80 DIAMOND CUTS

Diamonds were once considered ugly.

With no way to cut them, the ancients wore diamonds in the rough and valued them chiefly as talismans. Only when properly cut does a diamond transform from a dull crystal into a dazzling gem.

In India, early gem cutters learned how to shape diamonds, yet refrained from altering nature’s sacred design. In Europe, cutters were long daunted by the stone’s legendary hardness—reluctant to touch what was believed to be invincible.

When they finally dared to cut it, their goal became clear: to release as much brilliance as possible—always at the risk of destroying a gem of immense value.
From these experiments emerged over 80 diamond cuts, each an attempt to master light or form.

Inside this book, discover:
• India’s enigmatic Mughal diamond cuts
• The point and table cuts of early Europe
• The rose cut and its mysterious origin
• Early brilliant cuts and their evolving facets
• Rare and little-known diamond cuts rarely discussed elsewhere

Which cut would ultimately unlock the true brilliance of the world’s most prized gemstone?

In this fully illustrated and deeply researched guide, follow the history of diamond cutting across centuries—along with the rise of cutting centers and the techniques that shaped the hardest natural material.

Blending history, gemology and design, 80 Diamond Cuts is a visual and comprehensive guide to how human ingenuity transformed “unsightly stones” into the most brilliant gems.