Beauty in the Process

The Aurora Collection in the Natural History Museum displays the variation of color that diamonds are found throughout the world. The location of the collection was in a secluded area of the museum named "The Vault." The jewels are expensive and beautiful thus the placement of this display is appropriate. These precious gems are named after the Aurora Borealis found in the Northern Hemisphere due to their color variation. Additionally, the owners of the collection who loaned the exhibit to the museum chose this name for the gems because of the Roman goddess Aurora. Her role in mythology was to symbolize hope for new beginnings. The cycle of beginnings and endings provides for reflection and optimism for the future. While they are beautiful in the light, once viewed in the dark, the jewels begin to glow. When placed in a new environment, a different type of beauty is revealed. In the same way, my experience in London will uncover new strengths that I was unaware that I possess. Without even knowing anything about how diamonds are formed or where they are from, their glittering appearance is enough to inspire admiration in the viewer.

Next to the exhibit is a quote from John Berger who wrote Ways of Seeing which reads, "That we find a crystal or a poppy beautiful means that we are less alone, that we are more deeply inserted into existence than the course of a single life would lead us to believe." It is intrinsic for humans to value beauty. The recognition of worth and the magnificence of nature is a uniting force. While observing the magnitude of natural forces in comparison to oneself it is humbling yet empowering. The purpose, order, and intentionality in the world is inescapable when looking at the intricacies of nature.

When diamonds are formed, they undergo extreme amounts of pressure and are placed in testing conditions. The temperature is intense and the great depths below the surface of the earth make the environment dark. The concept of the London I/EYE can be compared to the formation of a diamond. Through the process of becoming accustomed to another culture different from my own, there are many challenges. The experience may be difficult and appear to be fruitless yet the results are beyond the struggle. There is beauty in the process because it makes the product even more valuable since it is unique. While many people want to travel and be well experienced living life abroad, the cultural differences are often overlooked. Being an international student comes with great responsibility yet the independence, knowledge, and opportunities achieved are far greater. Gaining unique experiences shapes character and adds opportunity to relate to surrounding people. Similarly to the universal appreciation of the magnificence of nature, shared circumstances can strengthen bonds while also forming new ones. This collection was formed over the course of twenty-five years. There is often great difficulty involved with extracting these diamonds from their environment and searching for all of the various cuts and colors they come in.  If the owners of these gems had decided that collecting was too challenging, the many attendees of the museum would never be able to witness all of these particular diamonds in one place. Persistence in pursuing greatness is necessary to achieve extraordinary results.