September 05, 2020
How we are like diamonds
As a designer, I am constantly in awe of the many metaphors to be found in comparing elements of the materials that go into jewelry with humanity. One of the mantras of Bexon which I say often is "as gold is refined by fire, and diamonds are formed under pressure, so are we refined by our trials." In this post, I want to dive in a little to how we are like diamonds-which, as we know, are formed under immense pressure.
Long ago, when the Earth was formed, 100 miles below the surface in the mantle, is where diamonds were created. In a molten womb with temperatures reaching over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and pressure exceeding 725,000 pounds per square inch, these precious gemstones were formed. The combination of extreme heat and pressure modified graphite, which is a crystalline carbon, on the atomic level, transforming its molecular composition from a hexagonal sheet pattern into a triangular shape, resulting in diamonds. Known to be the hardest natural substance on the planet, diamonds get their hardness during the cooling process which occurs when they are thrust to the Earths surface via volcanic eruption. The eruptions force the diamonds up to the surface, where they rapidly cool and are then accessible to miners. The entire formation process requires precision in each step, making diamonds a true wonder of nature, which contributes to their value.
Scientific jargon aside, it’s amazing to note that our most treasured gemstone was born through such a chaotic process. We as human beings are very similar.
In my opinion, the people who are the most intensely beautiful in terms of character and integrity, are often those who have struggled through some insurmountable odds and come out on the other side, stronger, wiser, and more compassionate because of it. I believe that it's during times of intense pressure, such as we have been collectively experiencing this year, that our potential for growth and resilience reaches its zenith.
2020. What a year it’s been so far. In more ways than one, we are living in a very uncertain time. One that has certainly been stretching and testing humanity as a whole as we navigate the uncharted waters of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and so many heartbreaking injustices that seem to be revealed on the daily. I’m not going to sugarcoat it, this year has been tough and heavy. This is certainly the first time in modern history where the entire world has come to what appears to be a screeching halt, and we have been forced to retreat in to our homes and wait it out. For better or worse, we are all in this together, and I believe that we can view the current situation in one of two ways. We could stay glued to the news and our phones, panicking over the uncertainty of it all, fearful for our health and the economy. Or we can choose to accept with gratitude the unprecedented opportunity presented to us to pause and reflect. I have been striving to do the latter and I’ll explain why.
As we're hunkering down, in close quarters with our loved ones, and without the usual distractions and demands of our busy schedules, we've been given this extraordinary chance to reevaluate our lives, our relationships, habits, and character. This can be done in little ways. Maybe you've discovered newfound gratitude and appreciation for your loved ones that may be at a distance, and are taking the time to send a letter or make a phone call just to let them know you're thinking about them. Maybe you are realizing that now is the perfect time to let go of a bad habit or two or to start up some new healthier ones. Maybe it's making time to journal, read more, or start painting again. Maybe you have committed to getting involved in a cause that is meaningful to you, because it’s no longer acceptable to sit idly by in the face of injustice and do nothing. Whatever it is, taking a small step in the direction of growth and initiating change is a step on the path to resilience.
I confess that these days, it can seem trivial at times to be talking about jewelry, with so much going on in the world that seems to be of much greater importance. But I remember that jewelry is always an emotional purchase. We buy it, or treasure it if was a gift, because it reminds us of something, or someone we love. Now more than ever, we are seeking to surround ourselves with items of deep meaning and beauty, with an emphasis on quality over quantity.
We’re learning to let go of the minutiae that no longer serves us, in order to make way for the treasure that will be along for the journey of life, standing the test of time and trials.
Patience and grace are not born virtues. Rather they are character assets that are cultivated to no credit of our own. It's the people who have overcome the most adversity in life that are given the gift of resilience. There is no short cut-you have to go through the fire to receive the reward. Yes, it's painful. Yes, it's unbearable at times. But you WILL get through it. You will come out on the other side stronger. Healed. You will bear the scars of your pain, but they will not define you. They will remind you of your strength.
What does this have to do with jewelry then? Jewelry is an intimate adornment we wear like a second skin. The best pieces are the ones you feel naked without. We wear it with intention. It holds innate power to embolden us and accentuate our beauty. There have been many days this year that although I have no where to go, I put on my best jewelry and some make-up and instantly feel more beautiful, empowered, and encouraged.
From the beginning, my intention has been to create jewelry that inspires you. I hope that it reminds you of your resilience and grace, that come only through the trials of experience.
I hope you see your own reflection in their surfaces, though some are rough, you can see the glimmer of hope of a tiny diamond being formed and beginning to peak out, daring to show its sparkle, even in the face of adversity. You can read more about the intentions behind my Initium Collection here.
In closing, I just want to tell you, whatever you’re struggling with this year, whether it’s anxiety, depression, loneliness, addiction, grief, or fear, don't give up. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Your future is bright. Keep going, one day at a time, and one day you will realize you have been walking the path towards transformation, growth and beauty, becoming more resilient by the day.
Under the pressure, you’re being cultivated like a diamond. You're learning to let go of the things that are holding you down, and embracing the trials as teachers on the road to resilience.
Did this resonate with you in some way? Let me know in the comments. I would love to hear your thoughts, struggles or stories of how you have been cultivating resilience this year.
Love, Christina