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    News — diamond price

    Old European Cut

    Old European Cut

    The Old European or Old Euro cut is a round diamond cut most used in the Art Deco era, or between 1890 – 1930. The Old European cut is what inspired the Round Brilliant cut that is the most popular cut today. This shape diamond was cut by hand with candlelight in mind but was cut for carat weight. Unlike other cuts that focus on brilliance.  Each antique cut diamond has a unique charm, each diamond cutter must rely on their hands rather than technology, making each diamond one of a kind. The diamond cuts in this era also had beautiful warm hues, relevant to the location that they were mined. Around the 1900’s diamonds began to be mined in South Africa; this is where about ninety percent of the diamonds are collected. With some still coming from Brazil and India.  Antique diamond very in warmth for color due to where they are mined, hue is determined by minerals and resources available in the growth of the crystal. Old Euros were cut with carat weight in mind rather than brilliance.

    Old European cuts have a large crown and a small table allowing most of the diamond weight to be at the head. And unlike the Old Mine cut diamonds the old Euros have a flat culet instead of a tip, this allows the culet to be seen through the table. The steep crown allows for more fire to be shown off in the Old European cut diamonds. This is complimented by the deep cuts of the facets encouraging lite to travel farther, encouraging light to be reflected to your eye. Although with pros come cons, with greater depth there comes more light leakage. Making these antique cuts not look as bright as todays modern cut diamonds. These old European cuts are more symmetrical than other antique cuts and are exceptional in antique engagement rings. Antique diamonds cut by hand, by candlelight are unique and beautiful, allowing their natural beauty shine.

    The Retro Era

    The Retro Era

    Retro Era:

    Dates 1939-1950

    Concluding World War II, the style of this era is heavenly inspired by the war and its victory. Many elements from the Art Deco reign are carried through. The symmetrical, geometric designs become bolder and amplified through the time. Allowing this era to be filled with large colorful gemstones, yellow gold, platinum, and white gold. With metal shortages on the rise white gold became more dominate in the jewelry world. With gemstones, diamonds, and metals difficult to come by recycling older unused pieces becomes the trend. Giving worn pieces new life allowed a new look to be created without taking any needed materials from our soldiers. Convertible pieces like necklaces or brooches, also take the spotlight these pieces allowed a variety of looks without the abundant use if materials. Metals were not the only thing effected by the war gemstones and diamonds were troublesome to come by as well. This made it so smaller gems were used in abundance, the pave style settings increased in popularity. Along with dome shaped rings, these domes would be encrusted in small vibrant gems often making floral or geometric shapes. These styles may not be as blingy as previous eras, but the pave settings allowed for big sparkle with the materials available. This eleven-year span is a great combination of past eras, full of vibrant colors and detailed design. Many of these styles are still used today.

     

     

     

     

     

    The Georgian Era

    The Georgian Era

    Georgian Era: 1714-1837

    This era spanned for 120 years, through King George I and ending at King George IV. Given the dates of this era, the tools used were primitive. Making the pieces fragile, and less likely to stand the test of time, most high-end specimens are in museums most in desperate need of repair. Making Georgian era jewelry a true treasure. This era has a dark, moody aesthetic made up of pearls, sapphires, foil-backed diamonds, rubies, garnet, topaz, glass, and paste. Common cuts for this time are unlike what we see today. Most common are old mine cuts, single cuts, antique cushion cuts and rose cuts. These are cuts made by hand, using candle or sunlight. Foil-backing gems was assumed to brighten them along with intensifying the color. With machines in short supply during this time, jewelry was hand formed, hand carved and handset. An art that has evolved over time, with these hand done creations makers marks or assay stamps are uncommon and nearly nonexistent (assay marks are enforced in the 1900’s). Metals were more brittle in turn harder to manipulate, typical materials used are 18K yellow gold and silver.

                    Popular motifs from this era are flowers, crescents, bows, and foliage incorporating shapes like the navette and ovals to interpret these beautiful designs. The Georgian era is most known for its mourning pieces. Beautifully made pieces of jewelry that are made to commemorate a loved one. Typically made to display a lock of hair, a piece of ribbon, fabric or even a portrait. These mourning pieces were held dear, and the perfect way to preserve memories. Unfortunately, Georgian jewelry like the mourning pieces are harder and harder to come by. This era is just the start of the progress made jewelry manufacturing. Encouraging advances to continue through the decades.  

    How Lab-Created Diamonds Affect The Market Of Real Diamonds

    How Lab-Created Diamonds Affect The Market Of Real Diamonds

    Just as synthetic rubies and sapphires, the synthetic diamond market has been growing rapidly since the technology to create new, colorless varieties were introduced. As the lab-created diamonds cost about 35% less than the real diamonds, many experts fear a major decrease in demand for the real diamonds, and that’s why advanced screening devices are being used to separate the real ones from the synthetic varieties. 

    What is the impact of synthetic rocks on the real diamond market? 

    Although it’s unlikely that the synthetic diamonds will replace the real rocks any time soon, if the consumers are aware of what they are buying, the risks are greater due to the lower price expectations. The real diamonds may lose their luxury because of their cheaper peers. This apart, the real diamonds are also being increasingly associated with the harsh practices and inhuman measures of mining, which gives them the nickname ‘blood diamonds’. As the synthetic ones are created in the labs, they are considered more sustainable and eco-friendly among the environmentally-conscious population. The market for vintage and antique diamonds actually has not been affected since the true old cuts cannot be remade and collectors always find them valuable and desirable.

    So, are natural diamonds no longer valuable?

    Of course, no! The natural diamonds still are quite able to connect with the customers on an emotional level, which is lacking in the case of synthetic rocks. If a clear distinction is observed between the real diamonds and the synthetic ones, the people, who value quality above everything else, will go for the former undoubtedly. For jewelers, who deal both in natural diamonds and lab-created ones will, however, be at the most advantageous position, as they will have it all to meet specific customer needs.