Interesting book

[new-beginning]

I read on Kindle: The Diamond Formula: - Inventions: Untold Stories of the Beautiful Era collection) by Alina Simone.

 

[Mlh]

Learn anything of interest you can share?

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Diamonds had been made about a decade earlier with explosions - but those diamonds are far supperior and very very tiny.
They are Lonsdalite and are the real example that most of us were taught at school as covalent bonding examples. The tertahedra are all in alignment and it would be much harder (but probably have better easier cleavage).
Diamond (cubic) as we all know it is slightly more dense and a touch higher refractive light bending index.

 

[new-beginning]

This was an entertaining story of a con man who managed to not only dupe the powerful head of De Beers diamonds out of a substantial sum of money, and become the toast of Paris as well. The backgrounds of both are presented, framing how they met and the con was executed. The subsequent trial is the most interesting part. Even the judge was enthralled. The sheer gumption of the con is impressive.

 

[WinkHPD]

Thank you for posting the recommendation. I can certainly use this.

Here are a few others, for those interested in diamond-related reads.

The French Blue by Wise. It’s told as a romance, but gives a lot of precise factual evidence regarding the amazing journeys of Tavernier and stones of significance, including the Hope diamond, which were brought from the Golconda Sultanate to France.

https://www.amazon.com/French-Blue-Richard-W-Wise/dp/0972822364

Flawless by Selby and Campbell. This is a true crime story about the biggest diamond heist in history, which was Houdini-like, and has been called ‘the perfect crime.’ The story has rich personalities in it. You’ll see one of our friends acknowledged on p236. Lieve Peeters from Infinity Diamonds who, of course, is a foremost expert for the Belgian Ministry of Justice.

https://www.amazon.com/Flawless-Inside-Largest-Diamond-History/dp/B00B2SD614

American Cut, the first 100 years by Gilberston. I see this recommended here regularly, and would include it in my suggestions. It’s much more dry and documented, but a fascinating look at how Boston and New York were key influences in cut quality improvements. Another one of our friends wrote this book. Many of us who know Al Gilbertson consider him a national treasure.

https://www.amazon.com/American-Cut-First-100-Years/dp/0873110595

I’m interested to hear more suggestions. Thank you for starting the thread @new-beginning.

Wink

 

[alittlelight]

I love book recs! Thanks!

 

[Texas Leaguer]

I enthusiastically second Wink's recommendations for The French Blue and American Cut.

I would not call Al Gilbertson's book dry for anyone interested in Ideal cut diamonds! It's pretty amazing that before Tolkowsky published his famous work in 1919, a few notable American cutters had been cutting to his proportions for more than a decade. It's just as interesting to understand how, even though it was widely known how to cut the most beautiful round diamonds, the industry kept cutting for yield over beauty. A century later many of us are fighting the same battle!!

And the French Blue is a page turner. Impeccably researched and beautiful told. It has it all - it's even sexy!

I would also recommend Diamond: A Journey into the Heart of Obsession. Just from the title I bet some people are already nodding their heads saying to themselves "Uh,huh. I can relate."
This book provides an riveting look at diamond prospecting and the adventures and intrigues that are so much a part of it. Really, really interesting.

Amazon.com

So this is a great trio of books for diamond enthusiasts that approach the subject from completely different angles. If you think you are into diamonds now, read these books and you will have whole new levels of appreciation!

 

[WinkHPD]

“Thank you for the recommendation Bryan. I’m ordering Diamond: A journey... You made it so simple by including the link that I just ordered it. Thank you!

Along the lines of Flawless above, which is a true diamond-heist story, there is a diamond-heist movie I just remembered. It’s not a book, but the movie Snatch is on Netflix, it is a satire and a comedy that touches on many cultures involved in diamond trading. It also features Brad Pitt in one of the funniest roles you’ll ever see. Be warned, it has a lot of U.S. Marine caliber language. I am a former U.S. Marine so that doesn’t bother me, but you have now been warned!”

I think I might have to reread the French Blue. It was such a great adventure story that I need to enjoy it again.

Wink

P.S. About this statement above:

It's just as interesting to understand how, even though it was widely known how to cut the most beautiful round diamonds, the industry kept cutting for yield over beauty. A century later many of us are fighting the same battle!!

Well said!