What is there to say about diamonds that hasn’t already been said, really? From Marilyn Monroe’s sultry rendition of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” to idioms like a diamond in the rough, the precious gem has taken on quite the reputation in the last, oh, few centuries or so.
And while Holly Golightly may have been of the opinion that diamonds are marvelous for “older women,” I don’t think anyone is too young for their first diamond—even a teeny-tiny one. A starter diamond, if you will! For those lucky souls born in April, there’s no better gift than a jewel bearing their sparkling birthstone (and it doesn’t have to sparkle, per se—rough diamonds and anything of the unfaceted sort are cool, too).
Classic diamond jewelry—take the solitaire diamond pendant or stud earrings, for example—will probably always be in demand, because it’s pleasing to the eye, universally beloved, and easy to come by in most cases (not always in price, but in availability). But there’s been a shift in what many shoppers are looking for as of late, with emerging designers and independent artisans answering the call. Rather than a simple, easy-to-find diamond band, new generations of shoppers are craving editorial perspective: Creations with varying takes on design from talented individuals that reflect their individual points of view.
You’ll see many of those examples here, from the likes of Polly Wales, Nina Nguyen, and Dana Bronfman, to name a few. But since there is a diamond out there for everyone and every budget, here’s a lineup of some of my favorites, no matter who might be coming into your store this month.
Gerda Père Lachaise ring in 18k yellow gold with 0.65 ct. t.w. mine-cut diamonds, $4,000; Polly Wales
Metro bracelet in 18k rose gold with diamonds, price on request; Julez Bryant
Flexible spiral band in 18k white gold with 20.45 cts. t.w. emerald-cut GIA-certified diamonds, price on request; Norman Silverman
Pendant in 14k yellow gold with 0.16 ct. t.w. baguette and 0.25 ct. t.w. round diamonds, $1,175; Royal Jewelry
Reverie ring in 18k yellow gold with 0.6 ct. t.w. natural fancy diamonds and 0.19 ct. t.w. diamonds, $3,750; Parade Design
Pavé link bracelet in 14k rose gold with 1.49 cts. t.w. diamonds, $4,200; Shy Creation
Razia ring in 14k rose gold with 0.27 ct. t.w. diamonds, $1,250; SelinKent
Tassel collection earrings in 18k white gold with 8 cts. t.w. rose-cut and round diamonds, $25,000; Sutra
Heritage ring in 18k white gold with 1.33 cts. t.w. rose-cut and round diamonds, $6,850; Sethi Couture
Bolo bracelet in 14k yellow gold with 0.12 ct. t.w. diamonds, $750; Zoë Chicco
Crisscross ring in 18k rose gold with 0.41 ct. t.w. diamonds, $1,475; Trésor
Pronged bezel open cuff bracelet in 18k yellow gold with 0.6 ct. natural rose-cut black diamond and 0.1 ct. diamond, $2,480; Dana Bronfman
Icy ring in 18k white gold with 1.66 cts. t.w. diamonds, $1,650; Vivaan
(Top image: Rose-cut trio stud earrings in 18k yellow gold with recycled rose-cut black diamonds, $660; Nina Nguyen)
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