Diamond: April’s Eternal Birthstone
Diamond, with its dazzling fire, is one of the world’s most beloved gems. Those born in April are fortunate to claim this radiant stone—a symbol of purity and strength—as their birthstone. Its name derives from the Greek word adamas, meaning “invincible” or “unbreakable,” reflecting its legendary hardness. Long before it became April’s birthstone, diamond’s timeless allure captivated civilizations, and its origins are as fascinating as the myths surrounding it.
鑽石：四月永恆的生日石
鑽石，以其璀璨的火彩，成為世界上最受喜愛的寶石之一。四月出生的人非常幸運，能將這種閃耀的寶石——純潔與力量的象徵——稱為自己的生日石。其名稱源自希臘語 adamas，意為「不可戰勝」或「不可破壞」，反映了其傳奇的硬度。早在成為四月的生日石之前，鑽石的永恆魅力就征服了文明，其產地與傳說一樣引人入勝。
The Meaning and History of Diamond
Our fascination with this April birthstone began in India, where diamonds were gathered from rivers and streams. Traded as early as the 4th century BC, they were coveted by royalty and the wealthy. Caravans later brought Indian diamonds to medieval markets in Venice. By the 15th century, diamonds became fashionable among European elites. The first recorded diamond engagement ring appeared in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy.
The legendary 45.52-carat blue Hope Diamond, now confirmed to originate from India’s Golconda mines, was purchased by King Louis XIV of France in 1668.
In the early 18th century, as Indian supplies declined, Brazil emerged as a major source after gold miners discovered diamonds in Minas Gerais. Brazil dominated the market for over 150 years.
The modern diamond market began in the 1860s with discoveries near Kimberley, South Africa. Cecil Rhodes founded De Beers in 1888, and by 1900, it controlled 90% of rough diamond production. The largest diamond ever found, the 3,106-carat Cullinan, was mined in South Africa in 1905. It was cut into the 530-carat “Great Star of Africa,” now set in the British Royal Scepter.
鑽石的意義與歷史
我們對這種四月生日石的迷戀始於印度，人們從河流與溪流中採集鑽石。早在公元前4世紀，鑽石就作為商品交易，受到皇室與富人的追捧。後來，商隊將印度鑽石帶到威尼斯的中世紀市場。到了15世紀，鑽石成為歐洲精英的時尚配飾。第一枚有記載的鑽石訂婚戒指出現在1477年，當時奧地利的馬克西米利安大公向勃艮地的瑪莉求婚。
傳奇的45.52克拉藍色霍普鑽，現已確認產自印度戈爾康達礦區，於1668年被法國國王路易十四購買。
18世紀初，隨著印度供應量下降，巴西成為主要來源，黃金礦工在米納斯吉拉斯州發現了鑽石。巴西主導市場超過150年。
現代鑽石市場始於1860年代南非金伯利附近的發現。塞西爾·羅德斯於1888年創立戴比爾斯，到1900年，其控制了90%的鑽石原石產量。有史以來最大的鑽石——3,106克拉的庫里南，於190年在南非開採，被切割成530克拉的「非洲之星」，現鑲嵌於英國皇家權杖中。
Where Are Diamonds Found?
Today, diamonds are mined globally. By the 21st century, African nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Botswana joined South Africa as major producers. Russia also became a top source in both output and quality. Expansions followed with Australia’s Argyle Mine (1983) and discoveries in Canada’s north in the 1990s.
Botswana’s diamonds lie beneath its semi-arid eastern regions. These prolific mines boosted the economy, fostering a growing middle class. The country also serves as a diamond hub, sorting and valuing 40% of the world’s rough diamonds.
鑽石的產地
如今，鑽石在全球開採。到了21世紀，剛果民主共和國和博茨瓦納等非洲國家與南非一起成為主要生產國。俄羅斯在產量和品質上也名列前茅。隨後，澳大利亞的阿蓋爾礦（1983年）和加拿大北部的發現進一步擴大了產能。
博茨瓦納的鑽石埋藏於該國東部的半乾旱地區。這些多產的礦場促進了經濟發展，培育了不斷增長的中產階級。該國也是鑽石中心，負責分揀和評估全球40%的鑽石原石。
Caring for Your Diamond
With a Mohs hardness of 10, diamonds are exceptionally durable and can be cleaned ultrasonically. However, if your diamond has inclusions or treatments, use a lint-free cloth, warm soapy water with a soft brush, or commercial jewelry cleaner. Professional cleaning and periodic setting checks are recommended to maintain its beauty and integrity.
鑽石的保養
鑽石的莫氏硬度為10，非常耐用，可用超聲波清洗。但如果您的鑽石有內含物或經過處理，請使用無絨布、溫肥皂水與軟刷，或市售珠寶清潔劑。建議定期進行專業清潔和鑲嵌檢查，以保持其美感與完整性。
Explore the World of Diamonds
Whether drawn to colorless or fancy-colored diamonds, April’s birthstone continues to captivate those born in this month and couples celebrating love with diamond engagement rings. At Virtucasa, discover curated diamond jewelry that blends tradition with modern artistry.
探索鑽石的世界
無論是無色還是彩鑽，四月的生日石始終吸引著本月出生的人以及以鑽石訂婚戒指慶祝愛情的伴侶。在Virtucasa，探索精心策劃的鑽石珠寶，融合傳統與現代工藝。
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