April Birthstones

So here we are and its April already!   If you are celebrating a birthday in April you are a lucky gal!
The fabulous diamond gemstone symbolizes eternal love.  The word Diamond is derived from the Greek word "adamas" which means "hardest metal".  The diamond is noteworthy for its extreme hardness and brilliancy.

The corresponding Zodiac sign for this birthstone is the Aries.  Traditional metaphysical properties for this stone are balance, clarity, and abundance.  Diamonds are found in the countries of
Australia, Ghana, Zaire, Russia, USA and Brazil.

Below are two examples of brilliant diamond jewelry.   The first picture shows a vintage art deco style ring or brooch, and looks to date back to the Great Gatsby era.    Simply amazing.

Photo courtesy Pinterest.



The second example is a stunning vintage 1930's diamond engagement ring.   The sides seem to have a diamond-back design and the ring setting is art deco.   I would love to know more about the origin and designer of this ring, but unfortunately I have no information.  

Photo courtesy: Pinterest

 

What do you think of these two examples?    Would you wear them today?   

Art Deco Double-Clip Brooch

The decadent period between 1920 and 1930 defines art deco.   The Roaring Twenties was the age of prohibition, bootleg liquor, flappers, suffragettes, and gangsters.    It was a daring and romantic time that gave rise to the Jazz Age, expressionism, and surrealism.

Art deco jewelry is distinguishable by its bold colors, geometric lines and symmetrical designs.    We often see diamonds cut in pear shapes and marquises. Interesting mixes of crystals, diamonds and coral, were  seen in jewelry designs of this era. We also see colorful gemstones such as emeralds, rubies, and sapphire against backdrops of diamonds and crystals.

The double-clip brooch was a very popular design in art deco jewelry.   Below we see a beautiful example of this jewelry with diamonds and emeralds, set in platinum.   Absolutely stunning!

Photo credit: Pinterest by langantiques.com

Deco Diamonds

Diamond is the traditional birthstone for April.    It is the hardest known naturally occurring material.  Diamonds are the symbol of love and corresponds to the 60^th wedding anniversary.  We can only aspire to make it that long!   In any event, its worth the wait!   Diamonds have been used widely in art deco jewelry designs. 

The example we see below combines weighty sapphires with beautifully designed flowers encrusted with diamonds.  Pearl drops cascade as leaves below the diamond flowers.   This earring pair was designed in 1920 and is being sold by Fourtane (courtesy of Pinterest).  

Photo Credit:  diamondsinthelibrary.tumblr.com

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