Ever notice how many song titles have the word “diamond” or “diamonds” in them? “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”, “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes”, “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”, and of course, “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend”. There are many more songs, as well as other types of art concerned with diamonds and they all express our fascination with these sparkly stones.FlushsetRing

It would seem that humans have been fascinated by diamonds for thousands of years. They started showing up in jewelry about 2500 B.C. The ancient Greeks and Romans thought that diamonds were tears of the gods or splinters that broke off of falling stars.  In the 8th century B.C., the Greeks also referred to diamonds as “adamus”, meaning unconquerable or invincible. And of course, they are found in the crowns of many monarchs throughout time and history. Indeed, they are known as the “King of Gems”.

Diamond is a stone for the crown chakra. It connects us with our higher spiritual self and divine energy. They are a perfect example of how we may evolve from a base material such as carbon into a beautiful sparkling being.gypsy set pendant new one

Down to the nitty-gritty: diamonds are 10 on the Mohs scale, which makes them the hardest substance known to man. They actually come in a wide range of colours from white or clear all the way to black. A few decades ago, using dark brown or black diamonds for anything other than industrial purposes was unthinkable. Now these stones are marketed as “chocolate diamonds” or other seductive names to entice buyers. Diamonds are actually as common as grains of sand on a beach, however the powers that be have quite successfully marketed them and regulated the supply to keep the prices relatively high. So, you say, how can I afford to use diamonds in my jewelry? I have two words for you-cubic zirconia!

Many years ago, my husband was a goldsmith and he made his mother a pair of cubic zirconia studs. Her friends complimented her on her “diamond” earrings, and more importantly, when she lost one, it was no big deal. He just made another one!

Cubic zirconias come in many different sizes and shapes as well as colours. The clear ones will give you the sparkle and shine of diamonds without the cost. Set them in gold or silver for a classic look or in a base metal for a boho or funky look.  There are some great design ideas there!

IMG_2972So, whether you can afford diamonds or cubic zircionias, if April is your birth month, make yourself something fabulous and shine on all you crazy diamonds!