In the sparkling world of magnificent jewels, very few gemstones can match up to the enchanting beauty of briolette diamonds. These unique diamonds have been worn by royalty and have been sought by many. One such incredible tale involves Napoleon Bonaparte, the conqueror of countless empires. In the era of grand gestures, when it came to choosing the right gift for his queen, Marie Louise, he picked a magnificent briolette diamond necklace. It was a breathtaking 275-carat masterpiece crafted from ten of these gemstones. In many of her portraits since then, Queen Mary is seen in all of her glory, wearing the same briolette necklace.
A legacy spanning centuries
Napoleon chose the briolette to immortalize his love for his queen. But the popularity of these diamonds went well beyond the French court. The British monarchy, too, celebrated the elegance and grace of these diamonds by making them an integral part of their regalia. The world has long been enamored with diamonds, but it all started with the briolette, which is said to be the oldest diamond in recorded history. The story goes back to 9th Century India, where a remarkable transformation was taking place in the world of diamonds. Ingenious craftsmen of the region discovered a way to shape diamonds like never before. With great deftness and delicacy, they carved diamonds into shapes of dainty droplets of the morning dew. These went on to be called Briolette-cut Diamonds. As the word spread about this brand-new diamond cut, traders flocked to India, and these diamonds were taken to far-flung lands. And as expected, this gemstone, caught people’s eyes and charmed their hearts. It began to be associated with love, beauty, and royalty. It also began to grace the necks and ears of queens, princesses, and noblewomen in Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Truly one-of-a-kind beauty
Because of its rarity and characteristic shape, the briolette diamond is highly coveted even today. Be it vintage designs or modern reinterpretations, these diamonds have a universal appeal.
In a treasure trove of jewels, it is the shine of the briolette that stands out the most. This is because of its unique singular cut. Unlike other diamonds, it doesn’t have a table, crown, or pavilion. It has a characteristic elongated teardrop shape. A unique form that allows the beholder to see the entire diamond in a single glance. The tear shape works brilliantly in the case of smaller diamonds, giving them the illusion of a longer appearance. The diamond also features numerous kite-shaped facets that cover the entire surface area. These facets allow it to capture and reflect light, creating a gorgeous spectacle. It’s the only diamond to have such a ‘light show’ of its own. This explains why it is one of the most highly-priced diamond cuts in the world. A case in point is the iconic "Briolette of India," which weighed around 90 carats and was auctioned off for a staggering 11 million dollars, making it one of the most expensive diamonds ever sold.
But the beauty certainly outweighs the cost. When worn as an earring or necklace, the dangling briolette diamond, captures everyone's attention. It's almost as if a star shed a tear that fell on Earth as a brilliant jewel. As divine as it might seem, the briolette is truly the fruit of arduous craftsmanship. After all, it is one of the most difficult cuts to accomplish in diamonds. Even the most modern technology has difficulty creating a flawless one.
Having a briolette cut diamond in one's jewelry collection means not only owning a precious jewel, but also honoring the intricate art of diamond cutting. Its presence reminds us that the world is full of beauty, art, and light. And it may be discovered in the most unexpected locations, like a gleaming teardrop!