Millions of diamonds are mined and cut annually, however only a limited amount of true antique diamonds remain today. Antique diamonds were cut to have larger chunkier facets with more weight, as opposed to the maximising the brilliance and sparkle in modern diamond cuts. The sparkle of an antique diamond is very unique, it's like pops of colour sparkle - the way they interact with the light is captivating and truly magical.
Diamond cutters in the 18th and 19th century did not have modern tools. Antique diamonds were cut by hand under low lighting conditions, often by candlelight. Each diamond was assessed to make sure it will sparkle under the era's low lighting conditions. Hand cutting meant no two diamonds would ever be the same, making these treasures truly unique.
Old mine and old European cut diamonds are the most common shapes of the antique diamond cuts. They are rarely perfectly symmetrical, mostly wonky and charming, which is why we love them - they are perfectly imperfect!
Real antique diamonds are very rare, many antiques have got re-cut into modern shapes and only a few remain as they were.
Old Mine Cut Diamond:
Old Mine cut was cut circa 1700 - 1890, it is typically a cushion shape with 58 facets, a small table, high crown, deep pavilion and a large culet. It is incredibly rare and sought after, currently in high demand for modern engagement rings. We love it for its large culets, chunky facets and broad flashes of light it reflects.
Old European Cut Diamond:
Old European cut was the precursor to today's modern brilliant cut, it was cut circa 1890 - 1930. The invention of the steam driven diamond bruting machine in the late 1800 allowed cutters to fashion an evenly rounded girdle, creating the rounded shape we see in the Old European diamonds. We love it for its rounded shape and, chunky broad facets, high crowns and multicolour internal fire - the flashes that come with this shape.
Moval, Peruzzi and Antique Emerald/Asscher:
Peruzzi cut diamonds are extremely rare. These were cut in the 17th century, introduced by Vincent Peruzzi and had 33 facets. Generally cut very deep 80-90% depth with broad facets, large prominent culet and a beautiful square shape.
Moval cut diamonds are a hybrid between Marquise and Oval. These were cut in the early 20th century. We love these for their elongated shape, broad facets and distinct culet, though not always present.
Antique emerald/asscher cut diamonds are extremely rare. These were cut 1920-1930. We love the for their art deco appeal and cropped corners.
Why choose an antique diamond?
There is real magic in owning a diamond which was cut by candlelight, is very rare and unique and has lived a life an incredible life we can only imagine.
All antique diamonds have their charms and are very rare and of course hard to source.
Here, at Valentina Fine Jewellery we are experts in sourcing the rarest antique diamonds for you. Due to the rareness of these true antique diamonds, please allow a longer time to source your perfect diamond.