I'm referring to those used in non-customized settings. Or is it really just luck of the draw?
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Were better diamonds circulated before?
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Before what?
At any rate, I think technology has improved diamonds by allowing diamond miners to find better diamonds and improve the precision of the cut. Especially if you compare to old european cut diamonds, diamonds these days are much sparklier. Also, although I'm not a fan of clarity enhanced or colour enhanced as it weakens the stone, technology is able to make diamonds whiter and cleaner.
At any rate, I think technology has improved diamonds by allowing diamond miners to find better diamonds and improve the precision of the cut. Especially if you compare to old european cut diamonds, diamonds these days are much sparklier. Also, although I'm not a fan of clarity enhanced or colour enhanced as it weakens the stone, technology is able to make diamonds whiter and cleaner.
I think before the 1980s, people wanted a better grade diamond. In the 80s, people started wanting the "bling" and not really caring about the 4 c's, just the size. I think this is when you really started seeing the "frozen spit" diamond jewelry that really became prevalent during that time. I don't even know when I clarity became acceptable for jewelry.
As far as something being a luck of the draw, I would say it really depends on the jeweler and where he gets his stock from. I would say a lower end chain mall jewelry store is going to carry more poor quality diamond jewelry than a locally owned jewelry store that has built a reputation for carrying quality and unique jewelry.
As far as something being a luck of the draw, I would say it really depends on the jeweler and where he gets his stock from. I would say a lower end chain mall jewelry store is going to carry more poor quality diamond jewelry than a locally owned jewelry store that has built a reputation for carrying quality and unique jewelry.
Sorry for not being more clear. I was referring to 1990s. I just noticed that some mid-range chains that used to carry F or G/H color are now carrying I color.
it's because of price
Mid-range chains can't offer mid-range pieces unless they sacrifice quality since prices are higher than say 20 yrs ago.
It's only luck of the draw for people who don't educate themselves first. . . there's no 'luck'.
KWIM?
Mid-range chains can't offer mid-range pieces unless they sacrifice quality since prices are higher than say 20 yrs ago.It's only luck of the draw for people who don't educate themselves first. . . there's no 'luck'.
KWIM?
it all depends where you buy and how informed you are!
the stoers you refer too are maybe outpriced by the market and cater to a different clientele now?
the stoers you refer too are maybe outpriced by the market and cater to a different clientele now?
LOL, I respectfully disagree that old cuts are less sparkly than modern stones! But I'm biased - I sell antique diamonds. But the reason I do so is that I believe they are far more beautiful than modern stones. It's just a matter of personal preference. Broad chunky flashes of colored light versus slivers of contrast and white light return.
Antique diamonds (Old Mine Cuts, Old European Cuts) were cut for candlelight and often display far more fire than modern cut stones. They can perform better than modern diamonds in low light conditions, and often rival modern cuts under other lighting. For any cut style, there will be beauties and dogs to be found - there are both well cut and poorly cut antique diamonds. Current cutting trends (H&A, etc.) are just that - trends. In a decade, someone will determine that another method of cutting is superior, and the trend will change.
Recently, there has been a surge of popularity for cushions and asschers. Two of the oldest cuts in the antique cut realm. Cutters are cutting new cushions and asschers to mimic facet patterns that were used 100+ years ago. What these new cuts offer in terms of "improved" light performance they lack in uniqueness and personality.
Anyway, just HAD to put in my 2 cents on the subject of old versus new! Please don't form an opinion about old cuts until you have a chance to compare a beautiful old cut to a beautiful modern cut in person. You might be surprised!!!
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I have noticed a trend towards lower colors in general, not specifically with regards to what stores carry but rather what consumers are choosing. Many buyers realize that there are great values to be hand in H and lower colors, and that a beautifully cut K will face up just as white as higher colored stones around them. I also think more women are not letting industry standards of "whiter is better" impact what they deem more beautiful to their eyes.
For example, my own ring is an M/N color. I wore a higher color before, but just adore the light play of lower colored stones. I doubt I will ever go higher than M, regardless of what my budget is. If you check out pricescope, you will see many threads featuring J, K, L, M colored diamonds. Lower color means larger diamond for your money, and when you are talking about exceptionally cut stones, a K colored H&A will outperform a mall quality D any day of the week. Consumers are starting to figure out that cut is king!
For example, my own ring is an M/N color. I wore a higher color before, but just adore the light play of lower colored stones. I doubt I will ever go higher than M, regardless of what my budget is. If you check out pricescope, you will see many threads featuring J, K, L, M colored diamonds. Lower color means larger diamond for your money, and when you are talking about exceptionally cut stones, a K colored H&A will outperform a mall quality D any day of the week. Consumers are starting to figure out that cut is king!
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I also wanted to ask a question concerning OMC and OEC stones. I've seen a lot of them and most, if not all of them, always seem to be lower in color (J/K/L/M). Was there a reason for this? Were colorless stones (D/E/F/G) available at the time these cuts were popular?
There are a number of reasons for this:
1. The mines which were being tapped during the time these cuts were popular were primarily producing cape colored stones (lower colors, though color wasn't perceived in the same way back then).
2. Many of the larger high colored stones were re-cut when "improved" cutting techniques were being used. Many people assume the diamond they purchased in a store came fresh from the mine, lol, but it very well could have already been in circulation for many years, just in a different form.
3. Due to the rarity of high colored old cuts, per the above, they carry a premium. Larger stones in high colors are more likely to be retained as family heirlooms or sold via high end dealers and auction houses. They don't often make their way to small antique shops, ebay, etc.
Do let me know if you have any other questions regarding old cuts. I could talk about them all day!
1. The mines which were being tapped during the time these cuts were popular were primarily producing cape colored stones (lower colors, though color wasn't perceived in the same way back then).
2. Many of the larger high colored stones were re-cut when "improved" cutting techniques were being used. Many people assume the diamond they purchased in a store came fresh from the mine, lol, but it very well could have already been in circulation for many years, just in a different form.
3. Due to the rarity of high colored old cuts, per the above, they carry a premium. Larger stones in high colors are more likely to be retained as family heirlooms or sold via high end dealers and auction houses. They don't often make their way to small antique shops, ebay, etc.
Do let me know if you have any other questions regarding old cuts. I could talk about them all day!