Wearing the History of Gemstones: The Oldest and Newest Diamond

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Among the many unique diamonds available, the "Slice Diamond" possesses what is perhaps the most artistic and historical background of all. As its name suggests, it is a thin slice of a rough diamond. In India, it has been known and respected since ancient times as "Polki."

This is one of the oldest forms of diamond cutting, with a history that began in Mughal-era India, long before Western-style faceting was ever conceived.

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Part 1: The Rich History of "Polki," Cherished by Indian Queens

Slice diamonds, or Polki, were once dearly loved by the Maharajas (Kings) and Maharanis (Queens) of the Mughal Empire, serving as symbols of their wealth and power. Even today in India, Polki is revered as the most luxurious and traditional wedding jewelry, passed down through generations.

Polki is sometimes called the "uncut diamond" because it is polished while preserving the raw, natural shape of the rough stone. It respects the unique outline and the expression of the inclusions within each stone as "individuality," making it a true embodiment of the diamond's origin.

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Part 2: The Special Charm of Slice Diamonds

1. A Soft Glow, As If Lit from Within While a standard faceted diamond reflects light to produce sharp, flash-like sparkles, the slice diamond is prized for a soft, mystical luster that seems to emanate from within the stone. This demure glow, which changes its expression with the angle of the light, can be worn elegantly and effortlessly for any occasion.

2. A Window into the Earth's History The wide surface of a slice diamond is like a "window" into the Earth's interior. Within it, you can see the "Earth's fingerprint"—evidence of the diamond's billion-year journey—such as the inclusions seen in salt-and-pepper diamonds or the mottling of colors. Its greatest charm is the ability to enjoy a one-of-a-kind landscape that can never be created artificially.

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Part 3: Settings that Showcase Traditional Techniques

The unique shape of a slice diamond requires special techniques to set it.

• Bezel Setting: Taking advantage of its flat shape, this setting encloses the entire circumference of the stone with metal. It protects the stone securely and beautifully accentuates its outline.

• Kundan: This is a traditional Indian jewelry technique often seen in Polki jewelry. It is a method of carefully wrapping the stone in soft, high-purity gold foil to set it, without applying heat, pressure, or adhesives. This technique requires extremely high skill from the artisan and maximizes the soft brilliance of the Polki.

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Conclusion: The Luxury of Owning a Story

To own a slice diamond means more than just wearing a beautiful gemstone. It means owning eternal history, skilled craftsmanship, and a piece of art created by the chance of the Earth.

At AARUSHI, we cherish the story held within these special diamonds and propose designs that bring out their charm to the fullest. Why not wear your own one-of-a-kind story, together with a slice diamond?