U.S. patent application number 10/414077 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-09 for high yield diamond.
Invention is credited to Peleg, Uri, Schachter, Michael.
Application Number | 20030188551 10/414077 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24685180 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030188551 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schachter, Michael ; et
al. |
October 9, 2003 |
High yield diamond
Abstract
A high yield diamond includes a table lying in a table plane, a
girdle lying in a girdle plane that is substantially parallel to
the table plane, main crown brillianteering facets lying between
the table and the girdle at an angle between 23.degree. and
40.degree., and a pavilion lying between the girdle and a culet.
The pavilion includes upper pavilion brillianteering facets lying
between the girdle and a first pavilion rib line, and lower
pavilion brillianteering facets lying between the rib line and the
culet. The upper pavilion facets lie at an angle of between
45.degree. and 80.degree. relative to the girdle plane. The lower
pavilion facets lie at an angle of between 35.degree. and
45.degree. relative to the girdle plane. The rib line lies at a
point between one-fifth and four-fifths of the distance between the
girdle and the culet.
Inventors: |
Schachter, Michael; (Short
Hills, NJ) ; Peleg, Uri; (Herzaliah, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Daniel C. Crilly, Esq.
Brinkley, McNerney, Morgan,
Solomon, & Tatum, LLP
200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Suite 1900
Fort Lauderdale
FL
33301
US
|
Family ID: |
24685180 |
Appl. No.: |
10/414077 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10414077 |
Apr 15, 2003 |
|
|
|
09669137 |
Sep 26, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
63/32 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 17/001
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
63/32 |
International
Class: |
A44C 017/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A high yield diamond comprising: a generally planar table lying
in a table plane; a girdle lying in a girdle plane, the table plane
being substantially parallel to the girdle plane; a plurality of
main crown brillianteering facets lying between the table and the
girdle at an angle between 23.degree. and 40.degree.; a pavilion
lying between the girdle and a culet, the pavilion including: a
plurality of upper pavilion brillianteering facets lying between
the girdle and a first pavilion rib line; a plurality of lower
pavilion brillianteering facets lying between the rib line and the
culet; the upper pavilion brillianteering facets lying at an angle
of between 45.degree. and 80.degree. relative to the girdle plane;
the lower pavilion brillianteering facets lying at an angle of
between 35.degree. and 45.degree. relative to the girdle plane; and
the rib line lying at a point between one-fifth and four-fifths of
the distance between the girdle and the culet.
2. The high yield diamond of claim 1, wherein the lower pavilion
facets are oriented at an angle of between 40.degree. and
44.degree. relative to the girdle plane.
3. The high yield diamond of claim 1, wherein the rib line is
positioned midway between the girdle plane and the culet.
4. The high yield diamond of claim 1, wherein the plurality of main
crown brillianteering facets comprises eight main crown
brillianteering facets.
5. The high yield diamond of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
upper pavilion brillianteering facets comprises eight upper
pavilion brillianteering facets.
6. The high yield diamond of claim 1, wherein the girdle is formed
about a widest circumference of the diamond.
7. The high yield diamond of claim 1, wherein the upper pavilion
brillianteering facets are oriented at an angle of between
50.degree. and 70.degree. relative to the table plane.
8. The high yield diamond of claim 1, wherein the lower pavilion
brillianteering facets are oriented at an angle of between
40.degree. and 42.degree. relative to the table plane.
9. The high yield diamond of claim 1, wherein the upper pavilion
brillianteering facets are oriented at an angle of between
55.degree. and 70.degree. relative to the table plane.
10. The high yield diamond of claim 1, wherein the rib line is
positioned midway between the tops of the upper pavilion
brillianteering facets and the culet.
11. The high yield diamond of claim 1, wherein the main crown
brillianteering facets have a height, said height relative to a
diameter of the girdle being between 7% and 13%.
12. The high yield diamond of claim 1, wherein the upper pavilion
brillianteering facets extend between 20% and 80% of the distance
between the tops of the upper pavilion brillianteering facets and
the culet.
13. The high yield diamond of claim 1, wherein the lower pavilion
brillianteering facets are oriented at an angle of between
40.degree. and 42.degree. relative to the girdle plane.
