Over time, the stones became associated with the 12 astrological signs, and eventually the 12 months of the year. Then, in the early 1900s, the National Association of Jewelers made the 12 birthstones official. Today, they’re most often gifted on birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and more. And, fun fact—they’re actually the official 60th-anniversary gift, which is as high as the official list goes—indicating their lasting strength. “Aries and Taurus (the zodiac signs of April) often already have a beautifully developed sense of self and willpower, but they can also be famously stubborn,” Van Doren notes. She says that diamonds can be particularly helpful to people born under these signs, “as diamonds can help refine your strong innate energies so that you naturally align with the highest possible truth; the best outcome for all involved in a situation. Think of them like truth spotlights.” And of course, diamonds are also commonly used for engagement rings, with their sturdiness symbolizing the commitment of marriage. You can check out our guide to cleansing and charging crystals for inspiration on how to clean your gems. However, you’ll want to use extra care when cleaning antique diamond jewelry, as it might have chips. It’s also worth mentioning that when purchasing a diamond from a retailer, it’s important to look for ethical and sustainably sourced options. Diamonds may be associated with engagements and the month of April, but they’re also notorious for being mined in war zones (aka “blood” or “conflict diamonds”). Learn how to identify sustainably and ethically sourced jewels here. Van Doren is a big fan of wearing diamond jewelry to incorporate its energies into daily life and adds that when you are shopping for a diamond, you should follow your heart and intuition. “If a piece of diamond jewelry grabs hold of your heart and imagination, then that diamond holds innate magic for you, regardless of how highly it ranks on the ‘4Cs’ value scale. Listen to your intuition,” she says. And as an added bonus, if you’re on a budget, white topaz and clear quartz are significantly more affordable than diamonds, so if you’re looking to gift an April baby with something birthstone-adjacent, diamonds aren’t the only option.
