Vintage Cushion-Cut Diamonds

Vintage jewelry enjoys a terminology all its own, and much of it centers on diamonds. These were the most highly prized gemstones during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, which spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of the vintage rings, earrings and pendants on the market today were made during that period. Buyers will do well to understand the stone finishes and available materials that they may encounter when considering these fine antiques.

Understanding Vintage Jewelry Styles

The evaluation standards for vintage diamonds differ from those applied to modern stones. Modern cuts achieve a closed, or pointed, culet. Old techniques, such as the cushion cut, created an open, or flat, bottom, which attracts rather than reflects light. Relatively fewer facets make diamond clarity a higher priority in cushion and earlier cuts. Therefore, jewelry buyers may find stones of better quality in the same carat weight as modern gems. The absence of machine guidance meant that a craftsman lent his singular vision to a piece. Experts on modern diamonds still appreciate the unique character of vintage-cut stones.

The type of metal used in mountings is also a clue to when the jewelry was created. Platinum was not widely used until the 20th century, and gold drifted in and out of style with the shifts in platinum supplies. Ornate filigree is more representative of latter Victorian and early Edwardian jewelry, while cleaner geometric patterns became popular during the subsequent Art Deco and Retro periods. A store with a knowledgeable staff can guide buyers through the education and selection process. Single Stone showrooms serve vintage jewelry buyers from Santa Barbara and other West Coast cities.