $595.00 at

3.00ct Amethyst & Diamonds Engagement Ring
$595.00

Lana Large Magic Diamond Hoops, White Gold
14-karat white gold. Oversized hoops. Single-diamond detail on center front 0.06 total carat weight. Pierced backs. 2 1/4" diameter. Made in USA. Keywords: April,Birthstone,diamond,earring,gold,Multi Tone,multitone,Multi-Tone,pearl,pink...Only $445.00 at

Lana Large Magic Diamond Hoops, White Gold
$445.00

Morganite and Diamond Ring in 14k Rose Gold
Stunning in every way, this gemstone and diamond ring features an oval morganite surrounded by brilliant diamonds and complemented in 14k rose gold.Only $1,775.00 at

Morganite and Diamond Ring in 14k Rose Gold
$1,775.00

nicole by Nicole Miller Diamond Pendant Silver - White
Intertwining ovals outlined in diamonds create an open design with neither a beginning or an end. This impressive diamond pendant dazzles from day to night. Metal: Sterling silver Metal Color: White Stones: 1/7 ct. t.w. round diamonds Setting: Pave...Only $125.00 at

nicole by Nicole Miller Diamond Pendant Silver - White
$125.00

June Birthstone Heart Pearl Promise Ring with Diamond Accents in 14k Gold
14kt white gold Diamond and Pearl heart birthstone promise ring for the month of June birthdays. (151FC11R-June) $349 * 3.5 - 4mm Genuine Cultured Pearl * .01 ctw of Diamonds * Weighs approx 3.2 grams * Measures approx 3/8" wide * Comes in a nice gift...Only $349.00 at

June Birthstone Heart Pearl Promise Ring with Diamond Accents in 14k Gold
$349.00

Ippolita Rose Clear Quartz Hoop Earrings, Medium
From the Ippolita Rose collection. Sterling silver mixed with a precious alloy of 18-karat gold plated with 18-karat rose gold. Adorned with faceted clear quartz stones. Pierced backs. Imported. Keywords: April,Birthstone,diamond,earring,gold,Multi...Only $550.00 at

Ippolita Rose Clear Quartz Hoop Earrings, Medium
$550.00

Sea Foam Blue Tourmaline & Diamond Engagement Ring
We are proud to offer this unique Sea-Foam blue Tourmaline ring. The Tourmaline weighs 1.25ct and is accented with fine diamonds. The ring is made of 14k white gold.Only $719.00 at

Sea Foam Blue Tourmaline & Diamond Engagement Ring
$719.00

Titanium Genuine Diamond Engagement Ring
Metal: Solid Highest Quality Titanium\nSize / Style: Ring size can be chosen from the options.\nMetal Finish: PolishedStone/s: Genuine DiamondsBrand: SilverBestBuy Co.\n This item usually arrives in 2-3 business days. Arrival date depends on the item...Only $236.34 at

Titanium Genuine Diamond Engagement Ring
$236.34

Simulated Diamond, Diamonore 2 CT. Solitaire Ring by JCPenney
Simulated diamond solitaire is simply stunning with a full 2 carats of sparkle and a classic 14K gold setting. She'll look radiant and you'll seem brilliant for making such a perfect choice. Simulated Diamond: Metal: 14K gold Metal Color: Yellow...Only $495.00 at

Simulated Diamond, Diamonore 2 CT. Solitaire Ring by JCPenney
$495.00

Blue Diamond, Pendant 1/2 CT. T.W. Sterling Silver by JCPenney - White
Blue diamond encircled by white diamonds creates a gorgeous pendant for day or evening. Blue Diamond: Metal: Sterling silver Metal Color: White Stones: 1/2 ct. t.w. white and color-enhanced blue round diamonds Closure: Spring-ring Length: 18" cable...Only $395.00 at

Blue Diamond, Pendant 1/2 CT. T.W. Sterling Silver by JCPenney - White
$395.00

Aquamarine&Diamond Engagement Ring 14k White Gold
This spectacular ring features a dazzling 1.25ct round-cut Aquamarine. The ring is also set with fine white diamonds with a total weight of 0.20ct.Only $595.00 at

Aquamarine&Diamond Engagement Ring 14k White Gold
$595.00

Forever Diamond Bangle
A stunning 24kt gold-plated bangle featuring 20 eye-catching diamonds and the touching inscription, "Forever." The bracelet is lavished with 20 glorious diamonds, sparkling brilliantly from a band bathed in 24kt gold. Notice how the alternating pattern...Only $149.00 at

Forever Diamond Bangle
$149.00

Ross-Simons 4.10 ct. t.w. Aquamarine and Diamond Earrings In 14kt White Gold
This pair of aquamarine earrings has just the right touch of bling! Soft blue aquamarines total 4.00 ct. t.w. and are accented with .10 ct. t.w. of diamonds. Aquamarine post/clutch earrings in 14kt white gold. Aquamarine birthstones are the perfect...Only $371.25 at

Ross-Simons 4.10 ct. t.w. Aquamarine and Diamond Earrings In 14kt White Gold
$371.25

Ross-Simons 3.00 Carat Aquamarine and .20 ct. t.w. Diamond Ring In 14kt White Gold
Only $995.00 at

Ross-Simons 3.00 Carat Aquamarine and .20 ct. t.w. Diamond Ring In 14kt White Gold
$995.00

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