If you were born in April, you won the birthstone lottery. While other months get amethyst, aquamarine, or garnet, April gets the diamond. It is hard to compete with that.
But beyond the obvious appeal, there are reasons diamonds have held their place at the top of the jewelry hierarchy for centuries. Here is what actually makes them special.
Why Diamonds Became the Standard
Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on earth. That durability is part of what made them valuable historically—they could be passed down through generations without wearing out. A diamond ring from the 1920s looks essentially the same today as it did a century ago.
The brilliance matters too. The way diamonds refract light is different from any other gemstone. A well-cut diamond catches light from almost any angle, which is why they work so well in engagement rings and everyday jewelry.
And then there is the marketing. The "diamonds are forever" campaign from the mid-20th century successfully tied diamonds to romance and commitment in a way that stuck. Whether that bothers you or not, it worked, and it shaped how we think about diamonds today.
What Makes a Diamond Valuable
Not all diamonds are created equal. The famous "Four Cs" still matter:
Cut is the most important factor in how a diamond looks. A poorly cut diamond will not sparkle, no matter how clear or colorless it is. Cut affects brilliance more than any other factor.
Color in diamonds means lack of color. The clearest, most colorless diamonds are the most valuable. Slight yellow or brown tints lower the value, though some people prefer warmer tones.
Clarity refers to internal flaws or inclusions. Most inclusions are invisible to the naked eye, and a diamond does not need to be flawless to look beautiful. You are paying for perfection most people will never see.
Carat is simply weight. Bigger diamonds cost more, but a well-cut smaller diamond will often look better than a poorly cut larger one.
If you are buying diamond jewelry and do not know what to prioritize, focus on cut first. Everything else is secondary.
Vintage and Estate Diamonds: What You Should Know
One of the best-kept secrets in the diamond market is that estate jewelry and antique jewelry often offer better value than buying new.
Older diamonds, particularly those from the Art Deco, Edwardian, and Victorian periods, were cut by hand. They have different proportions than modern diamonds, and many people prefer the way they look. Old European cut and old mine cut diamonds have a softer, warmer sparkle compared to the sharp brilliance of modern round brilliants.
The settings also tend to be more interesting. Vintage engagement rings often feature intricate metalwork, milgrain detailing, and design elements you will not find in most modern pieces. And because the piece has already been made, you are not paying the markup that comes with new jewelry.
We have seen people come in looking for something modern and leave with a 1930s Art Deco ring because nothing new could compare. It happens more often than you would think.
Diamond Jewelry Beyond Engagement Rings
April birthdays are not just about engagement rings. Diamonds work in nearly every type of jewelry, and if you are shopping for yourself or someone born in April, there are plenty of options.
Earrings with diamonds are a classic choice. Simple studs work for everyday wear, while vintage drop earrings or more elaborate designs make a statement.
Pendants and necklaces with diamond accents add subtle sparkle without the commitment of a ring. A single diamond pendant on a simple chain is one of those pieces that works with everything.
Bracelets with diamonds can range from delicate and understated to bold tennis-style pieces. Vintage bracelets often feature diamonds set in interesting patterns that modern designs do not replicate.
Cocktail rings with diamonds are less common than colored stone cocktail rings, but when done well, they are striking. Vintage pieces from the 1940s and 1950s often feature clusters of smaller diamonds in architectural settings.
Should You Buy New or Vintage?
If you want the latest cut and modern precision, new diamonds make sense. If you want character, craftsmanship, and often better value, vintage is worth considering.
The other advantage of estate and vintage pieces is that you are buying something that already exists. You can see exactly what you are getting. With custom or new pieces, you are working from renderings and hoping the final product matches your vision.
That said, if you have a specific design in mind and cannot find it in our estate jewelry collection, custom jewelry design is always an option. We can create something entirely new using CAD/CAM technology, or we can work with diamonds and gold from family pieces to make something that honors the past while looking forward.
Taking Care of Diamond Jewelry
Diamonds are hard, but they are not indestructible. They can chip if hit at the wrong angle, and the settings that hold them can wear out over time.
If you wear diamond jewelry daily, have it inspected once a year to make sure prongs are secure and the setting is intact. We offer jewelry repair services including prong tightening, re-setting stones, and general maintenance.
Cleaning is straightforward. Warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush are usually enough. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners unless you know the piece can handle it. If you are not sure, bring it in and we will clean it properly.
What If You Inherit Diamond Jewelry You Do Not Want?
Not everyone wants to keep inherited pieces, and that is fine. If you have diamond jewelry that does not fit your style or that you will never wear, selling it is a reasonable option.
We buy estate diamond jewelry based on the quality of the stones, the metal content, and the current market for vintage pieces. Some pieces are worth more intact because of their design and craftsmanship. Others are worth more for their materials.
Our estate purchasing service includes an honest evaluation of what you have and what it is worth. You can decide from there whether to sell, keep, or have the piece redesigned into something you would actually wear.
April Babies Have Options
If you are shopping for someone born in April—or if you are an April baby shopping for yourself—you have the most versatile birthstone on the calendar. Diamonds work in almost any setting, any style, and any budget if you know where to look.
Visit us at our Railroad Square location at 125 4th Street or our St. Francis Shopping Center store at 110 Calistoga Road in Santa Rosa. We are open Monday through Saturday, and you can call ahead at 707-577-8813 or 800-286-7355 if you want to know what we have in stock before you come in.
Diamonds have staying power for a reason. If you are going to wear something every day, it might as well be something that lasts.