Learn About Diamonds

Rose Cut Diamonds

One of the earliest cuts in our collection is the exquisite rose cut, which originated in the 1500s and is named for its floral shape. This enchanting style features a flat base, a rounded top, and can have up to 24 facets. It was designed to complement the natural form of rough diamonds and gained popularity during the Georgian Era. The soft glow of candlelight in 18th-century homes beautifully highlighted these charming gems.

Mine Cut Diamonds

Emerging from 18th century Europe, the mine cut, or antique cushion cut, is a precursor to the contemporary round brilliant cut. Interestingly, it isn’t perfectly round; rather, its edges create a gentle square or “cushion” form. These diamonds are particularly captivating in candlelight, reminiscent of the 18th to mid-19th centuries when electricity was not yet common. While not as widely recognized today, mine-cut diamonds continue to be cherished by antique jewelry enthusiasts.

European Cut Diamonds

The late 1800s marked a period of significant advancements in diamond cutting and jewelry design. Although earlier round cuts existed, the elegant old European cut emerged in the latter half of the 19th century and remained popular through the first half of the 20th century. By mid-century, it began to be eclipsed by the round brilliant cut, yet it retains characteristics from both this and the earlier mine cut.

Modern Round Brilliant Cut

The modern round brilliant cut has become almost synonymous with diamonds. Created in the early 20th century but gaining popularity in the 1940s, it is now the most sought-after diamond shape. Its brilliance—and hence the name—showcases the pinnacle of diamond craftsmanship. While our collection primarily features old European cuts from the Edwardian and Art Deco periods, we also include a selection of these contemporary gems among our Retro, Mid-Century, Vintage, and Estate offerings. The brilliant cut is ideal for those desiring maximum sparkle in a vintage or vintage-inspired design.

Fancy Shaped Diamonds

“Fancy” refers to any brilliant-cut diamond that isn’t round, and these unique shapes have a rich history. Popular options for alternative center stones in striking engagement rings include emerald, Asscher, marquise, pear, oval, and the “moval,” a hybrid of marquise and oval. Each shape reflects the personality of its wearer, often leading to that magical “that’s the one!” moment—what we like to call love at first sight.

The 4 Cs of Diamond Buying

The term “the 4 Cs” encompasses the four key factors used to evaluate diamonds: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Together, these elements determine a diamond’s beauty, rarity, and value.

Color

Diamonds come in a stunning array of colors, but white colorless diamonds dominate the market. Diamonds exceeding this range are classified as “fancy colored diamonds,” which can be found in various hues and combinations and are quite rare.

Clarity

“Clarity” refers to the purity of a diamond. Formed deep within the Earth under extreme heat and pressure, diamonds often contain internal inclusions and external blemishes. Very few diamonds are internally flawless. Clarity is graded based on the size, nature, and location of these characteristics, with grades ranging from flawless to included.

Cut

It’s important to note that “cut” refers not to the diamond's shape but to the angles, proportions of facet arrangements, polished finish, and symmetry. The quality of the cut directly influences a diamond's brightness, fire, and scintillation.

Carat Weight

Carat weight measures a diamond's weight rather than its size. One carat is equivalent to 100 points; for instance, 1.00 carat is written as such, while three-fourths of a carat is noted as .75 carat. A diamond may appear larger or smaller depending on its shape and setting. Therefore, while carat weight is significant for both value and appearance, it shouldn't be the sole consideration when choosing a diamond, especially for an engagement ring. Sometimes a smaller carat-weight stone can have a more substantial presence than expected—and vice versa.