c/p lapidary

The lucky gem for Aries individuals born in April is the diamond. They share this fortunate jewel with those Taurus individuals who were also born during the same month. The diamond, a sparkling precious stone, white or blue in color, is sometimes referred to as the King of Crystals (or King Stone) and Stone of Invulnerability. Traditionally, this jewel is the symbol of purity and innocence, considered to be most lucky when worn on the left side of the body. The hardest of all precious gems (and the hardest substance known in nature), it is a crystalline form of carbon. The word diamond is derived from adamas, which is Greek in origin and means "indomitable" or "unconquerable," suggesting the eternity of love. It represents strength, virtue, bravery, fearlessness, invincibility and insight, bestowing these fine attributes upon its wearers. The Hebrews believed that the diamond lost its sparkle if touched or worn by a traitor and in ancient times, it was thought to drive away the Devil. The Hindus once held the belief that a flawed diamond (or one containing spots or specks) was so unlucky that it could deprive the God Inda of his highest heaven. The first river-bed (alluvial) diamonds were thought to have been discovered around 800 B.C.

The diamond is considered to be the greatest of all gem stones, revered throughout the ages not only for its great beauty and strength, but also for its powerful positive spiritual and physical influences. This stone is said to enhance the wearer with charm and beauty. Physically, it is believed to strengthen the kidneys and reproductive organs and afford protection against severe disease. The Ancient Romans believed that the diamond, when worn on the left side next to the skin, endowed bravery and daring to the the wearer. During the Middle Ages Queen Elizabeth I was made a gift of a diamond to ward off the plague and Napoleon carried a sword with a diamond in the hilt to assure victory in battle. Antiquated writings tell of a diamond which hung about the neck of Abraham which could cure the illness of any man who gazed upon it, and it is said that when Abraham died, the Lord sealed the gem within the Sun. Even today, the diamond engagement ring remains the accepted token of promised love and loyalty. It is thought this tradition may have begun in 1477 when Maximilian I of Austria presented a diamond ring to Mary, daughter of the Duke of Burgundy, as a betrothal gift. To dream of diamonds was once thought to be a sure sign of success, wealth and happiness.

A history of tragedy and misfortune has often accompanied the more highly-prized examples of the diamond. Stones such as the Hope Diamond were so unfortunate and brought such ill-luck that the very mention of its name once struck terror into peoples' hearts. However, the gem itself is not unlucky...the bad luck being mainly brought about by the greed and lust with which humankind has fought, thieved and connived in order to obtain such great wealth. Indeed, legend states that a diamond purchased out of greed, or one that is stolen or won from another, will not bring good luck to the wearer. A diamond given as a gift or which is representative as a token of trust and affection between sweethearts can never bring ill-luck. According to lore, the diamond came into existence when the God of Mines called together all his noblemen and instructed them to bring him one of every variety and color of gemstone in existence. Once he had received the collection, he crushed them, forming one magnificent jewel of rare beauty, purity and indestructibility...the diamond. The diamond is the traditional gem for the 10th, 30th and 60th Wedding Anniversaries. It is also known as the Winter Gemstone.