Regular readers will know that I try to write about each upcoming month’s birthstones. For April, it’s more of a challenge to match the birthstones with Rings & Things stock. Which is great, because I love having gantlets thrown down in front of me. 
I want to dig right in with Diamond. We don’t sell many diamonds here, if you mean that carbon-based life form that telepathically makes people act weird. What we have (at the moment I’m writing) are “cash & carry” fancy strands of rough diamond beads, at our bead shows only. (Which start this Friday, March 13th!) Here’s a peek at them:
But for a great diamond-y look, spend a moment checking out clear crystal beads! 
They’re faceted, and they’re as brilliant as many gems are. Clear rock crystal quartz beads 
can be mighty nice-looking, too…And don’t forget the countless diamond-shaped gemstone beads you can find through our store’s “Search by Shape” feature!
Sapphire is another April birthstone. It’s also a little “precious” for us, since we specialize in semiprecious gemstones. But again, great color matches are on hand. Try 
sapphire crystals and 
sapphire glass beads.
Carnelian is the third traditional birthstone of March. Browse our selection to see all the great shapes of beads made of this stone in our store. (Pictured above: 12mm faceted rondelles.)
To match any of these stones, you can always come to Rings & Things’ “BeadTour” shows near you! The new season starts this Friday, March 13, with our Houston show…We specialize in great-priced gemstone beads at our road shows, so it should be well worth your while.
Have more birthstone substitutes to suggest? Talk about them by leaving a comment!