14. The high yield diamond of claim 1, wherein the upper pavilion
brillianteering facets are oriented at an angle of between
55.degree. and 65.degree. relative to the girdle plane.
15. The high yield diamond of claim 1, wherein the upper pavilion
brillianteering facets are oriented at an angle of between
55.degree. and 70.degree. relative to the girdle plane.
16. The high yield diamond of claim 1, wherein the rib line is
positioned midway between the tops of the upper pavilion
brillianteering facets and the culet.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/669,137 and hereby claims priority upon
such co-pending application under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to the art of transforming rough
diamonds into faceted, brillianteered diamonds, and, more
particularly, relates to a method for cutting and faceting diamonds
in such a way that the yield obtained in the finished product is
significantly increased over yields previously obtained by existing
cutting and faceting techniques.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] The art of polishing facets on gemstones (other than
diamonds) has been around for many centuries. The first known
attempt to facet a diamond is believed to have taken place in the
eleventh century. At that time, eight triangular faces were
polished in the rough diamond, creating what became known as the
"point cut", which resembled a pair of pyramids joined at their
bases.
[0006] In the early part of the fourteenth century, a single,
horizontal planar facet was introduced, which became known as the
"table", leaving four natural beveled surfaces that created the
crown. Further refinement of this elemental configuration has
resulted in, among others, the round brilliant cut, which is the
most popular faceting configuration for today's diamonds.
[0007] Currently, diamonds are first cut into a top or crown and a
bottom, base or pavilion, and a girdle lying between the two in a
horizontal plane. Anywhere from four to sixteen sections (top
primary facets) are cut into the top section, oriented at roughly
34.5.degree. above horizontal. Anywhere from four to sixteen
sections (bottom primary facets) are also cut into the bottom,
oriented at roughly 40.75.degree. below horizontal. This phase of
the cutting process is known as "blocking". It is almost
universally accepted that these proportions and angles for
brilliant cut diamonds are necessary to produce maximum brilliancy
with a high degree of dispersion or "fire". Thereafter, additional
facets are added to the top and bottom sections in a second phase
known as brillianteering. This approach is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 1 shows a stone with eight main facets in the crown and eight
main facets in the pavilion (i.e. after the rough has been
"blocked"), while FIG. 2 shows the same stone after brillianteering
facets have been added.
[0008] Eventually, stone cutters became aware of and began to
understand the effects of refraction and reflection on the optical
path of light within the gem and how to control it through angles,
surfaces and proportions. As the art of gem cutting evolved, it has
become widely accepted that the brilliant cut is the optimal cut
for simultaneously maximizing the fire, lustre, scintillation and
brilliance of the stone. Since, in general, the stone is viewed by
looking down at the table and crown facets, it is desirable to
induce the maximum amount of light possible through the table and
crown facets, down into the stone where it is reflected off of the
interior surfaces of the base facets across to the opposite base
facets and then back out through the table and crown facets to the
viewer. The more optimal the configuration of the stone, the more
even, intense and uniform is the thus reflected dome of light
perceived by the viewer.
[0009] Diamonds have various characteristics that distinguish them
from other gemstones. One characteristic is brilliance, which can
be further categorized into external and internal. External
brilliance, also referred to as lustre, generally refers to the
amount of light that impinges on the top of the stone and reflects
back, rather than light that enters the stone. Internal brilliance
is determined by the light rays that enter the crown and reflect
off the base facets and back out through the top or crown as
amplified (i.e. focused) light.
[0010] Another characteristic of a diamond is dispersion, also
known as fire, which is a measure of how much the white light is
broken up into the spectral colors. A ray of white light striking a
prism will be split up into component colors of red, orange,
yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Dispersion is maximized
when a ray of light is reflected totally from base facets and
strikes the ground facets at the greatest possible angle.
Dispersion is observed when a diamond moves relative to an
observer.
[0011] Another characteristic of a diamond is scintillation, which
is an indication of the different light patterns obtained when the
stone is moved under light. Expressed in another way, scintillation
is the quantity of flashes observed from the diamond when either
the diamond, light source or observer moves.
