Accuracy in measuring the sizes of diamonds (circa 1940, or earlier) was just a 'guessing game'. Imagine having a diamond that weighed with this (rudimentary scale) an estimated 1.00 carat. In all actuality it weighed (maybe) 0.95 points, many times even less.
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This is the 'diamond scale' that mostly all of jewellers used to weigh their gemstones.
These 4 brass plates were the epitome of (limited) accuracy in weighing diamonds.
The accuracy was measured in at about 60-70% and was used only as a guide in guess-estimating selling costs.
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I placed a Cubic Zirconia beside the 0.01 point 'opening'. Even on this scale, the stone appeared to be smaller. Let's keep checking on the other stone sizes.
The 0.10 size starts to give 'us' some size problems. Remembering that 'size accuracy' was not the normal thing 85 years ago!
For the 1/4 carat (0.25) size stone was far from being accurate and the difference was genuinely so very costly.
For example, measuring a 1.75 carat ran into many problems.
These problems were: the overall size, the faceting of the stone, plus the rough shape of the Girdle. A "Mein-Cut" stone usually had many imperfections in its construction, hence it's roughly hewn shapes.
I'm using the testing of this CZ, as NEARLY ACCURATE against the guide being shown with this "BRASS PLATE, DIAMOND SIZE GUIDE"
Accuracy of measuring diamonds wasn't on the forefront as it is today. There was just too much 'guess work' being used. The only measuring device in those days was relying upon this "hand-held, weighing scale".
This diamond scale was used by my Father, circa 1940's. I use it today only as a display to what jewellers used in those days.
My Dad (z"l) was a diamond dealer in 'Industrial Diamonds' in London, England 85 years ago.
I hope that you enjoyed this trip along 'memory lane' as I put much of an effort in keeping these 'memories alive' and not being forgotten.
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