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All You Need To Know About Old European Cut Diamonds
Many people wonder how on Earth people managed to cut diamonds before machinery was invented, which would have been quite an achievement when you understand how hard diamonds actually are. If we go back to the very first diamond discoveries, the stones were found in India and were initially kept in their raw, unpolished state, while actual diamond cutting started in the 14th century.
Point & Table Cuts
These were the first two facet cuts to appear, and during the 15th century, people discovered that diamonds could be cut using diamond dust. Archduke Maximillian of Austria presented the first diamond engagement ring in 1477, and it was given to Mary of Burgundy. This event is said to signify the start of the engagement ring tradition. The centerpiece of the ring was a diamond that was ‘M’ shaped using the Point Cut, and this caused a sensation in the aristocratic circles.
Diamond Cutting Tools
The 16th century saw the arrival of tools that could cut facets into diamonds, and the Rose and Transition Cuts were born. If you have a passion for hand-cut diamonds, there are beautiful vintage engagement rings for sale by the online antique dealer, and you can view their entire catalog from the comfort of your own home. The Rose Cut has only 24 facets, making it a unique cut that gives a subtle light, rather than the Brilliant Round, which has more than double the facets of a Rose Cut.
South American Diamond Discoveries
The 19th century was a time when diamonds were found in Brazil, and the ‘Old Mine Cushion Cut’ emerged. These are actually the forefathers of the modern brilliant cuts and were created by European jewelers, while diamond jewelry was the exclusive domain of the very wealthy.
South African Diamond Rush
The late 19th century was the time when diamonds were suddenly discovered in South Africa, causing a diamond rush, which led to the rising of the De Beers Mining Company. Enter Hollywood and a very clever advertising campaign that saw diamonds elevated to a symbol of love and romance. Before long, ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend’ became the slogan, and diamonds were embedded into society.
The Asscher Cut
The first diamond cut to be patented, the Asscher Cut, was the brainchild of the Royal Asscher Diamond Company in 1902, which soared to great heights in the Art Deco period. This cut uses rectangles and straight lines, with deep facets and cropped corners, and if you would like to present your bride-to-be with an authentic Asscher Cut diamond engagement ring, the online antique dealer would have a stunning selection of diamond rings from the Art Deco period.
There is something special about a hand-made diamond cut, as perfect symmetry is never achieved, and this brings uniqueness into the picture, which many people prefer to the perfect shape of a machine-cut stone.
The best way to source a genuine antique diamond engagement ring is to search online for a local antique dealer, and you can rest assured that the piece is authentic and fairly priced.
Thank you for reading All You Need To Know About Old European Cut Diamonds!
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