In 1953, Marilyn Monroe crooned “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” in the film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and the line has remained an American cultural touchstone ever since—but diamonds evoke more than just glitz and glamour. The official birthstone of April is also a symbol of clarity and strength, according to the Geological Institute of America (GIA). “Diamond is so strong, in fact, that its name comes from the Greek word ‘adamas,’ which means ‘invincible’ or ‘unbreakable,’” says the GIA. Sparkle and strength? Count us in.
Spring manicures trend towards delicate florals and pretty pastels, but the easiest way to add a little diamond shine to your day is, hands down (pun intended), a shimmering and glittery manicure. Ahead, we’re sharing diamond nail designs we love for any season, but are especially appropriate for the gem’s patron month of April. Keep scrolling for all the sparkling nail art inspiration and high-shine diamond effect nail polishes you need to see this spring.
Diamond Nails Inspo for April
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Shimmering Butterfly Nails
Celebrity nail artist Betina R. Goldstein created this densely silver glitter manicure and added perfectly hand-painted butterflies.
@betina_goldstein 2 / 13
Dusty Diamond Cuffs
For anyone looking to switch up a standard French mani, try this simple and short manicure Goldstein coined “diamond dust cuffs.”
@betina_goldstein 4 / 13
Diamond Swirl
Taking inspiration from Zendaya‘s Euphoria, nail creator Lauren (aka @lolo.nailedit) wears a wavy white and nude manicure with single diamond rhinestones.
@lolo.nailedit 5 / 13
Diamond Pearl Shine
For a simple manicure that still shines, take a cue from nail artist Alexandra Teleki and grab a shimmery pearlescent polish, or layer up a pearly base and glitter top coat.
@thehotblend 6 / 13
Stunning Studs
Taking the diamond manicure literally, celebrity nail artist Iram Shelton pairs sparkly nail jewelry and a glossy layer of nude nail polish.
@iramshelton 8 / 13
Starry Studs
Night sky manicures are some of my favorite nail looks for fall and winter, but these starry gem studs on a clean nude nail are perfect for spring.
@betina_goldstein 9 / 13
Pretty Pink Bling
If you’re not quite ready to leave spring pastels behind, grab your favorite spring pink polish and some rhinestones to bring the best of both worlds together.
@lolo.nailedit 10 / 13
Diamond Crowns
These crown tips are befitting for diamonds’ royal history and give just the right amount of sparkle to an otherwise minimalist manicure.
@betina_goldstein 11 / 13
Serious Silver Sparkle
Go big or go home. On the opposite side of the spectrum, this maximalist manicure is sure to get you noticed.
@betina_goldstein 12 / 13
Bits of Sparkle
Bits of flakey silver and gold catch the light in the most stunning ways, thanks to ILNP’s Party Popper ($10).
@lolo.nailedit Diamond Nail Polishes
