Yes, we all know that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but perhaps more important than the number of or size of diamonds a girl has is the cut chosen to maximize the natural beauty of the stones. Over several centuries, multiple styles and cuts have been developed, whether for aesthetic or functional purpose, but today the most popular is the modern diamond European cut.
Available in nearly every size and color, most modern diamond jewelry is fashioned using this style. Modern diamonds exhibit three parts that should be inspected to distinguish them from an antique version.
The top of a diamond is called the ‘crown’, with the largest flat surface called the ‘table’. This is the part that is seen by everyone admiring your jewel. This flat surface is crafted and smoothed to create the most ‘fire’ and sparkle, complimenting the other facets included around the diamond.
The bottom of the diamond is called the ‘pavilion’, which is the structural and strong base that flanks the jewel to the metal of the jewelry piece. Between the crown and pavilion is the ‘girdle’, a narrow edge around the widest part of the stone. These three areas of the diamond, and all of the surrounding surfaces, include 57 or 58 facets that are polished to a high shine.
The largest of these facets is the flat table top, and the smallest facet, called the ‘culet’, is located at the bottom of the pavilion. However, some modern diamonds do not have a culet, and simply come to a point at the bottom.
The modern diamond European cut is precisely crafted to maximize the brilliance and sparkle of every diamond; this may commonly be referred to as the diamond’s ‘fire’. Each and every diamond is considered individually to achieve the most impressive play of light in these diamonds, including the breadth of the table, depth of the pavilion, angle of the crown, thickness of the girdle, facets and symmetry of the stone.
When compared to the old European cut, it’s easy to see several differences between the two. These older cuts have very small tables, making them appear to be smaller overall, have a heavy and tall crown, and are much deeper than modern diamonds. The girdle is still circular in both cuts, but modern advances in the design were born with the old European cut.
Of course, some jewelry seekers are searching for an antique cut that speaks of days gone by. Some antique and genuine vintage jewelry may still be found using the old European cut, but you must remember they will not have the high shine that modern diamond European cuts instill in the same type of stone. Other antique cuts include the rose cut, single cut and old mine cut.
When shopping for antique jewelry and gemstones, you must remember not to judge these pieces by the same standards applied to modern stones. Antique cuts and stones exude a romantic glow that appeals to many tastes, but will almost always have smaller tables and deeper stones. This is because jewelry makers in the past tried to maximize the carat weight of a stone versus the brilliance qualities.
Until the early 20th century, diamonds were always cut by hand. This led to regular imperfections that added character to the pieces. However, many of these have been re-cut in modern times to achieve the smoothest and most symmetrical cuts available. This process of applying modern technologies to antique jewels has contributed to the rising demand and price of antique and vintage jewelry.
If you determine that high quality and brilliance is most important to you, a modern diamond European cut is most fitting. Several modern pieces of jewelry actually are designed with the antique looks in mind, so you can find that perfect ring or set of earrings with both the shine and style you’re looking for.
Perhaps you may also find an antique setting that can be altered to accommodate a modern diamond European cut. This will allow for a meaningful semblance of antique jewels with the advantage of the most brilliant stone available.
Some may also choose to create a personalized or original piece that incorporates both antique cuts and modern cuts to meet a specific stylistic goal. This allows you to have the best of both worlds – old charm and modern brilliance – and is a great option for integrating heirloom jewels with modern acquisitions.
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January 4th, 2012 at 8:08 am
In order to benefit from a lower income tax rate next year I would like to defer some cuurent income. Can you please give me some tips. Regards.