History of the Diamond Cut

History Of The Diamond Cut

It seems the history of cutting diamonds may be traced back to approximately the (Late Stages) of the Middle Ages. Although no-one can be certain. Before the skill and artistry of "Diamond Cutting" was born, it seems our ancestors would wear diamonds in the rough form known as Octahedral Diamonds. (DEFINITION:: Possessing the symmetry of a regular octahedron. Having a three-dimensional shape with 6 vertices and 8 faces, where each face forms an equilateral triangle) Another type of diamond known as anhedral (Or poorly formed) were not believed to be used in jewelry.

Rough Cut Diagram

A Simple Polishing Was Our First Attempt To Improve Nature's Diamond Design

Our first efforts to improve Mother Natures' Diamond design was to polish the faces of the Octahedral rough diamond crystal. This was done in an effort to create an even and "unblemished" surface to the natural facets, or create a more desireable shape. This process was referred to as "The Point Cut" and it's origins date back to the mid 14th century. This was most likely achieved after they discovered that using another diamond was the best way to polish a diamond. They would use a wooden table covered with diamond dust to polish the diamonds.

It is also important to note that in "ancient times", diamonds were valued more for their magical and mythological properties. It was believed that altering a diamond in any way, would alter it's magical properties and render it useless.

The Next Improvement In Diamond Cutting Came In The Mid 15th Century

The next step in the evolution of "Diamond Cutting" occured in the mid 15th century and involved "sawing off" a little less than half of the Octahedral Rough Diamond. This process created what is referred to as "The Table Cut". About this time, the importance of the culet was also realized. When 4 corner facets were added, the "Old Single Cut" was created. (Also referred to as the "Old Eight Cut") None of these early cuts revealed the fire and brilliance that is so desired in Diamonds today. Diamonds were mostly valued for their adamantine lustre and superlative hardness. As can be seen in paintings of the time, a "Table-Cut" diamond would appear black to the eye. Because of this, the more colorful gemstones such as emeralds, rubies or sapphires were much more popular and desirable for jewelry of that era.

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