Petch Maharaj / The Great King's Cut Diamond

On His Majesty’s 50th Anniversary of his accession to the throne in June 1996, a new diamond cut was created as an internationally patented variation of the round brilliant cut. The Petch Maharaj has a total of 68 facets, one for each year of his reign in accordance to his 1996 anniversary. Not including the culet, there are 33 facets on the top and 35 on the bottom. The stone is rich with symbolism; the diamond itself represents the durability of HM King Bhumibol’s reign. In addition, further Buddhist references may be derived from observing the design of the diamond. The alignment of the facets along eight axes has eight spokes, as inspired by the Buddhist dhamma wheel (dhammachakra) and representing the Eightfold Noble Paths of Buddhist belief.

The Petch Maharaj was introduced in December 1994 with a limited edition of 999 stones bearing laser inscriptions. No more with the inscriptions were produced after the Golden Jubilee celebrations were over. For this commemoratory event in celebration of the King’s 60th Anniversary of his Coronation and 80th Birthday, the Petch Maharaj will once again be produced and included in the limited edition Sarcar watches.
(Source: “Diamond Grading & Pricing”, Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences, 2005)

Testimonials for the Petch Maharaj

"It is difficult to imagine improving on the perfect symmetry of a modern brilliant cut diamond, but the new Petch Maharaj seems to do just that, releasing even more of the hidden fire from the previous stone."

William H. Summers L.V.O., Crown Jeweller to Her Majestry Queen Elizabeth 11, 1962-1992

"We are of the opinion that this cut is a truly interesting contribution to the new cuts in the diamond world"

Edward Asscher, President, Royal Asscher Diamond Company Ltd., Amsterdam, 24 November 1994

"This new style of cutting is most elegant and achieves a rich appearance, producing fire and brilliance throughout the diamond. The fire and beauty of this diamond are as intense under daylight, artificial light or even in subdued light."

Gabi Tolkowsky, Antwerp, 18 November 1994

"The Petch Maharaj has extraodinary scintillation and brilliance. This new cut represents significant contributions to the art of diamond cutting"

Eli Izhakoff, President, J. Izhakoff & Sons, President, Diamond Dealers Club, Inc., New York
President, World Federation of Diamond Bourses, New York, 21 December 1994

"The Petch Maharaj is a completely innovative style of cut, which has heretofore never been applied to a diamond."

Dr. h.c. E. Gubelin, Ph.D., C.G., FGA, Gemmologist DGG, Honorary Professor of the University of Stellenbosch, 7 December 1994

"With the additional facets, you have truly improved the world of diamond cutting."

Henry Dunay, President, Henry Dunay Designs, Inc., 9 February 1995

The Petch Maharaj (The Great-King's Brilliant Diamond)

The Diamond has	68	symmetrical facets and 1 table
	8	crown stars
	8	crown corners
	16	crown brilliant facets
	8	basic bottom pavilions
	8	middle bottom pavilions
	16	modified bottom brilliant facets
	8	pointed star facets faceted girdle

The Petch Maharaj has a total of 68 facets, one for each year of His Majesty's age in the year that he celebrates the Golden Jubilee of his accession. There are 33 facets on the top and 35 on the bottom, not including the culet.