Selling Antique Diamonds

Some people inherit jewelry from their parents and grandparents and know that they will never wear it – they hang on to it for sentimental reasons.  If you have a need to sell an antique diamond, the first observation you should be aware of is that a diamond has to be over 100 years old to be classified as an antique.  Diamonds under that age are classified as vintage diamonds.

The most popular antique diamond cuts varied over the years.

Pointed Diamond

This cut was very popular during and before the Georgian era which was from 1714 to 1837.  This particular cut has eight flat sides.  If you view your antique diamond and its appearance resembles opposing pyramids, then it is more than likely a diamond with a pointed cut.

Table Cut

This particular cut of diamond, like the pointed version, was quite simple to produce and was produced during the same era.  The diamond cutter was had to create a diamond that resembled a table.  This was done by cutting half of a point from a stone that fell in the pointed cut class. 

Rose Cut

 During the 18^th century, the cut became a bit more sophisticated.  This was the time when the rose cut was introduced.  This was an extremely fashionable design that was available in two options.  The first variety was a single rose and then second variety was a double rose.  These came with a flat bottom.  The double rose variant had two layers of triangular flat sides, in horizontal layers, in a symmetrical pattern.

Old Mine Cut

This cut was popular during the Georgian period and the Victorian era.  The old mine cut is very similar to the current round brilliant diamond.  It lacks the precision and fire of the present cut due to the lack of appropriate diamond cutting tools during that period in history.  The old mine cut version was often presented in a cushion or square shape as opposed to the more modern round shape.  It also had a flat surface that was the top of the gem.  The other names given to this particular cut of gem are triple-cut, cushion-cut and Peruzzi.

 

Old European

The old European was introduced at the end of the Victorian era and beginning of the Edwardian period.  This version of cut boasts a round shape and 58 facets.

 

Assessment

Non-professionals are often able to identify the earlier versions such as the table and pointed cut gems, however, for the average owner of an antique diamond, this may prove difficult.  Your best bet for evaluation of your antique diamond is to display it to a professional in antique diamonds or an estate buyer with experience in fine jewelry.  It is easier for modern jewelers to appraise the value of the more modern designs. 

For you to obtain an appropriate price for you antique diamond, you require someone who can assess the rarity of the diamond.  The assessor will need to check the cut and clarity of the diamond to provide you with the best evaluation possible.

 By, Kevin Robbins

Gold Solutions, LLC