With April coming up, I wanted to spotlight diamond jewelry, but I’ve been struggling with precisely what to write about it. I mean, what is there to say about diamonds that hasn’t already been said? Over the years, I’ve tried to mix it up when it came time to talk about April’s birthstone, covering variations such as raw diamonds, fancy colors, rose cuts, and more.
But over the past year, the diamond, in all its variety of shapes and sizes and cuts, has grown to mean more to me than it ever did before.
There’s a lot going on in the diamond industry right now (thank goodness you guys have news director Rob Bates to keep you updated on all of that), so it feels naive to just say, “Look! Sparkly!” in so many words about pretty pieces I’ve seen recently. The thing is, though, that’s what a diamond is to a lot of people. And it’s not always superficial: A diamond can inspire, it can move someone to tears (especially during a proposal), and it can excite. Sometimes it is sort of superficial, and that’s okay—some people like to wear a lot of diamonds to make a statement about their status, and, really, how different is that from an engagement ring? A larger rock may say something about the wallet of the person who proposed with it, but regardless of size and shape, they all say the same thing—taken.
I often ponder the boundless engagement ring options on the market today, playing make believe in a scenario that my ring is lost and I’m to replace it. In that case, I find myself pulling away from the traditional diamond engagement ring: Do I treasure a rose-cut ring, a blinged-out band, or another gem altogether, like aquamarine? I hope I never lose my ring and am forced to find out, but it is fun to wonder.
Aside from weddings and fashion (or financial) statements, the diamond represents my heart now more than ever. My daughter, born in April (she turns 1 next week, cue the tears!), counts the sparkler as her birthstone. And because of that, I treasure it more than I do my own birthstone (emerald). I see diamonds as a piece of her, in a way—the same way I wear my pendant (and new stud earring!) baring her initial. I find that selecting a piece of diamond jewelry is all about honoring her and declaring my love. It’s a sparkly declaration, but when have I ever been one to complain?
So for whatever reason a customer is in the market for a diamond—it’s classic, it’s easy, it makes them look good, it makes them feel sexy! And rich! They’re in love! There’s an answer to their demand. Welcome to April. Now shine on, you crazy diamond.
Top: Ring in platinum and 18k yellow gold with 9.44 cut emerald-cut diamond and 2.01 cts. t.w. fancy vivid yellow emerald-cut diamonds, price on request; Rahaminov
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