[0012] The refraction index for a diamond is 2.417, which is the
highest for a transparent natural gem. The amount of dispersion of
light, or fire, depends on the original angle of incidence and the
distance the light travels inside the stone. The larger the angle
of incidence, the larger the amount of refraction within the stone,
and the greater the dispersion. White light is a blend of the
spectral colors and because each color slows and bends differently
this causes the light to disperse into spectral colors, which
creates the fire within the diamond.
[0013] Today's diamond consumer is typically a highly
discriminating and well educated shopper, looking for the highest
value out of his or her investment. At the same time, the diamond
supplier wants to obtain the highest yield from a given piece of
rough. Currently, 10%-50% retention is good for a brilliant cut
diamond. Since the price per carat increases exponentially in
proportion to the carat weight of a particular stone, it is highly
desirable to increase the yield, and conversely decrease the waste,
from a given rough. The same light and dispersion can be obtained
at less cost through weight retention during the faceting
process.
[0014] In the past, however, the yield obtained in creating a
faceted stone has been unnecessarily limited due to the belief
that, in order to obtain acceptable light dispersion (i.e.
reflection and refraction), the angle of the base facets should not
exceed 43%.
[0015] Thus, the desire for weight retention has given way to what
has been believed to be the need to keep the angle of the base or
pavilion facets in a range of between 38.degree. and 43.degree.
relative to a horizontal plane. The result of this practice is
that, in order to cut the base facets at the presently specified
range of angles between 36.degree. and 43.degree., an unnecessary
amount of waste occurs during cutting of the stone, including
unnecessarily limiting the diameter of the finished product.
[0016] Therefore, it is desirable to present a method for creating
a higher yield diamond which exhibits virtually identical visual
effects and light performance as today's modern or brilliant
cut.
[0017] One attempt at increasing the weight of diamonds utilized a
greater table spread (the ratio of the table diameter to the girdle
diameter). However, it was found that the circumferential surface
of the girdle would be reflected off of the base facets through the
table, creating what is know as the "fish-eye" effect. Attempting
to decrease the base facet angle to prevent this unwanted effect
deleteriously affected the stone's fire.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,744 to Greeff and assigned to Tiffany
and Company is directed to a cut cornered mixed-cut square gemstone
having a two-step crown, a girdle, and a pavilion. The pavilion
sides and corners are defined by eight rib lines which extend
continuously from the girdle to the culet. The first crown step has
an angle of about 41.degree.-44.degree. relative to the girdle
plane and the angle of the second crown step is about 36.degree. to
39.degree. to the girdle plane. The rib lines in the pavilion are
preferably at an angle of between 38.degree.-42.degree. relative to
the girdle plane.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,657,646 to Rosenberg discloses a new cut for
a precious or semi-precious jewel having two or more culets and at
least one additional facet extending from the end of the jewel
(girdle) to the extra culet at an angle of 41.degree. (for
diamonds).
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,549 to Johnston discloses a method of
cutting facets on a gemstone, as well as the resulting stone,
wherein facets are cut which produce a five-legged star which
appears beneath the gem table. The product produced by this method
comprises a pavilion having thirty facets and fifty edges, a crown
having twenty-one facets and thirty-five facets, and a five-sided
girdle.
[0021] U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,286,486 and 3,585,764 to Huisman et al
disclose a brilliant-cut diamond having a pavilion formed of
seventy-two facets and a total of one hundred and six overall. In
the pavilion, there are eight kite-shaped (main pavilion) facets at
41.degree. relative to the horizontal girdle plane, sixteen
kite-shaped facets at 45.degree.-47.degree. relative to the girdle
plane, sixteen star or diamond shaped facets at 53.degree. to
54.degree. from the girdle plane and 32 triangular facets at
58.degree.-60.degree. relative to the girdle plane. As such, the
pavilion defines a tapering upper area ranging from 58-60.degree.
to 41.degree. at the base thereof. The sixteen kite-shaped facets,
although not beginning at the girdle, appear to extend along
roughly half of the pavilion. Stones cut in accordance with the
Huisman patents are not of higher yield, however, because the star
and half of necessity facets are added after the bottom pavilion
facets have already been cut.
