Hexagonal Diamonds and Hexagon Innovating

In previous blogs, I have compared diamond prospecting with opportunity identification as well as diamond polishing with strategy and business plan development. As a result, I wondered if any diamonds were cut in a hexagonal shape...

The standard and most common diamond cut is the ideal round brilliant cut. This cut, as a result of the internal angles, reflects light with the most sparkle and brilliance making it the most desired and expensive cut per carat weight. The round brilliant has 58 facets or sides including a large octagonal table on top (53-57% of the diamond’s diameter). Diamonds that are not cut as round brilliants often as a result of the rough crystal’s size, shape or defects and inclusions are termed fancy. The more common fancy cut diamonds and shapes include the princess, marquise, pear, emerald, heart and oval. 

There are two hexagonal-shaped cuts: The hexagonal cut is a simple step cut similar to the rectangular emerald cut with a hexagonal shape and a hexagonal table. The more interesting fire rose cut is hexagonally shaped with a hexagonal table and 61 facets. In 1988, diamond merchant De Beers presented it as one of five new cuts loosely based on the round brilliant in order to maximize their brilliance. They were designed by master Antwerp cutter Gabi Tolkowosky. 

The largest hexagonal-shaped (fire rose-like?) diamond may have been the 32.62 carat Bazu. It was only mentioned once as part of The Order of the Golden Fleece, a pendant created by King Louis XV that also contained the French Blue, the precursor of the 45.52 Hope diamond. Unfortunately, the Golden Fleece was among the French Crown Jewels stolen in 1792 and broken up so the Bazu's existence is controversial.  

REFERENCES
http://www.jewelry-secrets.com/Diamonds/Diamond-Shapes/100-Different-Diamond-Shapes-Cuts-Sizes-And-Facets-Of-Diamonds.html
http://www.a1-diamond.com/New-Diamond-Cuts.html
http://www.interlap.com/cuts4col/firerose.htm
http://www.museumdiamonds.com/~scottsuc/index.php/bazu.html

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