Lane the Artisan

lane, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

As many of you know, I have been opposed to the diamond industry ever since my visit to Angola in 2001 and saw how conflict diamonds had destroyed much of their society. Due to the globalized trade, it is almost impossible to buy a diamond with confidence that it was not mined unethically in Africa.

Jim and I decided to go a different route. We hired Lane, a local artisan to make a ring for us of reused elements. The process was complicated at times but a wonderful experience!

This ring is not only a symbol of all the traditional things a diamond ring has become recognized for, but also our deep value in reusing the things we own or the things around us, including local artisans. We are confident that no part of this ring has played a role in Africa's conflict or the current retail diamond industry. We really enjoyed working with Lane and his girlfriend Laura and would highly recommend them to anyone else in a similar quandary!

the ring

ring, originally uploaded by staarkidd.

The ring turned out to be lovely! At first, i was a little uncomfortable with the size and glitz of it, but am learning that this is (for Jim and I) a reminder of my worth to Jim and how he feels about me. It is very strange and not something i had considered a diamond ring speaking into previously. Anyway, I like that it is not delicate or fragile. It's sturdy and one of a kind and completely recycled!

The center stone was cut sometime before 1920 in Europe. The cut is less sparkly and more simple and deep than modern cuts. It belonged to a family for a long time until an heir recently sold the diamond. Lane said that he knew the family and said that there was no shady business involved. The setting is from the deco period. The side diamonds were my fathers. I recall him mentioning something about them coming from Israel.

When i look at my hand, i not only see a rock, but all the things that it represents for Jim and I and am very happy!