News — Recycle

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.

One of the most favored antique diamond cuts is the Old Mine Cut. From the early 18^th century to the late 19^th century, the Old Mine Cut was the most common. Typically found in the Georgian (1714-1837) and Victorian (1837-1901) eras this cushion shape was cut by hand using a lamp as the light source. Giving each diamond an individual unique look. Since the Old Miners are cut by hand, they have the ability to sparkle and catch the light, with many different light sources. Modern cut diamonds cannot compare. These old cut diamonds are chunky in shape and typically have a warmer hue, the Old Mines cushion shape comes from the diamond being cut from a rough gem and lack of machinery, these diamonds are closer to their natural form. Diamonds at this time were mined from mines in Brazil and India, just like the diamonds the locations at which they are mined are unique. Each location has different mineral deposits and different resources that grow the diamond itself giving the various natural hues to the antique cuts.

This diamond shape got its name Old Mine, from the original old diamond mines they were discovered in. The way to identifying an Old Mine cut diamond is typically, they have a small table, most noticeable by looking at the diamond from above. Most have large culets which is where all the facets join at the bottom of the diamond. This is most noticeable while looking from the top through the table. Old Mine cuts have a high crown and deep pavilion making the diamond taller than modern cuts. Old Mine cuts are perfectly imperfect and unsymmetrical. This is due to the way they are cut. Giving the diamond a more organic look, true to the diamond's natural crystal form. Old Mine cut diamonds are one of a handful of antique cuts, beautiful in cut, sparkle, and hue.   

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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.