If you were born in April, your birthstone is the diamond. Lucky you, some might say, though diamonds come with more baggage than most gemstones.
Let's start with what they actually are: Diamonds are carbon, formed deep in the earth under extreme heat and pressure over billions of years. They're the hardest natural material on earth, which is why they've long been associated with permanence and endurance. The word itself comes from the Greek "adamas," meaning unbreakable.
They are also timeless and utterly stunning, and the reason that people have been captivated by them for centuries. There's just something about the way they refract the light that has maintained their allure over time.
But the tricky part is where they come from. The diamond industry has a well documented history of conflict, exploitation and environmental damage. The term "blood diamond" exists for a reason. Things have improved since the early 2000s with the introduction of the Kimberley Process, but it's not a perfect system and there are still legitimate concerns about traceability in some parts of the supply chain.
This is why sourcing matters. The diamonds used at Minima are natural stones from suppliers I trust. But if full traceability matters to you, I also source lab-grown and Canadamark diamonds on request. The latter are mined in Canada's Northwest Territories with documentation from mine to finished piece, plus strong environmental and labour standards. They cost a little more, but for some people that peace of mind is worth it.
If you're an April baby considering something with your birthstone, or you'd just like to know more about how I source diamonds, feel free to get in touch.