[0022] As a result of the physical principles discussed above,
varying the proportions of the facets of the stone will effect the
appearance of the stone. At present, the gem industry has accepted
the theory that the optimal angle of the base facets is roughly
41.degree.. It has been stated by one well-known authority on the
subject that deviation of 0.25% from that angle will dramatically
affect the appearance of the stone. However, the inventors herein
have discovered, in the process of attempting to increase the yield
for cut stones, that, by blocking the stone in a certain "manner"
using the technique of this invention, virtually the same visual
characteristics can be obtained while also obtaining upwards of a
15% greater yield than has been available with existing
techniques.
[0023] As used herein, the term "diamond" refers to both natural
and man-made diamonds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] It is, therefore, a principle object of this invention to
provide a diamond which exhibits acceptable visual properties while
yielding greater weight retention out of a given parcel of
rough.
[0025] It is also an object of this invention to provide a
technique for producing such a diamond.
[0026] In accordance with these and other objects, the invention is
directed to a method for girdling, blocking and faceting a diamond
in such a way that the resulting product has a substantially higher
yield than has heretofore been achieved while retaining optimal
visual performance.
[0027] Another aspect of the invention is the resulting cut stone,
which exhibits the aforementioned visual characteristics while
being of a higher yield than previously achievable from a given
quantity of rough and while maintaining the desirable ratio of
diameter to height. In general, the product is comprised of a
diamond, which may for example but not by way of limitation be a
round brilliant cut gemstone, comprising a girdle, a top or crown
above the girdle and a pavilion or base below the girdle. For
purposes of this description, the girdle will be deemed to lie in a
horizontal plane ("girdle plane"). The crown terminates in an upper
planar surface known as a "table", which is generally parallel to
the girdle plane. The pavilion ends at its lower most end with a
culet, which may be either a point or a planar surface or any other
faceting arrangement desired without affecting the scope or
principles of this invention. In one embodiment, the pavilion is
comprised of a series of facets, some of which make up an upper
pavilion, and another series of facets below the upper pavilion
facets which constitute the lower pavilion. The stone may be
divided into four to sixteen main top facets and four to sixteen
main bottom facets as a result of the blocking step, which will be
discussed in more detail below. "Blocking" is the step in the
diamond cutting process in which the initial angles and primary
facets are created from the rough stone, and "brillianteering" is
the subsequent step during which secondary or minor facets are
polished into the stone.
[0028] According to the invention, the height of the upper pavilion
girdle is greater than 20% but preferably less than approximately
80% of the total pavilion height. The pavilion height is the
distance from the girdle to the culet. The angle of each upper
pavilion facet is between 45.degree. and approximately 80.degree.
from a horizontal plane, and the lower pavilion facets are set at
the customary angle of 38.degree. to 44.degree.. The crown break
angle, which is an angle of the crown facets relative to the girdle
plane, is preferably between 26.degree. and 35.degree..
[0029] The resulting visual performance of the stone configured as
described herein is surprising and striking, yet virtually
indistinguishable from prior art stones, while at the same time
resulting in a higher yield for a given quantity of rough material
from which the stone is cut.
[0030] Such a result is achieved by creating the pavilion break
angle, which is the angle at which the upper pavilion facets lie
relative to the girdle plane, at between 45.degree. and 80.degree.
during blocking. Additionally, the cutter determines the
appropriate position for the girdle to create a larger girdle
diameter than has heretofore been achieved, but the average depth
can remain similar and even identical in some instances. The
"average depth" is the ratio of the height of the diamond to its
diameter. Additionally, the lower pavilion facets are cut at the
accepted angle of somewhere in the range of 38.degree. to
44.degree.. As stated above, the height of the upper pavilion
facets are preferably between 20% and 80% of the overall height of
the pavilion. Consequently, the lower pavilion facets are between
80% and 20% of the pavilion height.
[0031] It has been found that by blocking the pavilion break angle
at an angle of 45.degree. to approximately 80.degree. and cutting
the lower pavilion facets at an angle of between 38.degree. and
44.degree., a higher yield is achieved than if the pavilion break
angle was first cut at 38.degree. to 44.degree. and thereafter the
bottom pavilion facets were cut back further to the 45.degree. to
80.degree. angle. All that is required, however, is that the upper
pavilion facets be cut at the preferred angle range of 45.degree.
to 80.degree. and the lower pavilion facets at the standard angle
of 38.degree. to 43.degree. before any brilliantering facets are
made. It does not matter in what order the main crown or pavilion
facets are cut. For example, Huisman patents both disclose a stone
which is arrived at by first blocking the pavilion facets at a
41.degree. angle and thereafter cutting away additional material,
which merely creates star facets, to arrive at steeper angles up to
60.degree.. In doing so, the opposite result to that achieved by
this invention results. That is, unnecessary gem volume is cut away
and wasted. More particularly, the Huisman patents require the
angling above 41.degree. to occur during brillianteering and not
during blocking.
