Real black diamonds to sparkle at Wentworth Woodhouse
Black diamonds of a different kind will arrive at Wentworth Woodhouse when a showcase of contemporary jewellery and precious metalwork takes over the Grade I Listed mansion.
Goldsmiths North will bring the work of more than 20 leading independent silversmiths, goldsmiths and artisan jewellers to the State Dining Room from November 13-15.
The setting is widely known as “the Black Diamonds House” following Catherine Bailey’s best-selling book, Black Diamonds: The Rise and Fall of an English Family, about its aristocratic owners and the fortunes they made from coal beneath their land. The book has attracted visitors from as far away as Florida and Australia.
Several exhibitors use actual black diamonds, once overlooked by the jewellery trade but now valued for their symbolism, dark colour and depth. The stones gained wider attention in 2010 when Mr Big proposed to Carrie Bradshaw with a five-carat black diamond engagement ring at the end of Sex and the City 2.
Rebecca Joselyn co-founded Goldsmiths North in Sheffield in 2019 to celebrate the city’s silversmithing heritage and support independent makers.
She said black diamonds, like all natural diamonds, formed billions of years ago, with graphite and other mineral impurities creating their opaque or translucent appearance. “We are looking forward to seeing how our Goldsmiths North exhibitors showcase them at Wentworth Woodhouse.”
Cornwall-based Agneta Bugyte combines blackened silver and warm 18ct gold, using champagne and cognac diamonds for warmth and black diamonds for depth and intensity.
She said: “There is something rather extraordinary about bringing jewellery containing actual black diamonds to the house. It feels like a particularly powerful setting for my work.”
Cheltenham-based Maria Frantzi will bring her copy of Black Diamonds alongside examples of her gemstone work. “Stones are at the centre of my work and I use black diamonds because there is no other black stone that combines such durability and shine. I also like the dramatic contrast with white diamonds,” she said.
The event runs from 10am-4pm. Tickets cost £19.50 and include unlimited access and re-entry across all three days, mansion entry and garden access. Booking is available at www.wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk.
