|
History of the Ideal Cut Diamond
Diamonds became popular as ornaments in jewelry in the 1400's and the
different techniques and styles of diamond cuts were gradually developed
over many years. The year of 1919 saw the greatest advancement in
diamond cuts when the skills of Marcel Tolkowsky produced the Ideal cut
for diamonds used as the American Standard (also known as the American
Ideal Cut, Tolkowsky cut, and Tolkowsky Brilliant)
Marcel Tolkowsky (1898 - 1991) and the Ideal Cut Diamond
Marcel Tolkowsky was born in Belgium in 1898. He came from a Russian
family of diamond cutters. His father was Isidore Tolkowsky who worked
in Antwerp with his brothers. Marcel therefore came from a wealthy
family and was brought up with the tradition and skills of diamond
cutting. Marcel was well educated and studied at the University of
London to become an engineer, mathematician and physicist. During his
time at university Marcel using his knowledge of Math, Physics and
Diamond cutting he wrote a Masters thesis on the proportions for round
brilliant cut diamonds. He calculated the ideal shape to return and
scatter light when a diamond is viewed from above. In 1919 he published
his book entitled 'Diamond Design' which became the basis for what is
now known as the “Ideal Cut".
Description of the Ideal Cut Diamond Dimensions
Marcel Tolkowsky defined the ideal dimensions for diamonds as follows:
-
Table percentage (table diameter divided by overall diameter) =
53%
-
Depth percentage (Overall depth divided by the overall diameter)
= 59.3%
-
Pavilion Angle (Angle between the girdle and the pavilion) =
40.75°
-
Crown Angle (Angle between the girdle and the crown) = 34.5°
-
Pavilion Depth (Depth of pavilion divided by overall diameter) =
43.1%
-
Crown Depth (Depth of crown divided by crown diameter) = 16.2%
Ideal Cut Diamonds - the Cutting Process
Diamond Facets are
the smooth surface areas of a diamond which are cut and polished to
control the brilliance and the durability of a diamond. A skilful
diamond cutter brings out all the brilliance and sparkle of a diamond by
choosing the most appropriate cut, such as the Ideal Diamond cut. For
specific information on individual round cuts please click one of the
following links:
Brilliant Cut
Diamonds
Round Cut Diamonds
Rose Cut Diamonds
Symbolism & Meaning of Diamonds
The traditional properties closely associated with diamonds are
action, passion, and energy. Jewelry containing diamonds are believed to
enhance relationships, increasing inner strength and provide the wearer
with balance, clarity and abundance. Wearing jewelry containing a
diamond will focus the energies of the precious gemstone through the
gem.
Ideal Cut Diamond Engagement Rings
The tradition of wearing engagement rings, including those with an
Ideal cut diamond, symbolizes the promise of a future together which
is sealed with the giving and accepting of a ring. The tradition of
giving a diamond engagement ring dates back to the 13th century. Mary of Burgundy is the first known recipient of a diamond engagement ring, in 1477. Betrothal Betrothal rings were initially given as a pledge to marry. All wedding
and engagement rings are worn on the third finger of the left hand
because the vein in this finger, called the "vena amoris", was once
believed to run directly to the heart which is closely associated with
love. The circular shape of rings symbolizes unending love.
Ideal Cut Diamond Solitaire
The most popular style engagement ring is a diamond solitaire, the cuts
include the Ideal cut diamond solitaire. The solitaire design was
introduced by Tiffany about 100 years ago. The Tiffany solitaire setting
enhanced the brilliance and lustre of the diamond by introducing the
first ‘open’ mount, which allowed light to travel freely through the
precious stone differing from all previous settings which had
restrictive closed backs. The Ideal cut diamond solitaire is a
beautiful cut for this type of jewelry.
Ideal Cut Diamonds
What constitutes
good cuts? Good Ideal Cut Diamonds are effected by several different
elements which have a large impact on a diamond's brilliance. These
include the Width and Depth of the stone, the
Symmetry and the alignment of a diamond's facets and the
polish. Diamond Clarity is a measure of a diamond's blemishes and inclusions which
also effect the brilliance
of diamonds and their sparkle because they interfere with the passage of
light travelling through the precious stone. The skill of the jeweller will
ensure that Ideal cut diamonds have a suitable cut to
give the most beautiful results in respect of their
lustre, transparency, refraction and dispersion of
light.
Ideal - Cut - Diamonds - Precious - Stone -
Guide - Facts - Information -Info - Jewelry - Jewellery -
Properties
Quality - Settings - Engagement Rings - Solitaire - Ideal Cut Diamonds
Ideal Cut Diamonds
|