[0032] The diamond of the instant invention may otherwise be cut as
a standard brilliant, or may be provided with a totally different
faceting arrangement, so long as the angle and depth of the bottom
pavilion facets are made in accordance with the invention.
[0033] The technique disclosed herein results in a product which is
completely unexpected and dramatically superior to what
conventional wisdom in the field would predict.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] FIGS. 1 and 2 show prior art round brilliant cut diamonds
employing a commonly accepted pavilion or base facet
orientation.
[0035] FIG. 3 shows a prior art round brilliant barion cut diamond
which utilizes faceting similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 but
which also includes a series of "half-moon" pavilion facets which
do not exceed 20% of the pavilion height.
[0036] FIG. 4A is a side elevational view of a generalized
representation of a diamond in accordance with this invention.
[0037] FIG. 4B is a bottom plan view of the diamond shown in FIG.
4A.
[0038] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of an alternative
embodiment of the invention which shows a particular faceting
configuration in accordance with this invention in which the upper
pavilion facets are approximately 80% of the height of the pavilion
and oriented at an angle "b" of approximately 70.degree. to the
girdle plane.
[0039] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the diamond of FIG. 5.
[0040] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a still further
embodiment of the invention in which the upper pavilion facets
constitute approximately 20% of the overall height of the pavilion,
and are angled at approximately 70.degree. to the girdle plane.
[0041] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the diamond of FIG. 7.
[0042] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the invention with
brillianteering facets added to the crown and pavilion.
[0043] FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the diamond of FIG. 9.
[0044] FIG. 11A is a side elevational view of another embodiment of
the invention.
[0045] FIG. 11B is a bottom plan view of the diamond of FIG.
11A.
[0046] FIG. 12 shows the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS.
11A and 11B after brillianteering facets have been added.
[0047] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the diamond of FIG. 12.
[0048] FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the diamond of FIG. 12.
[0049] FIGS. 15-18 show a further embodiment of this invention in
which a "cushion" cut is employed but which otherwise follows the
principles of this invention.
[0050] FIGS. 19-23 show a still further embodiment of this
invention in which a "pear" shaped diamond is employed but which
otherwise follows the principles of this invention.
[0051] FIGS. 24-28 show an even further embodiment of this
invention in which an "oval" cut is employed but which otherwise
follows the principles of this invention.
[0052] FIGS. 29-33 show yet another embodiment of this invention in
which a "marquis" cut is employed but which otherwise follows the
principles of this invention.
[0053] FIGS. 34-38 show another "oval" cut diamond which follows
the principles of this invention.
[0054] FIGS. 39-43 show another "marquis" cut diamond which follows
the principals of this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0055] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a side elevational
view of a diamond 10 blocked in accordance with prior art
techniques. Diamond 10 is comprised of a top or crown 12
terminating at its upper end with a horizontal table 14 and at its
lower end at a horizontal girdle 11 lying in a girdle plane P.
Diamond 10 also comprises a base or pavilion 60 extending from the
girdle 11 to a culet 18. The main top facets 22 and main pavilion
facets 26 give diamond 10 its initial shape and its volume. Top
main facets 22 are oriented at an angle of 34.5.degree. relative to
the girdle plane P. Upper pavilion facets 26 are oriented at an
angle of 40.75.degree. below the girdle plane as described earlier.
The figures to the right in FIG. 1 describe the ratio of the height
of that section to the diameter of the stone. This dimension is
called the "percentage of crown height" when referring the crown
section (16.2% in FIG. 1) and "percentage of pavilion height" when
referring the pavilion section (43.1% in FIG. 1).
