Diamond Cut: Buddha Cut

The Buddha cut, a diamond polished in the shape of a meditating Buddha, was co-designed in 1995 by a Buddhist member of the Japanese Soto Zen federation and Oliver Korn for J Korn & Partners. The name is a patent of Antwerp-based diamond manufacturer J Korn & Partners, which also holds a copyright on the shape. The Buddha cut is produced by Oliver Korn for J Korn & Partners.

The cut is perceived as a three-dimensional sculpture that fits well into jewelry. The Buddha, hand cut in Antwerp, is faceted like modern brilliant cuts with 33 crown facets, 21 pavilion facets and a culet. The girdle is also faceted. The different styles of Buddha cut diamonds have historical and regional significance. The Shakyamuni Buddha represents the historical Buddha of India. The Kwan Yin (China) or Kannon (Japan) represents the feminine form of Buddha. A third styling, the Thai representation of the Buddha is available by special order only.

Buddha diamonds are most commonly set as center stones for pendants and rings. Brooches and tiepins are also common uses. For religious reasons, they are not used as earrings.