Diamond takes its name from the Greek 'adámas', meaning unbreakable. It is extremely hard and resistant. The purest of diamonds would be absolutely clear, and highly sought after! Nitrogen is the most common contaminant, which is responsible for the yellow colouration of most diamonds. Other colours of diamond include blue, green, pink, purple and black, the colour depending upon the type of impurity contained within the stone.
Legend has it that the God of Mines called his courtiers to bring together all the world’s known gems: Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds et al and he found them to be of all tints and colours and varying hardnesses. He took one of each and crushed them; compounding them together, and declared, “Let this be something that will combine the beauty of all.” He spoke, and lo, the Diamond was born…pure as a dewdrop and invincible in hardness. Yet when its ray is resolved in the spectrum, it displays all the colours of the gems from which it was made.
Diamond is the longstanding birthstone for April, although in costume jewellery it is often swapped for cubic zirconia to keep the costs down, whilst maintaining the aesthetic. Diamond has long been thought to absorb and amplify the intentions of its wearer. Supposedly a great conduit of energy, it is purported to be of great use for creative types to help channel their mass of energy into a workable idea and an organised, distilled form. In addition to its spiritual power Diamond is the stone of invincibility, bringing fortitude and strength to the wearer.
