Originally written in dutch, this momentous work titled "Concepts about diamond science and diamond processing", collected in volume by E. Jansen, the Director of the Vocational School for Diamond Workers, giving a complete view to the diamond science, diamond cutting, diamond processing, diamond industry and trade, the most important diamonds in the world and the most important diamond mines from the time. Contains over 400 b/w drawings in-text, 11 photographic plates, one sketch illustration, 3 maps and one folding sketch map. With author's handwritten dedication to the owner and signature by pen (dated 21st February 1926).
The chapter "Diamond Mines" contains sections about the diamond findings in South Africa (with the sketch map of diamond mines and 4 photographic plates), South-West Africa, Belgian Congo (with the folding sketch map of the diamond beds in the Kasai region by P. Lancsweert), Brazil (with the sketch map of diamond fields) and India (with the sketch map of diamond fields).
The chapter "The Most Important Diamonds in the World" contains sections with descriptions and illustrations of The Regent Diamond (or Pitt Diamond), The Amsterdam Diamond, The Koh-i-Noor (or Mountain of Light), The Florentine Diamond (or the Grand Duke of Tuscany), The Sancy Diamond, The Hope Diamond, The Tiffany Yellow Diamond, The Star of the South (also known as 'Limar'), The Jubilee Diamond (originally known as the Reitz Diamond) and The Cullinan Diamond.
The book is consisted of four chapters:
- Diamond Science;
- Diamond Processing;
- Diamond Mines;
- The Most Important Diamonds in the World.
Printed in small limited edition, this is an extremely rare copy of this precious work, hard to find even in National and University Libraries - and the only complete copy selling on internet.
"An instructional manual designed to provide apprentices in the diamond cutting industry with a fund of information on the nature and properties of the diamond, details on all aspects of the cutting craft, and a general background in other matters concerning the diamond and the industry... At the time, this was the most complete instructional manual on diamond cutting available." (Gemology by J. Sinkankas, entry no. 3183.)
"Work awarded gold in the competition organized by the Province of Antwerp."
"Begrippen over diamantkunde en diamantbewerking. In bundel verzameld door E. Jansen. Aalmoezenier van den Arbeid. Bestuurder der Vakschool voor Diamantbewerkers."; Publisher's raised halfleather; Text in Dutch; Collation complete - Title page, 391 pages, with 400 b/w drawings in-text, 11 photographic plates, 3 maps and one folding sketch map; Binding is strong, tight and firm. Small traces of shelf wear, negligible bumping and traces of surface scuffing mostly to the extremities, and there are also rust spots. The linen cover shows a slight short tears at the boards extremities. Text block/pages bright and clear, no foxing or marks throughout, only some yellowing to the pages oposite to the illustrated plates. A well preserved copy.
IMPORTANT informations regarding shipping: Shipping to South Africa possible via national post ($40) or Fedex/DHL Express service ($80-100). Shipping to EU & UK via registered Airmail trackable parcel ($30-40). Shipping to US via USPS ($40). For other countries please ask.
- Binding Condition: Very good
- Overall Condition: Near fine
- Size: 24 x 17 cm
