Canadian diamond-cutter crafts new solitaire setting

by Samantha Ashenhurst | December 20, 2021 11:06 am

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Determining how a diamond could ‘float’ cleanly above its setting without being obscured by claws, clasps, or enveloping metal was the driving force behind a Saskatchewan-based diamantaire’s latest innovation.

Master diamond-cutter Mike Botha has partnered with master jeweller Ian Douglas of New Zealand to develop ‘The Floeting Diamond,’ a new setting for solitaire ring design.

The invention, which aims to increase light return and enhance a stone’s sparkle, holds the gemstone in place via a micro-groove that has been laser-cut around the underside of the diamond, Douglas says.

“The goal is always to maximize the light return and sparkle, but the geometry of a solitaire diamond is so specific that compromise was usually inevitable whenever anything new was attempted,” he explains. “To avoid compromise, we had to completely rethink the design of the setting and the cut of the diamond itself.”

Cutting the micro-grooves in the Floeting Diamond prototype took Bota more than 12 hours working by hand, CTV News[2] reports[3]. He then switched to laser cutting. The micro-grooves snap the diamond into place in a titanium setting.

Paired with platinum and 18-karat gold, the setting will initially be offered with a solitaire diamond ring, ear studs, and pendant. The design, however, has “wider utility across other shapes,” including oval, emerald, pear, radiant, marquise, cushion, and princess, Douglas says.

“We approached the design task with the intention of having very broad market appeal, although with our patented system we can accommodate a diamond from 0.30 carats up to 100 carats,” he adds.

For more, check out the video below, courtesy The Village Goldsmith/Floeting Diamond.

For more, click here[4].

Source URL: https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/news/canadian-diamond-cutter-crafts-new-solitaire-setting/

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