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Details
THE MALTESE CROSS DIAMOND
Carvin French
The transparent yellowish-brown cube-shaped diamond with a central black inclusion weighing approximately 8.70 cts., set within an 18K yellow, rose and white gold rotating independent frame
Mounting by Carvin French
With certificate 1932350 dated 2/26/87 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond with a central inclusion is known in the trade as "Maltese Cross."
Discovered nearly 25 years ago, a frosted rough diamond weighing 50.02 carats was considered a grave disappointment--a black cloud hovered over its surface deeming it nearly worthless. Once the two rough edges were sawn off, however, the cloud revealed a remarkable needle-like inclusion clearly portraying the shape of the Maltese cross. Upon further scrutiny and concentrated cutting by an insightful jeweler, a hexagonal cube was formed. Not only did the removal of tough edges give the stone an unusual appearance; the natural refractions from six surfaces intensified the unmistakable Maltese cross form at its center. The phenomenon was born of the pale frame that surrounds the black cloud and the white internal inclusion that intrigueingly emerges from the fancy brown diamond. The striking Maltese cross reflection intensifies when held up to the light.
The history of the Maltese cross as a design dates back to the Phoenicians, as it was the symbol of the goddess Tanit. The knights of Malta adopted this symbol in the 11th century, as it was easily recognizable by the local population. The purpose of the order was to care for Pilgrims of the First Crusade during their travel to Jerusalem. The order was formally named on February 15, 1113 in a papal bull issued by Pope Paschal II. In 1530 the Holly Roman Emperor Charles V gave the order the Maltese Archipelago and it is since this time the order took the name of Knights of Malta.
The Maltese cross has always been a popular symbol. Chanel and Fulco di Verdura are credited with the popularization of the Maltse cross in jewelry of the Thirties. Until Verdura's departure from Paris for New York in 1934, he created variations of this motif, which was to prove pivotal to the imagery of the House of Chanel for years to come.
The sophisticated simplicity of a rotating frame by Carvin French, coupled with the imagination and creativity of Mother Nature, make this a truly unique stone.
Carvin French
The transparent yellowish-brown cube-shaped diamond with a central black inclusion weighing approximately 8.70 cts., set within an 18K yellow, rose and white gold rotating independent frame
Mounting by Carvin French
With certificate 1932350 dated 2/26/87 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond with a central inclusion is known in the trade as "Maltese Cross."
Discovered nearly 25 years ago, a frosted rough diamond weighing 50.02 carats was considered a grave disappointment--a black cloud hovered over its surface deeming it nearly worthless. Once the two rough edges were sawn off, however, the cloud revealed a remarkable needle-like inclusion clearly portraying the shape of the Maltese cross. Upon further scrutiny and concentrated cutting by an insightful jeweler, a hexagonal cube was formed. Not only did the removal of tough edges give the stone an unusual appearance; the natural refractions from six surfaces intensified the unmistakable Maltese cross form at its center. The phenomenon was born of the pale frame that surrounds the black cloud and the white internal inclusion that intrigueingly emerges from the fancy brown diamond. The striking Maltese cross reflection intensifies when held up to the light.
The history of the Maltese cross as a design dates back to the Phoenicians, as it was the symbol of the goddess Tanit. The knights of Malta adopted this symbol in the 11th century, as it was easily recognizable by the local population. The purpose of the order was to care for Pilgrims of the First Crusade during their travel to Jerusalem. The order was formally named on February 15, 1113 in a papal bull issued by Pope Paschal II. In 1530 the Holly Roman Emperor Charles V gave the order the Maltese Archipelago and it is since this time the order took the name of Knights of Malta.
The Maltese cross has always been a popular symbol. Chanel and Fulco di Verdura are credited with the popularization of the Maltse cross in jewelry of the Thirties. Until Verdura's departure from Paris for New York in 1934, he created variations of this motif, which was to prove pivotal to the imagery of the House of Chanel for years to come.
The sophisticated simplicity of a rotating frame by Carvin French, coupled with the imagination and creativity of Mother Nature, make this a truly unique stone.