De Beers is the name of the company that dominates the diamond production and diamond trade worldwide. De Beers controls about 65 percent of the market. The company was founded in 1880 by Cecil Rhodes, a Briton who had bought prospecting interests in South Africa. Ernst Oppenheimer bought De Beers in 1929: his descendants continue to serve on the board of directors of this South African diamond concern. Their main commitment is to prevent extreme changes in diamond prices by controlling the market.

The quality of a diamond is evaluated according to four criteria, the so-called "4 C". These criteria are: color, clarity (purity), cut (glossy) and carat (the weight of the stone expressed in carats). This mineral is also known as the "king" or "queen" of gems. For centuries, the diamond has embodied hardness, immortality and beauty. Our modern word "diamond" comes from the ancient Greek word "adamas," meaning "invincible." In fact, this precious stone is the hardest of all minerals. It ranks higher ("10") on the Mohs hardness scale. The diamonds are made entirely of pure carbon. Diamonds are currently mined mainly in South Africa, South America, Russia, China, Australia, and more recently also in Canada, where diamonds can be found in many different colors. Rough stones are most frequently cut in the brilliant cut.

Dresden, often also known as the "Green Dresden", is among the most famous diamonds in the world. Its fame comes from its unique combination of size and beauty. The stone weighs a majestic 41 carats, and its charm is above all for its unusual color: a deep and perfectly clear green. Dresden is cut into drops. This diamond probably comes from India, but its initial history is unknown. It is believed to have been purchased by Friedrich Augustin II, Elector of Saxony, for 400,000 thalers in 1742. He kept the diamond in his treasure chamber, the legendary "Green Vault" in Dresden, where the stone (which now belongs to the Dresden State Art Collection) is still preserved today.

Drip cutting is a particularly fascinating type of cut. As its name implies, the drip cut gems were cut and polished into a drop shape. The table also has the shape of a teardrop, and it is further emphasized by the design of the surrounding facets. The names "briolett", "poire" (French for "pear") and "pampel" are also used to describe stones that have been cut into drops.