Marcel Tolkowsky

Background and Contributions

• Marcel Tolkowsky was a Belgian member of a Jewish family of diamond cutters from Poland.
• He is acknowledged as the father of the modern round brilliant diamond cut.
• Tolkowsky studied the grinding of diamonds as part of his PhD topic at the University of London.
• He published the specifications of the American Standard (also known as the American Ideal Cut or Tolkowsky cut), which became the diamond-cutting benchmark in North America.
• Tolkowsky found that the depth and angle of a diamond's cut affect its brilliance, fire, and sparkle.

Family Legacy

• Many of Tolkowsky's family members, including his cousin Lazare Kaplan and great-nephew Gabi Tolkowsky, have become noted diamond cutters.

Diamond Design

• Tolkowsky's book, 'Diamond Design,' outlined the specifications for the American Standard cut.
• The American Standard cut was derived from mathematical calculations considering brilliance and fire.
• Tolkowsky's original model was intended as general guidelines, with later modifications made to round brilliants.

References

• The New York Times published an obituary for Marcel Tolkowsky in 1991.
• A research article by Michael Cowing titled 'Diamond Brilliance: theories, measurement and judgement' discusses Tolkowsky's work.
• Tolkowsky's thesis, 'Research on the Abrading, Grinding or Polishing of Diamond,' does not define the Tolkowsky cut.
• Another publication by Tolkowsky, 'Diamond Design: A Study of the Reflection and Refraction of Light in a Diamond,' explores the topic further.
• The Gemological Institute of America provides additional information on Marcel Tolkowsky's work.

External Links

• Tolkowsky Diamonds has an official website showcasing their diamond designs.
• 'Diamond Design: A Study of the Reflection and Refraction of Light in a Diamond' by Marcel Tolkowsky is available for further reading.
• Wikipedia offers a biographical article about Marcel Tolkowsky, which can be expanded.
• Information on Marcel Tolkowsky can be retrieved from the Wikipedia page dedicated to him.
• Categories associated with Marcel Tolkowsky include his birth and death dates, profession, and religious background.

Marcel Tolkowsky Data Sources