Whiteflash-Diamond Playground

On Sunday October 28 the North Texas GIA Alumni Association was treated to a presentation by GIA Research Associate Al Gilbertson on his new book “American Cut - The First 100 Years.” The book focuses on the evolution of diamond cutting in the United States and gives historical legs to truncated trade myths. There is special focus on American production prior to Marcel Tolkowsky’s 1919 work “Diamond Design,” which is often credited for bringing groundbreaking new “ideal” proportions to the trade. Readers may be surprised to learn that Tolkowsky did not use the term ideal, and that diamonds of essentially the same proportions he promoted were produced in America for decades prior to 1919.  Alumni members enjoyed brunch at the Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas, and were treated to Gilbertson’s lecture and a Q&A session afterwards.

At the meeting’s conclusion Richard Hirsh presented Mr. Gilbertson with a beautiful customized glass statuette on behalf of the chapter to commemorate the release of his book. Pre-orders are being sent out by GIA this week.  Those wishing to order online can visit the GIA website, where it should be available to the public in November 2007.