GASSAN 121: Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend

Diamonds come in all shapes and sizes. MASTERS explores the distinctive history of the diamond and the success story of GASSAN 121.

Diamonds come in all shapes and sizes and we all love them, as Marilyn Monroe sang to us in 1953. And with 75 years of craftsmanship and knowledge GASSAN leading in the world of diamonds. M delves into the special history of this impressive gemstone and the success of the unique one GASSAN 121 diamond.Text: Patrick Stoffer
Image: GASSANLet's first go back in time. The word diamond has its origins in the Greek word 'Adamas', which means invincible. Diamond is the hardest natural material in the world and the most precious product found in nature. Diamond is formed miles deep in the Earth's crust, under extreme pressure and high temperatures, and is as old as life on our planet itself. The transformation of pure carbon into this rare treasure determines how the diamond will ultimately be cut. The stone itself determines what shape it will take. The value of a diamond is determined by determining the quality of four C's: carat (the weight and size), cut (the form), color (the colours clarity (purity). The most commonly used cut, the brilliant, was invented in 1919 by the Antwerp diamond cutter Marcel Tolkowsky. In addition, there are the oval cut with 56 facets, the emerald with 48 to 50 facets and the GASSAN 121 with no less than 121 facets.

But what do the numbers 15, 75 and 121 have in common? Before you start calculating and making connections, MASTERS will save you the effort and we will simply explain it. It is the craftsmanship, rooted in the rich family history of the Leeser family and that of GASSAN Belgium director Steve Bierman, coupled with the tradition of the diamond city of Amsterdam, that has made GASSAN a top brand for 75 years. The GASSAN 121 was an immediate success and is, unsurprisingly, still the best-selling product in the company's extensive diamond range. In addition, GASSAN 121 is the most sold diamond cut in the Netherlands. This success does not mean that Steve Bierman is sitting still, creatively he is clearly still itching. He developed a unique design for GASSAN's anniversary year; a ring with no less than 5 sparkling diamonds of 0.15 carats in a row. Trendy and at the same time with a nod to the 75th anniversary of GASSAN and the 15th anniversary of success number GASSAN 121. “0.15 carats times 5 is 0.75 carats,” says Bierman laughing. “So a bit of math.

GASSAN 121: Beyond the Limit of Perfection

A century ago, the ideal cut was invented on the basis of a mathematical formula: the brilliant. With its characteristic round shape and 57 facets, it became the most iconic and universal cut. Bierman wanted to create something that matched what sets GASSAN apart from others; a focus on quality and class that could push the boundaries of perfection. “Fifteen years ago, after years of intensive research, we succeeded in creating a cut that could take the brilliant to a new level, the GASSAN 121, patented worldwide. We added 16 additional facets to the top and 48 to the bottom. These extra mirror surfaces ensure that there is just the right amount of contrast; a breathtaking play of light and dark. Compare it with a photo or film. Contrast provides depth and dynamics, for an image that is alive and appealing. That is exactly what we have achieved with the design of the GASSAN 121. That unique cut, combined with the craftsmanship of our cutters to bring fire, life and brilliance to carefully selected rough diamonds. A range of timeless designs means that the GASSAN 121 elevates the classic brilliant to a new class and as we say, GASSAN 121 is literally and figuratively 'more than brilliant'.

You will find the entire collection of this special cut here on the GASSAN website.

Also visit GASSAN at MASTERS EXPO. From November 18 to 22 in RAI Amsterdam: MASTERS EXPO – The Forward Edition. Ticket sales start this month.