Stone of April: Diamond

Origins and varieties of Diamonds 

The diamond is the birthstone for April babies. King of all gemstones, it is the hardest stone on earth. Its name comes from the ancient Greek 'Adamas' meaning indestructible, pure and inalterable. Although white (transparent) is the most common and well known colour for diamonds, the gem also exists in a variety of hues including yellow, champagne, pink, blue, green, cognac, chocolate and even black. 

Information, legends and virtues about Diamonds

In the XVIIth and XVIIIth centuries, most diamonds came from India. Later on they were also found in Brasil and today the chief world source is Africa (Botswana, Namibia, Congo, South Africa). Russia, Canada and Australia are also important producers.

The diamond is the hardest known stone on earth and is used as the reference point for the Mohs hardness scale with a score of 10. Diamonds are also used for a number of industrial applications; cutting, grinding and polishing...

The value of a diamond is a combination of 4 criteria: colour, clarity, cut and carat weight.

Diamonds can be treated (high-temperature/high-pressure) to enhance their colour and clarity.

Diamonds are a symbol of eternel love and invincibility.
In the 1953 film "Gentlemen prefer Blondes" by Howard Hawks, Marilyn Monroe sings "Diamonds are a girls best friend" which was later revisited by Nicole Kidman in "Moulin rouge" by Baz Lyhrmann.

Queen of France from 1774 to 1792, Marie-Antoinettte was given beautiful pear-shaped earrings by her husband, set with diamonds weighing 20.34 and 14.25 carats. They can still be admired today in Washington at the Smithsonian Institution in the Gem Gallery.

Diamonds are traditionnally gifts for 10th and 60th wedding anniversaries.

Which metal for setting Diamonds?

With their neutral white colour and their amazing shine, diamonds will look stunning on any precious metal.

Our jewellery collections set with diamonds on our website:

In our last 9 and 18ct Gold jewellery collection, Laval brings you a range of jewellery set with HSI and HP1 certified diamonds. For engagements, why not suggest a diamond three stone ring, with its three diamonds representing the past, the present and the future. Browse our range of 18ct gold and diamond jewellery.

9 ct Gold                                      18 ct Gold & diamonds     

Pear-shaped earrings set with diamonds (Getty images)