The Diamond is the modern birthstone for the month of April. Diamonds are the hardest known natural material and have other qualities that make the Diamond a true king of gems. Based upon the element "Carbon", diamonds are actually similar to Graphite, but like carbon they have a unique crystalline composition. This dense atomic structure of Damonds makes them extremely valuable in Jewelry but also in modern day industrial applications. Diamonds are formed deep underground where pressure and temperature are critical for their formation. In ancient times, India was the only known source of diamonds, until after the 1800 century, deposits were discovered all over the world. Diamonds come from a variety of sources but the primary deposits are from large openings in the Earth called kimberlite or lamproite volcanic pipes. These are often called Kimberlite Pipes. The vast majority of all diamonds originate in Africa but other significant finds have been discovered in Russia and in the northwestern territories of Canada.
The word "diamond" comes from Greek word, "adamas", and is aptly named "invincible". All over the world, diamonds have a rich legend. The Greeks believed that diamonds held magical powers and they were fallen parts of stars, or "Tears of the Gods" and were often seen as symbols of strength and courage. In earlier time periods diamonds were highly prized and were only held by kings and nobility who were worthy of the symbolism attached to them.
The stories that linked the Diamond as symbol of love comes from the legend that Cupid's arrows were tipped with diamonds and that the Archduke of Austria gave the diamond ring to Mary of Burgandy, thus starting a tradition of giving a diamond as the ultimate promise of Love. Diamonds are considered the embodiment of everlasting love, trust and confidence, strength, life and joy.
Diamonds come in a variety of cuts such as Brilliant, Princess, Flanders, Pear, Heart, Oval, Emerald and Marquis. The Grading scale for diamonds is based upon the 4 C's of diamond grading. Carat, Clarity, Color and Cut. Diamonds also can come in different colors and these are called "Fancy Diamonds".
The word "diamond" comes from Greek word, "adamas", and is aptly named "invincible". All over the world, diamonds have a rich legend. The Greeks believed that diamonds held magical powers and they were fallen parts of stars, or "Tears of the Gods" and were often seen as symbols of strength and courage. In earlier time periods diamonds were highly prized and were only held by kings and nobility who were worthy of the symbolism attached to them. 
