Knowledge
The point cut is one of the earliest ways of fashioning a diamond. Following the octahedral shape of the rough diamond crystal, it comes to a perfect point. While not technically a cut, as the octahedral shape of the diamond rough remains largely unaltered, these diamonds are today known as ‘point cuts’. Extremely rare to come by, they were often re-cut over the centuries as other diamond cuts were developed.
Stone Cuts
What is a Point Cut?
The point cut diamond is an early form of diamond fashioning that was first recorded as far back as the 14th century.
The cut is characterised by the minimal alteration of the diamond's natural shape – an octahedron- which resembles two pyramids joined at their bases. The process primarily involved polishing the flat surfaces of the octahedral crystal to create a smoother appearance without significant cutting or reshaping of the original crystal form.
£36,500
£47,000
The point cut was a way to bring a crooked and blemished crystal towards the ideal: a perfect octahedral form, without appearing to have been tampered by man.
This faceting technique played a crucial role in the evolution and history of diamond cutting.
Why Choose a Point Cut?
Point cut diamonds are one of the earliest ways of fashioning a diamond and are extremely rare to come by. They were often re-cut over the centuries as other diamond cuts were developed, making their survival to this day truly remarkable.
Up until the 18th century, the only source of diamonds was India and it was here where mystical powers were attributed to the natural points. A well-formed crystal was thought to protect the owner from misfortune and these gems were reserved for the highest caste only.
During the 14th- 16th centuries where examples of this cut can be found, it was a time when fine jewellery was only attainable and worn by the upper nobility, and royalty. As such, it is very possible that many of these pieces would have been worn at court, tangible witnesses to historic events which we have only read about in books.
Throughout history, diamonds have been prized for their hardness- long ago, point cut diamonds were nicknamed ‘writing diamonds' as the diamond point could scratch any other substance. This unique feature of point cuts was even mentioned in the Old Testament in the book of Jeremiah 17:1 ‘The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond.'
The first ‘improvements' to the rough diamond crystal came in the form of polishing the sides of the crystal, creating surfaces which were even and unblemished, forming a distinctive symmetrical pyramid shaped point. Point cut diamond rings would have been so rare that they would only have been affordable to the elite- ie royalty, nobility and highest members of the Church.
In 1477 Mary of Burgundy was thought to be the first to receive a diamond engagement ring which was gifted to her by Archduke Maximilian of Austria. Her ring was set with a point cut diamond and it is likely that the tradition of the diamond engagement ring was sparked by this event.
Berganza’s Point Cut Diamonds
At Berganza, we are privileged to hold two historic point cut diamond rings in our collection, dating back to the Tudor and Renaissance periods. Make an appointment in our showroom today and one of our early jewellery specialists would be delighted to take you through the collection.
To own a piece of jewellery with an original point cut diamond is a rare opportunity to own something of immense historical significance.
Table Cut
Read more
Rose Cut
Old Mine Cut
Old Cut
