Birthstone of the Month: April

As it is now April, it is time to celebrate the birthstone of the month which is the incomparable diamond.

1.00ct Diamond and Platinum moi et toi ring, designed and made by our in-house Goldsmith

One of the most prized and most traded gemstones, the diamond has exceptional lustre, brilliance and fire which combine to give diamonds the irresistible sparkle we all love. Diamonds are an excellent gemstone choice in jewellery as they are the hardest known natural substance on earth. This is reflected in the name 'diamond' which comes from the Greek 'adamas'; the unconquerable!

Diamonds have been used in jewellery since antiquity, when the natural crystals were polished rather than cut as the technology to cut these hard stones did not yet exist. Pictured are some diamonds in their natural crystalline forms; a diamond twinned crystal known as a macle, a diamond in a cubic form, and another in octahedral form. Shown next to a pair of diamond studs crafted by our Goldsmith, it illustrates the difference that the cutting and polishing process makes to these beautiful gemstones.

Made from carbon, a pure diamond will be colourless but trace elements can add colouring resulting in green, blue and yellow diamonds. The oldest diamonds formed 3.5 billion years ago, whilst younger stones have been dated to 660 million years ago. Formed deep within the earth's mantle under conditions of intense heat and pressure, diamonds are driven to the surface of the earth by molten magma travelling through volcanic pipes at super sonic speeds. Each and every natural diamond has had an exciting journey through time and space to make it into a piece of jewellery!

For our new and bespoke jewellery Buck & Co supply clients with natural and conflict free diamonds, and we are pleased to offer a range of diamonds which have been independently certified by the Gemological Institute of America, so you can relax and enjoy your purchase. This diamond grading process reassures the client not only that their diamonds are natural, but also verifies the colour, cut and clarity of the stone all of which are important factors in the overall valuation of the piece. All this information is presented on an official GIA certificate for each stone.

Pictured are a selection of GIA graded and certified diamonds as selected by our gemmologist, mounted in stunning pieces made by our in-house Goldsmith. These include a 1.00ct diamond and platinum moi et toi ring, and a 0.50ct diamond 18ct white gold pendant. Visit us at our shop in Bodmin for a viewing, or to to see other stones which are available or to discuss your personal bespoke requirements.