One of the most common questions we get asked is to describe the difference between antique stones and their modern counterparts.
In the world of diamonds, understanding the distinction between antique stones and their modern counterparts is a common query we encounter. The late 19th century witnessed a significant advancement in diamond cutting, giving rise to the old European cut diamond, which gained popularity during the Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco eras. Technological progress revolutionized diamond cutting techniques, resulting in changes to the placement and proportion of a diamond's facets. Larger tables, smaller culets, and longer, leaner facets paved the way for the modern round brilliant, now the world's most beloved diamond shape.
Handcrafted vintage diamonds, such as old Europeans and old mine cushion cuts, were meticulously shaped by hand to enhance their color and clarity. Unlike the present era, the availability of diamonds in the 18th and 19th centuries was more limited. The diamond mines of Southern Africa, responsible for today's whitest stones, had not yet been discovered. Consequently, diamond cutters employed inventive faceting techniques to bring out the best in each stone, infusing them with a distinctive charm and recognizable sparkle.
Both the modern round brilliant diamond and the old European cut have either 57 or 58 facets, but their unique personalities stem from the shape and placement of these facets. Modern round brilliant diamonds, true to their name, are cut to maximize brilliance. Light is designed to enter the diamond and radiate back out, creating the captivating bling that characterizes contemporary jewelry. In contrast, antique stones interact with light differently, drawing the eye inward before gently captivating with their enchanting glow.
At Erstwhile, we hold a special affinity for the latter. The mesmerizing sparkle and allure of old stones infuse jewelry with charm, interest, and warmth. That is why we incorporate antique stones in our by Erstwhile collection. The harmonious blend of our modern aesthetic and the vintage diamonds' unique glow results in contemporary heirlooms that shine brightly for generations to come.
