GASSAN 121: Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend

donderdag 5 augustus 2021
11:35
By: Patrick Stoffer

Diamonds come in all shapes and sizes and we all love them, as Marilyn Monroe knew how to tell us while singing in 1953. And with 75 years of craftsmanship and knowledge, GASSAN is a leader in the world of diamonds. MASTERS delves into the extraordinary history of this impressive gemstone and the success of the unique GASSAN 121 diamond.Text: Patrick Stoffer
Image: GASSANLet's first step 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 eventually be cut. The stone itself determines what shape it will take. The value of a diamond is determined by the quality determination of four Cs: carat (the weight and size), cut (the shape), color (the color) and clarity (purity). The most common cut, the brilliant, was invented in 1919 by Antwerp diamond cutter Marcel Tolkowsky. Other diamond cuts include the oval cut with 56 facets, the emerald with 48 to 50 facets and the GASSAN 121 with as many as 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 trouble and we'll just explain. 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 diamond city Amsterdam, that has made GASSAN a top brand for 75 years.The GASSAN 121 was an immediate success and, not surprisingly, is still the best-selling product in the company's extensive diamond range. In addition, GASSAN 121 is the best-selling diamond cut in the Netherlands. This success does not mean that Steve Bierman is sitting still, creatively it clearly remains itchy. In fact, 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 GASSAN's 75th anniversary and the 15th anniversary of success number GASSAN 121. "0.15 carats times 5 is 0.75 carats," Bierman says with a laugh. "So a little math after all.

GASSAN 121: Beyond the limit of perfection

A century ago, using a mathematical formula, the ideal cut was invented: the brilliant. With its characteristic round shape and 57 facets, it became the most iconic and universal cut. Bierman wanted to create something that fit what set GASSAN apart from others; a focus on quality and class that could push the boundary of perfection. "After years of intensive research, 15 years ago 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 at the top and 48 at the bottom. Those extra mirror surfaces create just the right amount of contrast; a breathtaking play of light and dark. Compare it to a photograph or film. Contrast creates depth and dynamism, for an image that is alive and appealing. That is exactly what we have realized 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. An array of timeless designs makes the GASSAN 121 elevate the classic brilliant to a new class, and as we say, GASSAN 121 is literally and figuratively "more than brilliant.

You can find the entire collection of this particular cut here on GASSAN's website.