April’s Birthstone: Diamond or Sapphire?
For centuries, sapphire—predominantly blue—was considered April’s traditional birthstone. However, it wasn’t until the 16th century in Poland that Jewish mystics and jewelers introduced the tradition of wearing birthstones based on birth months. Around this time, sapphire was replaced with diamond, which was rapidly gaining popularity.
When the Jewelers of America (formerly the American Jewelers Association) formalized the official list of birthstones in 1912, they cemented this change—replacing sapphire with diamond for April and assigning sapphire to September.
The motivation behind this shift appears to be purely commercial. The association strategically distributed gemstones across months to ensure that:
✔️ Each month had at least one high-value gemstone.
✔️ Whenever possible, a more affordable alternative was also included.
✔️ This approach catered to the widest range of consumers.
Does Diamond Fit April Astrologically?
From an astrological standpoint, the choice of diamond for April is debatable.
Western Astrology:
• Two-thirds of April falls under Aries, where the Sun is exalted (meaning its power is at its peak).
• Diamonds are traditionally linked to the Sun, so amplifying an already dominant solar influence may create an imbalance.
Indian Astrology (Jyotish):
• April is split between Pisces (ruled by Jupiter) and Aries (ruled by Mars).
• Diamonds correspond to Venus, while blue sapphires belong to Saturn—neither of which naturally aligns with April in this tradition.
Which Birthstone Should You Choose?
This leaves us with two choices for April’s birthstone:
1️⃣ Sapphire – Honoring ancient Christian traditions.
2️⃣ Diamond – Following the modern classification by Jewelers of America.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Whether you prefer the historical depth of sapphire or the brilliance and status of a diamond, both stones hold unique significance for those born in April.
Olga Bachurina,
Co-Founder of Venus in Libra,
Certified by GIA & Gübelin Academy
