Diamond Design: A Study of the Reflection and Refraction of Light in a Diamond (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

Marcel Tolkowsky

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1528446372 ISBN 13: 9781528446372

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2018

Synopsis

Explore how light shapes a diamond’s sparkle.

This nonfiction study blends history with practical science to explain how designers and cutters maximize brilliance. From ancient Indian origins to modern cutting theory, the book traces the craft of shaping a gem and the optical ideas behind each decision.

The work combines historical context with mathematical reasoning. It examines how symmetry, facet patterns, and cutting angles affect reflection, refraction, and color dispersion. Readers will see how early tools and methods evolved into the precise techniques used to enhance a diamond’s beauty, including the rose cut and the brilliant cut, along with the role of measurement and geometry in achieving optimal light performance.

• Learn the key optical ideas behind how light travels through a gem and why symmetry matters.
• Understand the evolution of diamond cutting, from ancient craft to modern design principles.
• See how specific facet arrangements influence brightness, color, and perceived size.
• Get a clear view of how careful shaping reduces weight loss while boosting sparkle.

Ideal for readers curious about the science of gem design, as well as hobbyists and students who want a clear, practical view of how diamonds are cut to maximize beauty.

Edition details

• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1528446372
• ISBN 13: 9781528446372
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 110