[0056] FIG. 2 shows the diamond 10 of FIG. 1 after brillianteering
facets have been added. These brillianteering facets, although
enhancing the light performance of the finished diamond, do not in
any way increase the volume and resulting carat weight of the
stone.
[0057] FIG. 3 shows an alternative prior art round brilliant cut
diamond in which a series of so-called "half-moon" facets 30 are
arranged below the girdle. These half-moon facets 30, although
oriented at an angle greater than the angle of 40.75.degree.
required by the prior art, do not exceed 20% of the height of the
pavilion. In fact, the prior art mandates that this relationship
not be exceeded.
[0058] FIGS. 4a and 4b depict a generalized representation of a
first embodiment of the instant invention in which a diamond 40 is
shown, comprised of a top or crown section 42, a base or pavilion
section 46 and a girdle 41 lying therebetween in a girdle plane P.
The crown 42 terminates in a table 44 which is, for the preferred
embodiment but not necessarily by way of limitation, parallel to
girdle plane P. During blocking, a series of main crown facets 52
are created at an angle "a" between 26.degree. and 35.degree. above
girdle plane P. In addition, a series of upper pavilion facets 56
are provided, which lie at an angle "b" below the girdle plane P.
Finally, a series of lower pavilion facets 57 are provided, which
lie at an angle "c" below the girdle plane. The height "x" of the
upper pavilion facets are between 20% and 80% of the overall
pavilion height "y". The order in which main facets 52, 56, 57 and
44 are cut does not matter, any such order being deemed to fall
within the scope of this invention.
[0059] In order to manufacture a diamond 40 in accordance with the
principles of this invention, table 44 is formed along with
anywhere from four to sixteen main crown facets at angle "a". In
addition, from four to sixteen upper pavilion facets 56 are
provided at angle "b", extending from girdle 41 to whatever
position the cutter deems appropriate during blocking. By thus
blocking diamond 40, a higher girdle is obtained than with prior
art techniques, along with a greater girdle diameter, although the
average depth (ratio of overall height of diamond to diameter of
girdle) remains commensurate with prior art diamonds, a desirable
result.
[0060] In addition, lower pavilion facets 57 are provided at angle
"c", extending upwardly from a newly formed culet 60 by a distance
which will result in the ratio of "x" to "y" being between 20% and
80%. Rib lines 61 delineate upper pavilion facets 56 from lower
pavilion facets 57.
[0061] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a blocked diamond 40 in accordance with
the invention where upper pavilion facets 56 are sized to be
approximately 80% of the overall pavilion height "y", but wherein
the remaining dimensions are as set forth with respect to the
description of FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0062] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a diamond 40 in accordance with this
invention in which the upper pavilion facets are approximately 20%
of the overall height "y" of pavilion 46, but wherein the remaining
dimensions are as set forth with respect to the description of
FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0063] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a diamond 40 in accordance with
this invention after having been brillianteered. It is important to
point out that the brillianteering phase is irrelevant to the
principles of this invention, and that eventually any
brillianteering steps can be taken which may occur to one skilled
in the art without departing from the scope of this invention.
[0064] FIGS. 11A and 11B show a modified embodiment of this
invention which is directed to a diamond 100 having a girdle 101, a
crown 102, and table 104 and a pavilion 106. The pavilion height is
indicated by the letter "y" and is the distance from the girdle
plane P to culet 138 shown in FIG. 11A.
[0065] As can be appreciated from the description given with
respect to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in order to create a diamond 100 in
accordance with FIGS. 11A and 11B a cutter would block four to
sixteen main crown facets 112 and a table 104 above girdle plane P.
Facets 112 are cut an angle "d" relative to girdle plane P. In
addition, four to sixteen upper pavilion facets 126 are created. A
girdle 101 is created therebetween. Facets 126 are disposed at an
angle "e" relative to the girdle plane P. Also, middle pavilion
facets 136 are created, at an angle "f" relative to the girdle
plane. Finally, lower pavilion facets 140 are created, at an angle
"g" relative to the girdle plane P, resulting in culet 138. The
angle "d" is preferably between 26.degree.-35.degree. relative to
plane P, and angles "e" and "f" are between 45.degree. and
80.degree. relative to plane P. The dimensions "u", "v" and "w" may
assume any proportion in relationship to height "y" of pavilion
106, so long as the sun of"u" and "v" are between 20% and 80% of
"y".
