Modern Earrings with 4.20 ct Antique Old-Cut Diamonds, circa 1990

Throughout history, diamonds have been cut in ever new variations, always in search of the optimum brilliance. Technical and economic developments set the pace, as did the fashions of the time. The modern full-cut diamond, for example, only became the general standard in the middle of the 20th century. Around c. 1900, the old cut still prevailed, which gave the diamond a little more individuality and was guided more by the initial shape of the stone found. The table of these so-called "Old European Cut" diamonds is slightly smaller than that of modern stones and the top is higher. This means that the stones reflect slightly less light towards the viewer, but they produce significantly more fire than the full cut. These fiery sparks of color are created on the side facets: As these are larger than in modern stones, old cuts tend to glow more colorfully. This can be seen very clearly in this pair of earrings. The starting point for the design was a pair of antique diamonds together weighing around 4.00 ct. The two diamonds were cut in the c. 1900s and have a slightly warm tint. They have fine graphite inclusions inside, which reveal their formation in the depths of the earth hundreds of millions of years ago. The large antique diamonds are set in white gold and are each accompanied by a smaller modern brilliant-cut diamond. The fact that full-cut diamonds are set alongside the old cuts and that the earrings are also made of white gold reveals that the earrings were created later than the diamond cuts. Although their design is based on models from the Belle Époque, we assume that they were not created until the end of the 20th century. Practical hinged bails make them safe and easy to put on. An independent appraisal of the diamonds accompanies the earrings.

Estimate:£27,164.77

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