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Czech Roots in the World of Diamonds

Posted on: 10/27/2020
 

Author: Martina Exnerová

We pondered whether the current period—two celebrations of statehood on 28th September and 28th October—could be connected in an interesting way with our world of precious stones, especially diamonds. We dare say we succeeded! We recalled the Czech native Miloš Vainer, who emigrated from Czechoslovakia to London in 1948. Here is his story.

 

In London, Miloš Vainer began working for the Oppenheimer family, one of the biggest players in the world of diamonds. He started from the ground up and gradually became one of the leading experts in diamond mining and cutting. He served as an advisor—a government valuator in Botswana, Namibia, and Sierra Leone. He also worked as a valuator at the Argyle mine in Australia, renowned for its unique pink diamonds. In the 1960s, he founded his own company in the United Kingdom, dealing in diamond trading and cutting.

 

A Diamond for the Sultan of Brunei

A notable achievement in the early 1980s was Mr. Vainer and his firm's decision to cut the second-largest briolette-cut diamond, known as the “Vainer Briolette.” This 116.60-carat gem features a striking light yellow hue. The diamond boasts 192 facets and was certified by GIA as having perfect polish and symmetry. According to information from Sotheby’s, the “Vainer Briolette” is privately owned by the Sultan of Brunei.


diamond rings
 

One of the Oldest and Most Beautiful Cuts

The briolette is an ancient Indian cut used for diamonds and other jewellery stones for over 600 years. It is a pear- or drop-shaped stone fully faceted around its surface. Today, this cut is used more rarely. The antique briolette cut, with its many facets, resembles a dazzling drop of sunlight or sparkling water, depending on the stone's colour. You can see an example of this cut in the “butterfly” earrings with blue topazes available in our shop.

 

A Unique Set for an Anniversary

In honour of Miloš Vainer’s contribution to the diamond industry and to mark his 80th birthday in 2004, his sons, Richard and Martin, donated a unique collection of raw or partially cut fancy colour diamonds to the world’s leading authority, the Gemological Institute of America. The 336.20-carat collection was used by the institute for imaging, research, and educational purposes.