The jewelry industry is mourning the passing of Sir Gabriel (Gabi) Tolkowsky, one of the most accomplished diamond cutters of all time. He was 84.

Most famous for cutting the Centenary Diamond from a 599-carat rough stone, Tolkowsky dedicated his life to releasing the beauty inherent in each precious stone he encountered.
The Tel Aviv-born Tolkowsky represented the sixth generation of master diamond cutters, which included his great uncle Marcel Tolkowsky, the inventor of the ideal-cut round brilliant diamond.
In July of 1986, the De Beers Group called Tolkowsky to its London headquarters to assess and appraise the 599-carat rough gem it had just recovered from South Africa’s Premier Mine.
Tolkowsky said the diamond instantly changed his life.
“When I took it in my hands, it married my hand,” he recounted in a 1999 documentary by EMS Productions. “It was part of myself… it gave me so many thoughts that I changed as a person.”
“I was always occupied with all sorts of diamonds, but this one,” he said, gesturing as if the stone was in his clenched fist, “it changed me, because in one shot I became part of it and it became part of me.”
At the time, Tolkowsky didn’t know that he would be called on a year later to take on the task of cutting the stone.
“When asked to cut it, I fell into my shoes,” he said.

The process of cutting the Centenary Diamond became a three-year labor of love.
The first phase — to remove by hand 20 carats of surface flaws — took an excruciating 154 days. After that was accomplished, Tolkowsky submitted 13 sketches of possible cuts to the De Beers board. Eventually, they agreed on a modified heart shape.
According to an account by leibish.com, the cutting and polishing of the Centenary Diamond took place in a specially designed underground room at the De Beers Diamond Research Laboratory in Johannesburg, South Africa. De Beers ensured that the room was insulated from mechanical vibration and temperature variation, to minimize any influences that might interfere with the cutting of the stone.
When Tolkowsky’s work was done, the stone weighed 273.85 carats, with a D color. It was rated both internally and externally flawless, with a total of 247 facets. According to leibish.com, the Centenary Diamond is the largest modern fancy cut diamond in the world, and the only one to combine old cutting methods with sophisticated, modern cutting technology.
Unveiled in 1991, it was later displayed at the Tower of London, according to debeers.com.
Among Tolkowsky’s other high-profile accomplishments was the cutting of the Golden Jubilee Diamond, a 545-carat brilliant cushion-cut diamond, which the master cutter expertly crafted from a 755-carat rough gem. The polished gem presents 148 facets and displays a yellow-brown hue.
In 2002, Tolkowsky was knighted by the Belgian government for his contribution to the diamond industry.
Credit: Screen grab of Gabriel Tolkowsky via Youtube.com/EMS FILMS Ton Okkerse. Centenary Diamond courtesy of The De Beers Group.
Enjoy a jewelry experience tailored just for you. Book a private appointment at Elliott’s Jewelers for a one-on-one consultation and a relaxed setting to explore our stunning collection.
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
Shop Now
Elliott's Jewelers, Huntsville TX Favorite Jeweler
www.elliottsjewelers.com
I get to create beautiful, memorable and emotional jewelry for customers who become lifelong friends. Call me to learn more.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Time to let the Kids have Fun. Now they have an opportunity to be a Jewelry Creator and Designer.....See below ... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
✨ Jewelry Repairs at ELLIOTT’S JEWELERS ✨
Your fine jewelry deserves the best care to keep shining for a lifetime. With proper maintenance, it will continue to bring you joy and luxury every day.
At ELLIOTT’S JEWELERS, we offer a comprehensive range of professional jewelry repair, refinishing, and refurbishment services. Let us help you restore your precious pieces to their original beauty and recapture the delight they were meant to bring.
Visit us today and give your jewelry the care it deserves! 💎
www.elliottsjewelers.com/services/jewelry-services/
Book an appointment online at: www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
#JewelryRepairs #ElliottsJewelers #FineJewelryCare #JewelryRefinishing #LuxuryJewelry ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
The beauty of a custom engagement ring is in the details—and in the experience of working with a personal jeweler who learns about you, your lifestyle and what is important to you. At Elliott’s Jewelers, we take the time to understand your vision, crafting a ring that it is meant just for you.
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online at: www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse online at: www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/
#Anniversary #MilestoneMoments#texasjeweler #HuntsvilleTexas #HuntsvilleTX #texas ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Naturally Mined genuine Diamonds hold stories, but a mother's love holds generations together.
At Elliott's Jewelers, we see how she passes down love, values, and often, treasured jewelry that becomes a piece of your family's history.
We're honored to be more than just a jeweler; we're here to help you craft moments that will be cherished for years to come. It's about finding that special piece with the perfect story, creating an experience that lasts.
Thank you for trusting Elliott's Jewelers to be a part of your family's unfolding story. We're grateful to help you create your own beautiful traditions.
By appointment 6 days a week. Visit www.elliottsjewelers.com
💖 #JewelryWithMeaning #FamilyHeirlooms #MakingMemories #ElliottsStory #GenerationsOfLove
#generationsoflove ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thinking about redesigning your jewelry? Whether it’s upgrading your diamond, transforming a family heirloom, or creating something entirely new, Elliott’s Jewelers is here to bring your vision to life. Let’s craft something truly special together!
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Please Join Us----- ... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Dreaming of Upgrading Your Engagement Ring?
Would you like to have custom-designed jewelry?? This is our specialty! Sit down with Elliott to custom-design your perfect piece of jewelry.
Whether you want to repair and rejuvenate a cherished family heirloom or redesign your wedding ring to commemorate a special milestone or even trade in your outdated ring for something new, Elliott's Jewelers is dedicated to making your dream jewelry a reality. Let's create something extraordinary together! By appointment 6 days a week!
To schedule your personal appointment, visit us at www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Enjoy a jewelry experience tailored just for you. Book a private appointment at Elliott’s Jewelers for a one-on-one consultation and a relaxed setting to explore our stunning collection.
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook