April
April's birthstone is diamond — the hardest natural thing on earth, a symbol of everlasting love and constancy, the byword for a promise and an heirloom.
April’s birthstone is diamond — the hardest natural thing on earth, a symbol of everlasting love and constancy, the byword for a promise and an heirloom. Hard enough to pass down, bright enough to carry a feeling — those born in April have, by birth, the most constant of stones.
About the April Birthstone
Diamond is April’s modern and traditional birthstone, pure carbon crystallised under the high heat and pressure of the mantle, Mohs hardness 10 — the hardest natural mineral. It unites fire, brightness and scintillation; but “hardest” does not mean “unbreakable”, nor “most valuable” — of the 4Cs, cut matters most to its beauty.
The Meaning of This Month
Diamond symbolises everlasting love, constancy and courage. Formed over aeons and unyielding, it became the figure of a promise and a vow. To give it to someone born in April is to wish “may this love be enduring and steadfast, like a diamond”.
History & Culture
The birthstone tradition traces to the twelve gems of the Breastplate of Aaron, matched to the months and zodiac, and standardised into the modern list by the American jewellers’ association in 1912. Diamond was long seen as a stone of the brave and of kings — the ancients believed it lent fearless courage; only in modern times, through a century’s marketing, did it become the most widespread symbol of engagement and marriage.
The Lists
| List | April birthstone |
|---|---|
| Modern (1912 · US) | Diamond |
| Traditional | Diamond |
| Zodiac | Aries (to 4/19) · Taurus (from 4/20) |
Explore this month's stones
FAQ
What is April's birthstone?
Diamond. The modern and traditional lists agree.
What does diamond symbolise?
Everlasting love, constancy and courage; "one grain of carbon, formed over billions of years" makes it a byword for a promise.
What matters most in choosing a diamond?
Of the 4Cs, cut matters most to the eye — a well-cut diamond often beats a higher colour grade loosely cut.
Can a diamond break?
Yes. At hardness 10 it resists scratches, but it has cleavage and can chip on the right angle — toughness and hardness differ.
Which zodiac signs go with April?
Aries (to April 19) and Taurus (from April 20).