subject: Antique Cut Diamonds [print this page] There's a hushed but discernible stirring in the market that's the talk among jewelers. Somehow, there is a quiet consideration in antique, old European diamonds from buyers, including from young adults.
Modern-day cutters at the moment are beginning to cut diamonds by the old school style to keep up with the demand. What may be the real reason for this type of craving? What exactly is so special with these diamonds cut the earlier style?
Old European and Old Mine cuts
The old diamond cut style was worked out in such a way that the light would fall directly on the stone through the crown table (the topmost facet). The entering light would then hit the culet (the bottom facet) and goes out of the stone in a shower of rainbow colors.
Another charming characteristic is that they look their best by candle light. Once hit by the soft glow of the candle light, the stone would exude its own special kind of romantic light it is known for.
Many of these diamonds could be part of household heirlooms handed down through many years among the women in the household. Some modern-day cut diamonds are actually re-cut from old sets of antique jewelry.
Heritage
In the mid 1800s, diamonds are only for the royalty, the upper level clergy, some very rich merchants and titled personages. In the Victorian times, diamonds can be worn by anyone who can afford them.
Most of these old cut diamonds, although slightly colored, are almost extremely pure (super eye clean) and VVS and VS in clarity.
Before the 1900s, all diamonds were cut by hand. Many are smaller than average and have got a relatively high table (top most facet) and deep pavilion (side facets) and really top-heavy.
Attributes
The earlier Old Mine cut look smaller than the old European cut (which came later) since they're squares with rounded edges. (They resemble a bit like the modern-day Asscher or Princess cuts.)
Both of these old cut diamonds have very thin girdles (the edge around the body of the diamond). It is quite common that these antique gems have some chips in them. (Sometimes, they are polished away or hidden under the stone's metal clasp.)
In the 1800s, tint was not considered so much of a discouraging factor to price or its beauty as it is now. Both Old Mine cut and the Old European cut diamonds are likewise renowned for masking their true colors.
Rose cut
Diamonds in Rose cuts were one of the most popular and the first to have faceted cutting style. It features a flat bottom and all the facets are on top, which makes it dome-shaped.
The facets come to the center forming a point. The facets are planned to convey the appearance of the opening of a rose bud.
Old or modern cut?
The surge of demand for these old style cuts in diamonds may have been an offshoot to the movement of going romantic the old world way. Or it could be a rebound from all things too modern, especially in jewelry which is supposed to reflect timelessness.
Whatever it is, it's not fair to judge old-style expensive jewelry by modern-day standards. These old relics have their own history which can be more colorful than one could ever have.
