Perfect Day for Brownies
The idea of having brownies on a day like this seems inviting enough. All the more enticing if, for instance--they might not be as available soon. That may be something to contemplate if the brownies in this case are natural fancy color diamonds of that hue.
What's in a Name?
Brown diamonds are created naturally, and like everything that occurs without human intervention, their range of tints are almost limitless. By the mid 20th century, diamond collectors developed a love affair with these warm toned stunners and luscious names for them started to appear. Chocolate, cognac, champagne, even vanilla began popping up in the lexicon of diamond merchants to convey their desirable qualities.
Brown diamonds are created naturally, and like everything that occurs without human intervention, their range of tints are almost limitless. By the mid 20th century, diamond collectors developed a love affair with these warm toned stunners and luscious names for them started to appear. Chocolate, cognac, champagne, even vanilla began popping up in the lexicon of diamond merchants to convey their desirable qualities.
How'd they get their color?
Geologists tell us the origin of their color likely happened in the formative stage underground after being subjected to stress during an extensive growth phase. This kind of stress deforms the crystal lattice resulting in a texture known as "graining" within its crystal. At high magnification under a microscope, this graining can sometimes look similar to actual wood grain.
Geologists tell us the origin of their color likely happened in the formative stage underground after being subjected to stress during an extensive growth phase. This kind of stress deforms the crystal lattice resulting in a texture known as "graining" within its crystal. At high magnification under a microscope, this graining can sometimes look similar to actual wood grain.
Most brown diamonds are recovered from the same place that brings us pink and red diamonds. I'm talking about the Argyle Mine in NSW Australia. But there's something going on--or rather NOT going on there that may change the availability of brownies--the diamond variety.
Supply Set to Change
Australia's
legendary Argyle mine is the world's largest single diamond producer (by volume). It began operations in a large open pit (and underground since 2013) with a processing plant on site since the 1980s. Prognosticators speculate that while the exact date of Argyle mine's closure is not known, they believe there's enough economic reserves to support
production through to late 2020.
While there are a few other global sites producing 'brownies', most chocolate diamonds hail from the Argyle mine
When the mine closes, what happens to the supply of brown diamonds? We'll find out. But for the serious collector of these sparkling diamond varieties, it would seem like a clarion call to get down to business and add them to a collection.
Make Mine Diamonds
Leibish & Co., (Leibish.com) an elite diamond merchant, understands fancy color diamonds and which ones display exceptional qualities. The pear shaped pendant earrings up top lend credence to their expertise. There are several aspects that make these splendid brown diamond earrings a rarity. Their color and fine faceting might be the first thing one sees. But their extraordinary carat size (41.06-ctw in just the brown diamonds) and the fact that Leibish & Co. acquired a well matched pair of these stones reminds us that we will not likely see this exact combination ever again.
Now is as good a time as any for a delicious brownie. Make mine the diamond variety.
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