Binding Matter. From Dark Substance to Bright Sentiment

The ring has long been regarded as a symbol of renewal and infinity. In its closed form, it reflects the experience of cyclical processes—day and night, the seasons, becoming and passing away. The circle promises return. Yet when a diamond is set into this archetypal shape, its meaning shifts. Alongside the cyclical element appears a material that itself scarcely undergoes change. Formed under extreme pressure over immense spans of time, the diamond stands for endurance. Its hardness lends the ring a condensed sense of temporality—an idea of permanence that points beyond the natural cycle.

This article is part of the catalogue of the exhibition Rings that Rock. Diamond Rings from the 15th Century until Today: A Story about Power, Love and Splendor by DIVA Museum. The catalogue is available at the DIVA Museum shop or can be ordered by email at administratie@divaantwerp.be for €10, plus shipping costs.
 

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