Esperanza Diamond Being Cut into Triolette

November 05, 2015

The Esperanza diamond made headlines earlier this year when it was unearthed at an Arkansas state park by a visitor in June. Weighing in at 8.52 carats, the diamond was the fifth-largest discovered by a visitor to Crater of Diamonds State Park since it opened in 1972. In its natural unearthed state, the diamond was shaped like an icicle, but now it's being cut into a rare triolette shape, Jewelry News Network has reported. The process is an involved one, but an antique jewelry appraiser has set the process in motion.

The word triolette comes from the French triolet, meaning a group of three, or trio, plus "lette" from briolette. Thus, a triolette diamond incorporates a triangular shield shape at one or both ends in combination with a briolette cut or elongated, faceted pear shape. The triolette is not a common cut but it does offer some advantages to irregular-shaped diamonds like the Esperanza. In particular, it affords the cutter the ability to maintain as much volume and weight of the original stone as possible.

Neil Beaty, certified gemologist and appraiser in Denver, Colorado, home state of the lucky diamond finder, is helping the owner of the Esperanza sell it. And Neil just happens to be an expert in certifying and valuing antique, vintage, and antique- and vintage-style diamonds like those Topazery sells.

Neil is a member of the American Gem Society. This jewelry trade association is the country's preeminent jewelry trade organization dedicated to consumer protection. Through his societal connections, Neil put the Esperanza diamond's owner in touch with diamond cutter Mike Botha, who is now cutting the diamond into the rare triolette shape that will help the finder realize her dreams of becoming a homeowner.

When the diamond goes on the auction block, Neil Beaty will have been instrumental in bringing that dream to fruition. Coincidentally, he plays the same key role in helping diamond lovers across the country become owners of their own jewelry dreams.

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