Diamond - Lab Grown, Conflict Free
Recycled 9ct Gold Diamond RingFull UK Hallmark
The art of alchemy is ostensibly understood as an early form of chemistry which attempted to turn base metals like lead into gold. However, according to Carl Jung, in this process of experimentation, the transformation of metals often became a symbolic and spiritual experience which transcended the transmutation of matter and instead became a process of transforming the self.
The four main stages of change in the alchemical process: nigredo (blackening), albedo (whitening), citrinitas (yellowing), and rubedo (reddening) are all representative not only of the colour changes of materials during the process but also of different aspects of the spiritual transformation on the path to self-actualisation.
The albedo stage represents an illumination. Following the destruction of everything we hold onto and believed to represent the self, we are suddenly able to shine a light on aspects of our unconscious that previously remained unseen. We now see ourselves more objectively and recognise the patterns of behaviour that once dictated our lives.
We recognise the dreams and desires of the culture that have been grafted over our own. The layers of illusion and inauthenticity that have separated us from a truer sense of self.
Over the years, we accrue layers of hardness, the protective ways of being necessary to shelter us in our young vulnerability. However, as we grow, these layers no longer serve us. The soul grows too big for its chains and begins to call to us to wake from our slumber, from our half-lived lives. Our gut begins to shine a light on where we have strayed from the path with a burning sense of injustice. Our true desires emerge in yearnings for pleasure, the need to sing and dance freely, the new satisfaction found in the present moment and the awe and majesty to be found in nature.
As the crisp winter moon emerges on that cold still night, a crack in our false self emerges. As we prise it open, we begin to discover lost parts of ourselves: joy, sensuality, laughter, hope and wonder. We laugh, cry and reconnect. Rediscovering the passions and dreams of our youth.
As we reconnect with our true, lost selves, we realise that home was always right where we are and that the experiences up to now, both joyful and grief stricken were absolutely essential in the beautiful unfolding of what we have become.
We have become a wilder, less socially acceptable, less ‘nice’ version of older self, we have disrobed the layers of cultural conditioning and unveiled who we always truly were.
*Please allow two weeks for the production of these pieces as they need to be posted off for hallmarking.
