Mercedes-Benz logo inspires diamond industry

 

The diamond industry is endowed with yet another star. Pieter Bombeke, the world-famous Belgian diamond cutter, created a diamond in the shape of the Mercedes-Benz logo.

 

How did the creation of a diamond with a Mercedes-Benz star come about?

My first experiment in that direction goes back to 1994, but it is not until the end of 2000 that I consciously started research. Indeed, 6 years ago. The first result was a rather wide star. So it was not very successful. It was not until mid 2006 that I had time on my hands to continue first with the triangle cut and then the round cut diamond. Please note that the three pointed star is not processed in or on the stone. It concerns a pure mirror effect.

My research was focused on the star. The Mercedes-Benz star is world famous and is recognized everywhere. My site – www.maverickgemsantwerp.be - contains other models, including “Solomon’s Seal,” better known as the Star of David. It is based on the same principle. Not brightness, but the optical effect is the starting point.

 

How do you cut a diamond?

Because of the hardness of the material, diamonds can only be processed with diamonds. For that purpose we use an iron disc covered with diamond powder. The rest is a matter of technique.

 

What was the challenge to create this diamond?

Just like I have said - I have been working on the creation for a long time. Sometimes I was unable to work on the diamond for quite a while because I did not have time.  And then out of the blue there comes a good idea to create what you want. The last push – I had already finished the second version of the triangle cut diamond – was given by a colleague who told me that it was impossible to incorporate such a star into a round cut stone. I could not imagine a bigger challenge. I got busy right away. And as you can see, proof to the contrary has been provided.

Translation © M. Vijt
miavijt@telenet.be