Perhaps no other gem conjures images of royalty and romance quite like April’s birthstone. From the on-screen glitz of Marilyn Monroe to the real-life glamour of Elizabeth Taylor—whose eponymous 33.19 ct. ring was recently auctioned for $8.8 million—diamonds have long captured our imaginations and inspired new trends. ­(Jewelers saw a spike in dark diamond sales after Sex and the City character Carrie Bradshaw received a black diamond engagement ring.) Of course, you don’t have to be a celebrity to enjoy this most precious of precious gems. To paraphrase a certain platinum blonde, diamonds are every girl’s best friend.