The thing about diamonds

I have mixed feelings about this gemstone. You may have seen the movie Blood Diamond which would probably be bad enough. However, for me, it was the revelation when I was studying for my degree in this field that I learned of the virtual monopoly De Beers had over the diamond trade and the clever or devious (you decide) creation of the engagement ring. The whole thing just smacked of manipulation and exploitation. My little liberal self was appalled and I swore I would never work with diamonds. I didn't for a long time.

Fast forward to the current reality. I actually adore the things. The dealer I buy from is an eccentric, knowledgeable gemstone collector with a passion for colored diamonds. He showed my kids how a uncut diamond could melt ice. He puts the beauties under his super dooper telescope and tells me what I am looking at. My dealer had educated me and I have learned respect.

The opportunity to work with diamonds is infrequent for me and usually comes in the form of an anniversary gift or wedding/engagement ring. As metal is my passion, the diamonds tend to play second fiddle to body of the ring but I am conscientious about how the diamond is set and that is it also appropriately shown off. My rings are simple, elegant and beautiful.

Diamonds are just one aspect of my chosen profession that challenges my morals and ethics. Metals are stripped from the earth and people are exploited and even killed for some gemstones such as diamonds and emeralds. I try not to loose sleep over these things; my trade is one of the oldest in the world. In fact, in ancient Greece, the people who made gold jewelry were slaves; albeit highly valued slaves, but slaves nonetheless. In some African cultures, metalsmiths were revered as 'magicians' and lived on the edge of the village. Their power was awesome to them but also dangerous. How could he turn the bits of rock into useful tools and currency?

When I have these moments of an overwrought conscious I turn torment into a challenge and start to explore alternative materials; reuse things I already have or that I find. Recently, I have been using hemp in my work and incorporating simple silver elements and old beads or other elements that I make out of metal. It is hard for me to move completely from the metal. I am a silversmith, after all. Sigh.

Interestingly, my name "Kimberly", is that of the well known South African city (spelled 'Kimberley') where the diamond rush started. The volcanic rock, 'kimberlite' is one of the most important sources of mined diamonds. To top it off, my birthday is in April whose birthstone is, yes, the diamond. I guess it was written in the stars that I work with them; the stars of the earth, diamonds.