April Birthstone Jewellery: Essential Diamond Guide
April’s birthstone is diamond. Bright, durable and full of character. From candlelit old cuts to sleek modern shapes, this guide blends history, meaning and design so you can choose pieces you will enjoy for years.
Prefer the full series at a glance first? Visit the Birthstones by Month guide. Ready to browse? See current Rings and keep an eye on New Arrivals.
Table of Contents
- History of April’s Birthstone
- Symbolism and Meaning
- Old Cuts to Modern
- Understanding the 4Cs in Antique and Vintage
- Design Through the Eras
- Care in Brief
- FAQs
- You Might Also Like
- Final Thoughts
- About Ps Its Vintage
History of April’s Birthstone
Diamonds have been admired for centuries for hardness and lively sparkle. Early hand cutting created rose cuts, old mine cuts and old European cuts with chunky facets and open culets. The look is romantic and glows in softer light. Through the twentieth century, cutting became more standardised, proportions improved and modern brilliant styles took over. Antique and vintage pieces remain popular because they feel individual and carry real history.
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Symbolism and Meaning
Diamond stands for strength, commitment and clarity. It suits personal milestones and daily wear. Yellow gold adds warmth, white metals feel crisp and modern, and rose gold gives a gentle, romantic tone.
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Old Cuts to Modern
Rose cut. Flat base with a domed top of triangular facets. Gentle glow and a poetic feel in antique pieces.
Old mine and old European cuts. Hand cut, chunky facets, visible culet. Characterful sparkle that suits candlelight and warm gold.
Modern brilliant and fancy shapes. Standardised angles and facet patterns for bright, even light return. Hearts, pears and ovals add personality.
Understanding the 4Cs in Antique and Vintage
Hard facts first. Diamond is Mohs hardness 10 with perfect octahedral cleavage. Brightness comes from high refractive index and dispersion. Older stones were cut for the light of their time, so they may look different from modern brilliants and that is part of the charm.
Colour. Antique stones often show a touch of warmth. Many collectors like this, especially in yellow or rose gold.
Clarity. Natural inclusions are common. Choose eye clean if you prefer a tidy look or embrace a few tiny features for character.
Cut. Proportions vary by era. Open culets, taller crowns and smaller tables create a bolder scintillation pattern.
Carat. Size is only one part of the picture. Shape, facet style and setting can make a stone read larger or more lively.
Fluorescence. Some stones glow under UV. In daily wear many people never notice it. Judge each piece by how it looks in your normal light.
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Design Through the Eras
Victorian. Gypsy bands, starburst motifs, boat rings and sentimental shapes in warm gold.
Edwardian. Airy filigree in platinum and gold with old cut stones and delicate detail.
Art Deco. Geometry, stepped shoulders and bold symmetry with baguettes and streamlined bezels.
Mid century. Confident profiles from clusters to toi et moi, often with clean lines and generous light.
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Care in Brief
Clean with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Pat dry with a lint free cloth. Ultrasonic cleaning is often fine for robust settings and stones without issues. Avoid it for pieces with foil backs, glue, very delicate mounts or sensitive companion stones. Store pieces separately and have settings checked now and then.
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FAQs
What makes old mine and old European cuts look different?
They were hand cut with taller crowns, smaller tables and an open culet. The pattern is broader and the sparkle looks bold in lower light.
Are antique rose cut diamonds suitable for daily wear?
Yes with care. Choose protective settings, avoid knocks and check mounts from time to time.
Do I need high colour and clarity for vintage pieces?
Not always. Many antique stones show gentle warmth and a few tiny inclusions. Focus on face up beauty and character.
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You Might Also Like
- Birthstones by Month: Complete Guide
- September Birthstone Jewellery: Sapphire Guide
- October Birthstone Jewellery: Opal and Tourmaline Guide
Final Thoughts
Diamond gives April a lot of range. From poetic rose cuts to confident modern shapes, there is a style for every mood. Explore different eras and settings, then pick the piece that feels most like you.
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About Ps Its Vintage
Ps Its Vintage is independently run and specialises in preloved, vintage and antique jewellery. Every piece is chosen for its character, quality and symbolism, with a focus on hallmarks, makers and meaningful design. Whether you are discovering a birthstone or marking a milestone, this guide is here to help you choose with confidence.
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