Antique/vintage diamonds are not ideal cut right?

[barbiebien]

I noticed there are alot of vintage lovers on pricescope. I am getting a pair of RB vintage studs and i am still thinking about buying a new ideal cut pair since they will shine more. Is this true? What is so special about vintage stones?

 

[stone-cold11]

Depends. Vintage diamonds are not all cut to the same parameter, same with modern rounds.

 

[barbiebien]

Ok but techniques have changed right? So an 70 old stone could not be as well cut as an newly cut stone?

 

[stone-cold11]

Technique is essentially the same, same equipment but better tolerance, better vibration isolation, easier to obtain symmetry.

But cut performance is determine by proportions, what people prefers then is different from what is now. 70 years ago, not much difference, by OEC/OMC are going to be different.

 

[Circe]

It's a different look, and, for earrings, I'd say it sort of depends on what size you're going for. In smaller stones, I feel like ideal cuts are more suited - little pinpoints of fire! The chunkier flashes of OECs work better in larger sizes (at least to my eye), but if you want the best of both worlds, you might be interested i the August Vintage Rounds from Good Old Gold. They're cut in the chunky-facets style of the old cuts, but planned for light performance.

As for what's so special about vintage stones? They have individual beauty. Personally, I like the idea that my stones have a little history and were cut by hand by a skilled artisan back in the day when the eyes and hands and talents were the primary tools ....

 

[oldminer]

Old cut diamonds which are well cut for the period are very sparkly and shine a great deal, but they do have different look than modern cut diamonds which would grade as "Ideal Cut". It is a matter of personal taste. You just need to buy what pleases you most with luxury items.

The photo is of an old car with beautiful lines and superb design. It was "ideal" in its own time, but most people today would likely opt for a different configuration. The fact that most folks would prefer a modern approach to design does nothing to lessen the quality, value and beauty of the old design when it comes to this old car which is touted as the most valuable of all cars at about $10 Million.

 

[barbiebien]

Is it weird to want a new pair of diamond studs when you have a vintage pair already? I will get a 1ctw pair that is really nice and sparkly but not as sparkly as wel cut newly cut stones. I like the vintage pair but somehow i want more sparkle

 

[Karl_K]

Is it weird to want a new pair of diamond studs when you have a vintage pair already? I will get a 1ctw pair that is really nice and sparkly but not as sparkly as wel cut newly cut stones. I like the vintage pair but somehow i want more sparkle

No its not weird.
Have you had them professionally cleaned lately?
If not you may be amazed at how much more they sparkle afterward.

 

[gemgirl]

We bought an estate diamond that was cut in the 40s or 50s because I wanted something that would remind me of the period of time my parents dated and got engaged. I chose that particular stone because it has a vintagey tinge of pale cream to it, and I couldn't find anything inside upon careful inspection with my loupe. It is neither OEC or OMC, but to my surprise, a modern round brilliant. It graded as a VG cut by GIA and surprisingly, the crown and pavillion angles are what we consider preferable. It most certainly doesn't look like any of the ideal cut rounds in my five stone, my two pair of earrings or my new pendant stone. Even to the unaided eye, it looks different. Still, it has a charm (to me), and a look that was significant of that period of time, and for that reason, I like it. It's really a matter of personal preference.

 

[coati]

Is it weird to want a new pair of diamond studs when you have a vintage pair already? I will get a 1ctw pair that is really nice and sparkly but not as sparkly as wel cut newly cut stones. I like the vintage pair but somehow i want more sparkle

No its not weird.
Have you had them professionally cleaned lately?
If not you may be amazed at how much more they sparkle afterward.

-so true about cleaning-that always helps.

It's not weird to want both vintage and modern stones. Different sparkle for different moods. Love 'em both.

 

[barbiebien]

Yes they are clean and they do have a nice sparkle but i want mind blowing sparkles, maybe that is unrealistic.

 

[Imdanny]

Pretty car!