National Black Diamond Month has been celebrated every January since 2015. Feng Shui Modern Grand Master and jewelry designer Carole Shoshana designated it as the chosen month to bring attention to the beauty and distinctiveness of black diamonds. These typically pea-sized diamonds are one of the toughest forms of natural diamond and they were first found in the Chapada highlands of Brazil where they were called ‘carbonado’ because they resemble tiny pieces of charcoal. They are more accurately described as ‘polycrystalline’ or diamond material of amorphous carbon, graphite, and diamond.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL BLACK DIAMOND MONTH
Black diamonds or ‘carbonado diamonds’ are found in only two places — Brazil and the Central African Republic. This jewel’s natural black color comes from many small, dark-colored inclusions and fractures. Most can be opaque and have an almost metallic luster. Others may have a translucent, speckled appearance. Some may be black but have a dark brown or dark green body. Most black diamonds used in jewelry get their color through procedures such as high pressure/high-temperature (9HPHT) and radiation treatments. This kind of diamond has greater durability compared to traditional crystalline diamonds that’s why it has been used in industries like mining for drilling.
A gem with such unique qualities, it’s no wonder, jewelry designer, Carole Shoshana chose it to create her Black Diamond Collection. It’s inspired by her spiritual journey through the images seen in the philosophy of Shan Shui Art. Based on the teachings of I Ching, Shan Shui encapsulates the emotion and spirit of the water and mountains. She wanted to design a jewelry line that showed the beauty she found on her travels to the Far East. The reflecting stones she saw in the mountain streams have now become the black diamonds in her jewelry pieces. She hopes that every piece brings peace and harmony to the wearer as well as keeps them on course to personal happiness.
What do black diamonds represent?
Similar to traditional diamonds, they symbolize not just love, purity, and fidelity. They are also thought to convey passion, power, and charisma.