The birthstone for April is the diamond. Diamonds are crystal – the ultimate example of symmetry in nature. In their natural form, diamonds are actually pretty unimpressive, but when cut and polished by skilled craftsmen in a pattern that reflects and refracts the light among its facets to reveal the hidden beauty of the stone, they are irresistible.
The ancient Romans and Greeks placed the diamond at the centre of their mythology, not least in their belief that diamonds were the tears of the gods, or splinters of stars that had fallen to earth. The ancient Romans believed that Cupid’s arrows were tipped with diamonds – possibly the earliest linking of diamonds to romance.
The Hindus, who were known to use diamonds in the eyes of their statues, believed that diamonds were created when bolts of lightning struck rocks and in Persian culture there exists a myth that God had no need for diamonds, gold, or any other precious metals or gems when he created the world. Satan, however spotted that Eve loved the brightly coloured flowers in the Garden of Eden and so it was he who created gemstones, in the same hues as our favourite blooms, to tempt humans. He did a great job – who isn’t drawn towards the fire and ice, rich hues and sparkle of a beautiful white diamond!
As time moved on diamonds became associated with steadfast, enduring love, probably due to their unmatched strength and bewitching beauty – and unsurprisingly has become the classic choice for an engagement ring.
The first recorded diamond engagement ring was given by Archduke Maximillian of Austria in 1477, to Mary of Burgundy. This sparked a trend for diamond rings among European aristocracy and nobility.
The sentimental Victorians popularised ornate engagement ring designs that mixed diamonds with other gemstones, precious metals and enamels. Often these rings were crafted in the shapes of flowers and were dubbed “posey rings.” Diamond rings crafted during the Edwardian era continued the tradition of pairing diamonds with other jewels, commonly mounted in filigree settings.
Diamonds were far beyond the reach of anyone but the very rich until the discovery of African diamond mines in the 1870s, run solely by the De Beers Company. In 1947, De Beers launched its now classic slogan, ‘A Diamond is Forever’ which worked brilliantly. A diamond’s strength, purity and sparkle have now become symbols of commitment in virtually all corners of the world.