April is the luckiest month of all, since diamonds are its birthstone.  Diamond jewelry is available in a style to suit any jewelry lovers taste.  And these brilliant, dazzling gemstones pair as effortlessly with a T-shirt as they do with a little black dress.

 Most diamonds are more than 100 million years old, and many are over three billion years old, making diamonds the oldest of all gemstones. They are also the hardest substance known to man, made of carbon that is crystallized deep within the earth.

First discovered over 3,000 years ago in India, diamonds are found today in remote parts of the world, such as Australia, Russia, Botswana, and South Africa. Their unique hardness and high refractive index have inspired legends. To the Greeks, they were teardrops from the gods. To the Romans, they came from the falling stars that tipped the arrow of Eros, the god of love. For Hindus, diamonds were the lightning that armed the hand of the god Indra.

No longer should a woman wait for a man to buy her a diamond!  Buying a diamond can be very empowering for a woman.  Most consumers are well educated and have already done their homework when it comes to diamonds giving them the confidence they need when shopping for a diamond.  When purchasing diamonds, make sure you know the 4 C’s — cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.  Above all, remember that cut is most important, since it is the cutting that releases the true brilliance of a stone.

When it comes to wearing diamonds, there’s no wrong way, nor is there one style or trend.  Choose from classic pieces like diamond studs or diamond solitaire necklaces, vintage inspired pieces with fine details and pave set diamonds, or contemporary looks that mix colors of gold for maximum versatility.

With something so precious, remember to rely on a well-established jeweler like Maertens Fine Jewelry & Gifts.  At Maertens, you’ll find a wide selection of merchandise and a staff who is qualified to determine a diamond’s value and quality.

Little wonder the Greeks named diamonds adamas….it means unconquerable.