Diamonds Part II: From Rough Crystal to Brilliant Cut

In the second part of our diamond series, we turn from science to history.

After exploring how diamonds form and how they are cut in Part I, this episode follows the extraordinary journey of the diamond through human history. From the ancient riverbeds of India to the great discoveries in Brazil and South Africa, we trace how diamonds moved across continents, empires and centuries.

Along the way we explore how diamond cutting evolved from simple polishing of natural crystals to increasingly sophisticated faceting techniques that transformed the stone’s beauty. From the earliest point cuts and table cuts to the rose cut, old mine cut and the beginnings of the modern brilliant, each development reflects changing technology, taste and the growing desire to unlock the diamond’s brilliance.

This is the story of how a rare natural curiosity became one of the most important gemstones in jewellery history.

In the next episode of this series, we’ll turn to one of the most mysterious diamonds ever known - the legendary Florentine.

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This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck