Column: Shoi's Pick
Diamonds in the Rough
by Shoi
It's one of those perfect, sunny, London summers... and I'm taking a lazy stroll down Earl's Court Road with a friend, when he suddenly grabs my arm. There's an undertone of tension and urgent purpose in his voice, "What do you think you're doing? COVER IT UP!"
Diamonds and denim...?
WHAT ?
"It" is a vintage diamond necklace — a gift from my mother-in-law, incidentally, to welcome me into the family; a really exquisite heirloom piece...
And Earl's Court Road is, well, mugger's paradise.
I pulled my shirt collar up. I had unconsciously worn the necklace. It never occurred to me that I shouldn't.
To me, diamonds can be worn almost ANYWHERE, ANYHOW, ANYTIME. If it feels right, wear it — You shouldn't need a "special occasion" to dress up, or dress down — just like eating off priceless antique china, simply because it feels right (see article "Step into Life's Little Pleasures").
Wearing my favourite diamonds, with my favourite pair of tatty blue jeans — for absolutely no particular reason/occasion — satisfies more than a quirky impulse.
It allows me to express who I am...
...to celebrate life's little joys, and to embrace life's moment-by-moment inspirations.
Three things to consider before buying your next bling...
A diamond is “conflict-free” if
its profit is not used to fund war,
and it is mined and produced
under ethical conditions.
The 4 C's
Carat, Clarity, Color, and Cut.
There's a new consideration now, a fifth C — Conscience — as more and more consumers are aware of, and making a stand for, conflict-free diamonds.
What is a Conflict-Free Diamond?
Conflict-free diamonds are diamonds of certified origin which are guaranteed not to be obtained through the use of violence, human rights abuses, child labor, or environmental destruction.
These diamonds are individually tracked to ensure that ethical practices are used in mining, cutting, and polishing. In addition, each diamond has a unique signature or "fingerprint" that enables the diamond to be traced and monitored by its fingerprint from mine, through the production process, and to the consumer.
How to buy Conflict-Free Diamonds
Download the Conflict-Free Diamond Buyer's Guide (PDF)
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