As civilization progresses, so do diamonds. It has been around for a long time and will still be a part of our future. Diamond cuts is a story of how precious stones evolved from ancient adornments to modern day jewelry. Different diamond cutting techniques continue to advance as time passes and creates stunning pieces of various shapes and sizes made perfect for engagement rings, wedding bands, bracelets, diamond necklace and diamond earrings. Allow us to take you to a ride in understanding vintage diamond cuts vs modern diamond cuts and how diamond cuts influence a diamond's value over time.
When you want to have a glimpse of the past, you can start your journey by learning antique diamond cuts or vintage diamond cuts. In the early times, diamond cutting was focused on preserving the natural form of the diamond to maintain price value and significance of the stone. Preserving the carat weight by cutting the diamonds less and less emphasis on brilliance is the goal of the older cuts. Due to their higher worth, certain collectors favor these cuts.
Point Cut
This diamond cut was practiced way back in the 14th century. It aims to keep diamonds in octahedral shape to keep the symmetry.
Table Cut
Next to the point cut comes the table cut. It evolved in the 15th century with a flat top area and was designed for light to enter the stone for reflective effect.
Rose Cut
The rose cut came to fame between the 16th and 18th century and is known for its spiral resemblance of a rose bud. The flat base and domed top make the diamond look more dramatic.
Old Mine Cut
The old mine cut is known to have paved the way to the cushion cut of today. Diamonds cut in this manner have a high crown with large facets in square shape. This rose to fame in the 18th century.
The earliest diamond cuts aim to preserve the carat weight so they are cut less to keep its raw form and not concentrating much on brilliance. Some collectors prefer these cuts as they value more.
Different approaches in diamond cutting began in the 17th to 19th century to help bring diamond's brilliance into account. Below are diamond cuts that present the evolution of diamond cuts from antique to modern diamond cuts. Its main goal is to highlight an exceptional light performance without sacrificing the diamond's weight.
Old European Cut
Old European cut diamonds, which were more common in the 19th century, are rounded with a high crown and a tiny table to increase brilliance.
Cushion Cut
The cushion cut diamond has the same modern diamond form. Due to its pillow-like appearance, this modern diamond cut made its debut in the 19th century and is currently among the most sought-after diamond cuts at present.
Asscher Cut
First introduced in 1902, asscher cut diamonds have steps and large facets similar to an emerald cut and have been a significant pioneer of Art Deco Jewelry.
The transitional diamond cuts mark the start of brilliant diamonds, specifically the classic round brilliant diamond cut. These types of diamond cuts bridged the gap between the vintage and modern diamond cuts.
Modern diamond cuts changed how diamonds are perceived from the 20th century onwards. Innovative ways of cutting contemporary diamonds are done to mazimize the brilliance of the diamond with numbers of facets and angles in correlation with symmetry, the crown height, table and cutlet size and more factors to bring out the fire.
Round Brilliant Cut
Round brilliant cut diamonds date back to the 20th century. They have 58 facets that are cut into two pyramids and arranged base to base to produce a remarkable light return that intensifies the diamond's brightness.
Princess Cut
Princess cut diamonds are more appealing because of their small size without sacrificing lustre. From above, it appears as a square, while from the front, it appears as an inverted pyramid. The early 1960s marked the appearance of this cut.
Emerald Cut
Most popular with its long parallel step cuts, rectangular emerald cut diamonds and square emerald diamonds have step-cut facets that showcases elegance. Its biggest asset is clarity and is perfect for those who are looking for a sleek and simple design.
Oval Cut
The oval cut is an upgrade of the round brilliant cut with its elongated form, allowing the diamond to appear more brilliant.
Radiant Cut
Developed in 1977, radiant cut diamonds maintain their emerald shape while possessing the brightness of a round cut diamond because of their 70 facets.
The way we live and how things appear has been altered by technology. It has changed diamonds from their previous unprocessed state to the most aesthetically pleasing cuts available today. A rough diamond is expertly carved into a polished, multifaceted stone. Diamond cutting determines how a raw stone is dressed to a new shape ideal for an engagement ring or a necklace, from planning to polishing and final inspection.
A diamond is the ultimate emblem of love and enduring beauty, no matter how it is cut. It will always be a diamond. When asked "old diamond cuts vs. modern diamond cuts," there may be a disagreement. Since it always comes down to personal preference, it makes no difference. You might choose traditional diamond forms if you want that retro vibe. On the other hand, you can absolutely go with the modern diamond cuts if you're looking for something more sleek and modern. We can only anticipate new diamond cuts in upcoming eras as diamond cutting technology advances.
Fascinated about diamond cuts and how modern technology has transformed diamond cutting? We can tell you more! Contact Excel Jewellers today and let us explore the many wonders of diamond cuts.