Reclaimed Wood & Diamonds: Five Things They Have in Common

While you may not immediately think of reclaimed wood when you look at a brilliant diamond, they certainly share some common ground:  

1. Each is Unique

Diamonds are pulled from the earth in a range of color, and varying degrees of “flaws” to separate the real diamonds from the imposters. In wood it’s called “natural variation.” We add the terms “character” and “evidence of prior use” in the world of reclaimed wood. No single piece will be identical to another.  Ever. While perfect imposters abound, the unique "perfectly flawed" nature of diamonds and wood provides us a human and "real" connection to these naturally-occurring forms.

2. A Journey to Full Beauty 

Only the well-trained and experienced eye can predict the value of a “diamond in the rough” before the diamond embarks on the journey to realize a full potential and beauty. The same is true for looking at a tree and knowing what it will yield – and even more true for looking at a pile of reclaimed wood and understanding the potential that awaits. Value is added in the process of grading, cutting, etc.

This reclaimed Douglas Fir beam is old and unwieldy now, but it contains great beauty waiting to be released - by someone with the vision & skills

One of a kind beauty and character abound once the wood is finessed into a stunning beam block wall. Anthology Woods provides custom sourcing of reclaimed lumber for these types of projects.

 3. They can spark Social Wrongs and Environmental Destruction – so it matters where you buy

We’ve heard the ugly side of the diamond industry, and know the massive deforestation in tropical regions from illegal logging (this video estimates 30% of logging is illegal.  Both diamonds and wood are making progress -- both for our planet and our fellow man. Look for Fair Trade diamonds from companies like Brilliant Earth, and FSC certified wood & reclaimed wood - feel free to start by looking at ours.

4. Size matters -- a lot

You can buy many many 1/10 carat diamonds for the price of one full-carat rock. Bigger diamonds are less common, more coveted, and much more valuable. The same goes if you are looking for a set of big, old-growth beams vs. a 1x4. There is a premium on the large, impressive items.

These large hand hewn reclaimed oak beams are rare and have more value than similar reclaimed wood lumber in smaller dimensions. Reclaimed beams can be graded for use in structural applications, too.

5. The Older it is, the More Interesting the History

Just as jewels handed down through generations, or sold and traveled and traded, wood earns a better story the longer it lives. The story connects us to people far away and even long gone… who drove the nail that left this oxide stain?  What storm caused this water mark? How long did it take for the texture to appear on these Teak wall boards?   

Oxide stains, nail holes, and deep checks as well as color changes due to seasoning are only a few of the details that stand out in genuine reclaimed lumber.

In the realm of treasured heirlooms, the fakes don’t hold a candle to the real deal. When something is purchased for a lifetime (or more!) something unique, precious, and special is selected. If you seek heirloom wood to join you in your journey, please talk to us at 1-800-293-8178 or email info@anthologywoods.com