Dazzling Diamonds, April's Birthstone

"She who from April dates her years,
Diamonds shall wear,
lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow."
If you were born in April then you may be lucky enough to receive a large amount of diamond jewelry in your lifetime, as this is your birthstone. Diamonds are formed when carbon deep in the earth is compressed under massive pressure to form a clear stone, this diamond ore is brought closer to the surface by volcanic activity. Diamond's are the hardest natural mineral in the world, and this, along with their ability to reflect light makes them highly desirable in jewelry.

Roughly 130 million carats of diamonds are mined each year, and almost 50% of these come from Africa. Diamonds are also found in Australia, Russia and even the US.
Diamonds have always been considered attractive and valuable gemstones, and have been associated with engagement rings and weddings. Although many men struggle to find just the right engagement ring, with the huge selection of designer diamond rings available at reputable locations, there are hundreds of beautiful rings available to suit any budget or style.
Diamonds are believed to pass their clarity and longevity to the wearer and their relationships, helping them to find balance, strength and courage. The stone is associated with the crownchakra, meaning that when worn it is thought to be able to encourage clearer thinking and focus.
Diamond jewelry is a gift to be treasured forever, and diamonds have been included in the designs of rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and broochesfrom as early as the 8th century BC, when they were only found in India. Traditionally, alongside diamond engagement rings, diamond tennis bracelets are one of the most popular jewelry designs to use the stone, and these are often given as a special gift to express love.
Sapphire is sometimes considered an alternative birthstone for April, and with the popularity of colorful gemstone rings , why not treat your loved one to a beautiful diamond and sapphire ring with a dazzling pink, blue or yellow sapphire.
A Tanzanite and diamond ring is another beautiful combination, as the vibrant purple Tanzanite is highlighted by the clear, white sparkle of diamonds.
The traditional birth flower associated with April is the daisy, so what better gift that a piece of jewelry which incorporates both diamonds and daisies? Flower designs in jewelry have been particularly popular over the recent months, and the trend looks set to continue. Diamond and daisy jewelry is a wonderful birthday gift for milestone ages such as 18, 21, 30 and 40, as the diamonds add class and significance while the daisy shape creates a feeling of fun and youth. These diamond daisy earrings are cute and fashionable.
Of course, if you like things simpler, what woman wouldn't be overjoyed to receive a classic pair of diamond stud earrings for her birthday? And if she was born in April, your gift will hold even more meaning.
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Combat the Cold of Winter with the Warmth of Garnet

By her who in January was born
No gem save Garnets shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity."
- Poem in the Gregorian Calendar, as re-printed by Tiffany in 1870 Garnet is the traditional birthstone for January, as well as the gemstone associate with the Aquarius zodiac sign. Although mostly known for it's deep, red color it is found in many variations and colors, including green, yellow and black. Within the last decade, small amounts of unusual blue Garnet have even been found in Madagascar and other locations. These colors are more rare, however, and the abundance and affordability of red Garnet, along with it's beautiful appeal, has made it one of the most widely used gemstones. Garnet can be found all over the world, although most commercial, red Garnet comes from mines in the US, Russia and India. Garnet is the official gemstone of New York and Connecticut.Garnets have been used in jewelry for thousands of years. Archaeologists have found the gemstones in jewelry and ornaments dating from Egyptian and Roman times, as well as long before. The Bible even mentions Garnet in a very special way: it is said that Noah guided his Ark at night by the light from a Garnet lantern. The idea of Garnet having luminescent properties carried on throughout the ages, and was carried by travellers and explorers as a talisman to help guide them in times of darkness. Garnets do seem to sometimes give off their own light, and this is caused by the high refractive index of the mineral, bouncing back a high percentage of any light that hits it.Garnet is often used by natural healers. In color therapy, wearing Garnet is said to attract light from the red spectrum. It is believed that this light is then absorbed by our body and can have a healing and strengthening effect on our muscles. Historically, many healers used Garnet to help treat conditions of the blood, lungs and heart. Reiki practitioners use red Garnet to connect with and treat the root Chakra, which governs our basic instincts and sensuality. Many New Age healers or meta-physicists believe that Garnet is the stone of love and passion, and that wearing it has a positive effect on sexuality and romance. All of these ideas point to Garnet as an ideal gemstone to be given as a gift around Valentine's Day, and many jewelers use heart shaped Garnets in romantic designs. Garnets look particularly good when paired with warm, yellow gold. Our Garnet and pearl earrings make a beautiful gift for any woman at Valentine's Day, with heart shaped gemstones and creamy, white pearls set in luxurious 14kt gold settings.

Treat yourself, your girlfriend or wife to a piece of Garnet jewelry to rekindle the romance and passion in your relationship. Even without any mystical properties, buying Garnet jewelry is always a great way to say 'I Love You.'

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