[0066] FIGS. 12 through 14 show an example of brillianteering of
stone 100. It is to be understood, again, that the particular
brillianteering style chosen is not intended to affect the scope of
this invention, but that any brillianteering which would occur to
one of skilled in the art is contemplated to be within the scope of
this invention.
[0067] Referring to FIGS. 15A and 18, there is shown a cushion cut
diamond 200 manufactured in accordance with this invention in which
there is provided a table 204, anywhere with from 4 to 16 main
crown facets 212 at an angle of between 26.degree. and 35.degree.
to the girdle plane, anywhere from 4 to 16 upper pavilion facets
226 beginning at girdle 201 and ending at a point between the
girdle and the bottom of the rough stone chosen by the cutter, and
from four to sixteen lower pavilion facets 236 extending from
bottom of upper pavilion facets 226 to culet 238. A rib line 230 is
formed between upper and lower pavilion facets 226, 236,
respectively. Main pavilion facets 226 are oriented at an angle of
between 45.degree. and 80.degree. relative to the girdle plane,
while lower pavilion facets 236 are oriented at the standard, e.g.
40.75%, angle relative to the girdle plane.
[0068] FIGS. 17 and 18 show the cushion cut diamond of FIGS. 15 and
16 after brillianteering.
[0069] FIGS. 19 through 23 show a still further embodiment of this
invention in which a diamond is cut into a pear shape in accordance
with the principles set forth herein. Anywhere from four to sixteen
main crown facets 312 are provided surrounding a table 304. The
crown facets 312 terminate in a girdle 301. Anywhere from four to
sixteen upper pavilion facets 326 are provided below girdle 301.
Also, a similar number of lower pavilion facets 336 are provided,
and additional brillianteering facets added as desired by the
cutter. Rib line 330 is positioned somewhere between 20% and 80% of
the way between girdle 301 and culet 338.
[0070] The method for manufacturing diamonds of FIGS. 19 through 23
includes the steps of (not necessarily in any particular order)
blocking a rough diamond by cutting a table 304, main crown facets
312 and upper pavilion facets 326. Main crown facets are oriented
at an angle of between 23.degree. to 40.degree. relative to girdle
plane P. Upper pavilion facets 326 are oriented at an angle of
between 43.degree. and 80.degree. relative to the girdle plane.
Lower pavilion facets 336 are preferably oriented at an angle of
between 30.degree. and 45.degree. relative to girdle plane P or at
any conventional angle known in the art. Thereafter brillianteering
facets may be added as deemed necessary by the cutter.
[0071] Referring now to FIGS. 24 through 28, an oval shaped diamond
400 in accordance with the invention is shown. As in the previously
described embodiments, a table 404 is provided, along with anywhere
from four to sixteen main crown facets 412 and anywhere from four
to sixteen upper pavilion facets 426. Also, lower pavilion facets
436 are provided, being oriented at an angle of between 35.degree.
to 45.degree. relative to plane P or at any customary angle
relative to the girdle plan, ending in a culet 438. Upper pavilion
facets 426 are oriented at an angle relative to the girdle plane of
between 45.degree. and 80.degree.. Crown facets are oriented at an
angle to the girdle plane of between 23.degree. and 40.degree..
[0072] Diamond 400 is initially formed (not necessarily in any
particular order) by providing upper pavilion facets 426 extending
downwardly from girdle 401. Main crown facets 412 are also provided
at an angle of between 23.degree. and 40.degree. relative to the
girdle plane, and a table 404 is cut. Lower pavilion facets 436 are
provided at an angle of between 35.degree. and 45.degree., and
extend from rib line 431 to culet 438. Rib line 431 is positioned
between 20% and 80% of the distance measured from the girdle 401 to
culet 438.
[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 29-33, an alternative marquis-shaped
diamond 500 is shown in accordance with this invention. As in the
previously described embodiments, a table 504 is provided, along
with anywhere from four to sixteen main crown facets 512 and
anywhere from four to sixteen upper pavilion facets 526. Also, a
like number of lower pavilion facets 436 are provided, extending
from rib line 530 to culet 528. Rib line 530 is positioned anywhere
from one fifth to four fifths the vertical distance from girdle
plane P to culet 528.
