1.16 Asteriated ‘Maltese Cross’ Diamond
Color: Fancy Dark Grey
Clarity: Eye Clean
Origin: S. Africa
Cut: Rectangular Portrait
Treatments: None
Measurements: 6.3 x 6 x 2.2 mm
A singular gem which is something of a play on the asteriated Diamonds that have been well documented of late. Here, the hydrogen clouds have formed a rather remarkable cross, somewhere between a cross pattée and a Maltese cross. The definition and color contrast is superb as the cross reaches in the direction of each of the gem’s cut-corners. Asteriated Diamonds are very typically ill-formed and terribly thin slices - or and entire octahedral crystal. Both of these are interesting, but incredibly hard to be useful outside of a collection. The size and thickness here are not an issue and stone could very easily be put to remarkable use in jewelry. These niche rarities of natural Diamonds are becoming much more important as the market for traditional Diamonds is cannibalized by lab-grown stones. Beautifully cut as a portrait but with a faceted girdle for brilliance. Outstanding and unique gem, with a full GIA report.