Israel “Izzy” Itzkowitz, the co-inventor of the princess cut and well-known industry figure, died on Feb. 18, according to a Facebook post from his son, David. He was 68.
Born and raised in Tel Aviv, Itzkowitz grew up in a diamond manufacturing family and began cutting diamonds at age 14. In 1979, he—along with Ygal Perlman and Bezalel Ambar—invented the princess cut, the first shape to use brilliant faceting on a square diamond. It remains one of the most popular fancy cuts.
Over the years, Itzkowitz developed designs for De Beers, Tiffany & Co, and Graff. As head of Los Angeles–based Quadamas, invented two new shapes—the Asscher Cut Princess and the AsscherQueen. He briefly worked at Diamond Foundry in 2016.
His varied career included two years as an actor in professional theater. He also headed an alternative nutrition company.
At the time of publication, there was no word on survivors. An online tribute can be seen here.
Photo via Facebook
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineFollow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
