I had a virtual ‘sit-down’ with Evert Botha of Embee Diamonds & MDC Inc, creators of Sirius Star ® ... the world’s brightest diamond ® . At Henne we’ve been offering these amazing diamonds to our customers and wanted to give you an inside look at the fascinating process of re-cutting a diamond. Q A & DIAMOND RE-CUTTING W R I T T E N B Y C H R I S T I N E S P I C U Z Z A , W I T H C O N T R I B U T I O N S F R O M E V E R T B O T H A
H E N N E J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E
Q: What is the history of diamond re-cutting? A: Diamond cutting and polishing is a centuries-old trade. Over the last 150 years, the art has been refined as technology afforded cutters the ability to craft more shapes and facets. As the craft has evolved, we began to be able to re-cut many older shapes into the modern shapes. For example, Old Mine Cut diamonds were re-cut into Old European Cut, and Old European Cut diamonds were re-cut into modern brilliants. Finally, in the last decade, the modern brilliants have been re- cut into a variety of new designs including Henne Jewelers’ exclusive Sirius Star ® …the world’s brightest diamond ® Collection. Diamonds are the hardest-known substance known to man, but with poorly cut diamonds (diamonds with low durability due to a variety of factors), even diamonds can get damaged or broken. These diamonds can be re-cut or re-polished to acceptable standards and desirable shapes. Over the last 90 years, diamond grading standards too have evolved. Today, the goal of diamond production is to ensure optimal cut and clarity, whereas historically diamonds were faceted to maintain the highest carat weight. A lot of the older modern brilliants have inclusions and other characteristics that can be removed by sacrificing a little bit of weight, ultimately yielding a purer diamond that is often a better color rating as well (more colorless).
Q: When did re-cutting diamonds become more popular? A: The re-cutting of diamonds has really accelerated over the last 20 years as more and more baby boomers have started trading in their diamonds – some for cash, and others who desire to upgrade their diamonds or whose tastes have changed. Alternatively, it opens up an entirely new world of using family heirloom diamonds that may have a lot of sentimental value to the customer, or add a nostalgic factor knowing that their diamond carries a piece of cultural history. Q: Why have double the facets? A: The pavilion facets on a diamond are the workers. These workers have only one job to do: reflect and return light back through the crown facets. With the Sirius Star ® 80 designs, every facet is designed to return the maximum amount of light through the crown. Essentially, it results in a brighter, more brilliant diamond than any other modern brilliant shape. That’s why it’s called “the world’s brightest diamond ® ”.
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