Diamonds – The April Birthstone

THE GEMSTONE:

The word ‘diamond’ comes from the Greek word ‘adamas’ meaning unconquerable.  Diamonds are a pure crystalline form of carbon and the hardest substance known to mankind. The largest diamond ever found was the Cullinan, which in 1908 was cut into 9 large stones and 96 smaller stones.  The largest was the Cullinan I at 530.20 carats.  Diamonds are subject to strict grading standards based on cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.  The most important of these is the cut and it is the only one controlled by man.  In the round brilliant diamond the Ideal cut, developed by Russian cutter Marcel Tolkowsky, is the most desirable because of its extreme brilliance.  Diamonds are the gemstones for the tenth and sixtieth wedding anniversary. 

THE LORE:

The Ancients thought diamonds were crystallized lightening, splinters from stars, or petrified dewdrops.  Diamonds are said to be a talisman against phantoms and were supposed to give soldiers courage and virtue in war.