And what is it that glitters? Overview of the Diamanti technique

Can metal shine brighter than a diamond? Yes, indeed! This is achieved, by the way, by the same methods.
Yes, today we will talk about the technique of metal processing "diamond face" or "diamanti".The essence is clear from the name: with the help of special cutters, facets are applied to the metal, similar to those in which jewelers "dress" diamonds. As a result, the product is covered with the finest pattern. But the main value is not in the drawing itself, but in the way the corners of the slices are selected, their width and depth – they create the very play of light that makes silver or gold begin to shine, as if studded with diamonds.

Due to the fact that complex tools are used in the diamanti technique, it may seem that this is a relatively recent invention of jewelers. Indeed, technology has made it possible for more delicate work: for example, in the "diamond face" technique, links of jewelry chains are processed. But English masters of applied art used this technique already in the XVI century. Later, in the XVIII century, the "diamond face" began to be used to create jewelry. At about the same time, the secrets of technology came to Russia.
Tula gunsmiths reached special heights in creating "diamonds made of steel", decorating sword hilts with them. One such sword was even presented as a gift to Catherine II.Many centuries later, it became one of the valuable exhibits of the State Historical Museum. In the 60s, the sword was stolen from the museum, but when the thieves realized that it was decorated not with real diamonds, but with expertly crafted steel "beads", they broke the hilt and buried it. The sword was found, for ten years Moscow restorers restored it to its original appearance, and now it again adorns the collection of the state treasury.

Here are the steel diamonds for you!