This month’s birthstone spotlight was nicknamed a “girl’s best friend” after a song first sang by Carol Channing in 1949 during the well known Broadway production of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Diamond is the gorgeous birthstone of April as well as the anniversary gemstone for the 10th and 60th years of marriage.

Where do diamonds get their value? Diamonds are very simple in composition, but actually have spectacular optical characteristics and are considered a high value possession due to their exclusive ability to both reflect and refract light. They are also a rare gemstone and are only found in select parts of the world.

Where did the term “diamond’ originate? In ancient days, the Greeks called a diamond “adámas” which translated to unbreakable and Hindus called the gemstone “Vajra,” which translates to lightening, because of the fact that the gemstone reflects sparks of light and is incredibly strong. In fact, the diamond is harder than most other substances on earth.  Diamonds are when carbon deposits are exposed to high pressure and high temperatures for prolonged periods of time. There are only certain spots within the earth’s crust that have the conditions needed to form diamonds.

The use of diamonds has varied throughout history, and is a very interesting fact. Uses include the adornment of royal crowns, swords and jewelry and as healing powers. During the middle ages, diamond gemstones were thought to have medical properties and were used as an aid to cure illness.

Additional Reference link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April