Repolish of an antique diamond - where to go

[LightBright]

I should preface this by saying under almost all circumstances I would never clean up the girdle of an old cut stone. I’m one of those purists who cringes at the thought of -any- retouching of antique stones.

But after much thought, I think I’m going to repolish an antique diamond that is abraded on the crown facets. It’s a lively high color old mine cushion. I can’t see or notice any of these things I see through a loupe. If I were going to keep it, I’d just set it and never look back. But I must sell it, and I believe it will be more saleable without abrasions. So I’m looking for a diamond cutter who is excellent at recutting and restoration of antique stones.

I discovered Barry Ian Rogoff and Yakov Kleyman through a Google search. They are in Los Angeles and seem to work together as well as independently. Has anyone worked with them? Is one of them more the expert at antique restoration (such that I should ask for a specific cutter)?

There’s a guy in Seattle at Crane Jewelry who seems to recut antique gems, but I have no other info but that found on his website.

I’ve seen antique diamonds coming out of Old World Diamonds that look expertly restored (in other words “good” to my eye). Whoever is doing that restoration work knows their stuff. Does anyone know who Adam works with?

My biggest concern is that they don’t mess up the original look of the diamond. I have no idea how a cutter plans a restoration to insure that the original shape and faceting of an antique stone is best preserved. I just know this is not “MRB 101” and I’d be anguished if the rough around the edges diamond I have was ruined in an attempt to brush its unruly hair. I’ve seen it done before.

Have you ever had an antique stone repolished or recut and regretted it? Have you ever restored an old cut diamond and loved it? Please share your experiences thoughts and opinions.

 

[missy]

Hi LightBright, I don't know the specific person Adam@oldworlddiamonds works with but I do know his bench is excellent and that a Pricescoper used his services to clean up her OEC and it turned out wonderfully. My memory isn't what it used to be however and I cannot remember the PSer but it might have been Charmypoo or Dreamer...all I can remember for sure is that it was a PSer who is an old cut lover and she was very pleased with the work.

Call Adam and ask him and see what he says. I trust his judgment.

Good luck!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think it is wonderful to restore an antique stone to it's original condition just as a 100-200 year old house needs some restoration. Lots of the vendors here have done diamond rehab. I'd probably check with Adam, Grace of Jewels by Grace, and Erica of Love Affair Diamonds and find out who they recommend.

 

[MollyMalone]

Like missy, I would feel comfortable entrusting the job to whomever Adam uses. Don't be surprised, however, if Adam, Erica, or Grace decline to give you the contact info for whoever does their diamond rehab work & instead offer to serve as the go-between. It's my understanding that most cutters-rehabbers are "to the trade only."

Also (assuming this matters to you), clarify the matter of liability should your stone be lost or damaged in the process. Unfortunately, I don't think you yourself can get a policy that will cover a loose stone that is not going to soon be mounted (IIRC Jewelers Mutual covers a consumer's loose diamond for only 30 days).

 

[LightBright]

Thanks Missy, I think Adam’s cutter must do good work from what I’m seeing on the OWD Instagram!

Thanks MollyMalone, that’s good information regarding not being able to utilize the services of a cutter directly and about insurance.