[0074] Diamond 500 is initially formed (not necessarily in any
particular order) by providing upper pavilion facets 426 at an
angle of between 23.degree. and 40.degree. relative to the girdle
plane. Upper pavilion facets 526 are oriented at an angle relative
to the girdle plane of between 45.degree. and 80.degree.. Lower
pavilion facets 536 are oriented at an angle of between 35.degree.
and 45.degree. relative to the girdle plane P, and extend from rib
line 530 to culet 528.
[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 34-38, an alternative oval shaped
diamond 600 in accordance with the invention as shown. A table 604
is provided, along with anywhere from four to sixteen main crown
facets 612 and anywhere from four to sixteen upper pavilion facets
426. Also, a like number of lower pavilion facets 436 are provided,
being oriented at an angle of between 350 and 45.degree. relative
to plane P or at any customary angle relevant to the girdle plane,
ending in a culet 638. Upper pavilion facets 626 are oriented at an
angle relative to the girdle plane of between 45.degree. and
80.degree.. Main crown facets 612 are oriented at an angle to the
girdle plan of between 23.degree. and 40.degree.. Rib line 630 is
positioned anywhere between one fifths and four fifths the vertical
distance between girdle 601 and culet 638. Lower pavilion facets
636 are preferably oriented at between 37.degree. and 44.degree.
relative to the girdle plane. FIGS. 36, 37 and 38 show the diamond
of this embodiment after brillianteering facets have been added as
well.
[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 39-43, an alternative marquis shaped
diamond 700 in accordance with the invention as shown. In table 704
is provided, along with anywhere from four to sixteen main crown
facets 712 and anywhere from four to sixteen upper pavilion facets
726. Also, lower pavilion facets 736 are provided, being oriented
at an angle of between 35.degree. and 45.degree. relative to the
plane P or at any customary angle relative to the girdle plane,
ending in a culet 738. Upper pavilion facets 726 are oriented at an
angle relative to the girdle plane of between 45.degree. and
80.degree.. Main crown facets 712 are oriented at an angle to the
girdle plane of between 230 and 40.degree..
[0077] Diamond 700 is initially formed (not necessarily in any
particular order) by providing upper pavilion facets 726 extending
downwardly from girdle 701. Main crown facets 712 are also provided
at the angle of between 23.degree. and 40.degree. relative to the
girdle plane before after table 404 is cut. Relatively in facets
436 extend between rib line 730 and culet 738. Rib line 730 is
positioned between one fifth and four fifths the vertical distance
between girdle 701 and culet 738.
[0078] Although experimentation is ongoing, the inventors have
discovered that blocking a diamond in accordance with this
invention has yielded a percentage of crown height in a range of 7%
to 13% with crown break angles of as low as 23.5.degree.. Another
example of a diamond cut in accordance with this invention had a
percentage of crown height of 8.9% and a percentage of crown height
of 26.5%. Another stone which was cut in accordance with the
principles of this invention had a percentage of crown height of
8.4% at the crown break angle of 24.5.degree.. By utilizing a
shallower crown break angle, higher girdles are obtained along with
the surprising result that the stones still optically perform in a
manner which is indistinguishable from prior art diamonds. And, by
otherwise blocking the diamond in accordance with the diamonds,
substantially higher carat yields are obtained.
[0079] As specified in connection with all embodiments, the
sequence of cuts made during the blocking phase is irrelevant, so
long as the resulting diamond has the arrangement of facets within
the specified ranges as contemplated by the invention prior to
brillianteering. For example, the upper pavilion facets may be cut
first, or the main crown facets may be cut first, or the lower
pavilion facets may be cut first, or the table may be cut first.
Also for example, the upper pavilion facets may be cut second or
third if the table or crown facets are cut first, or the crown
facets may be cut second or third if the pavilion and table facets
are cut prior thereto, or the table may be cut second or third if
either the crown or the pavilion facets are cut first. For multiple
upper pavilion facet arrangements such as that shown in FIGS.
11A-14, the uppermost pavilion facets should be cut first to
maximize yield. However, the actual sequence of blocking steps will
be selected by the cutter based on such parameters as the shape and
grain structure of the rough diamond.
* * * * *