What are estate diamonds? #@97#@

Estate diamonds comprise a classification of "retro" jewelry, antique or vintage, manufactured in the years following World War II. During the years after the war, geometrical jewels of the 1940's were replaced by more "naturalistically" inspired designs, while precious stones, scrollwork and curved mounts returned to the diamond market. The estate jewelry period spans over 15 years, between 1935 and 1950, a period of diamond manufacturing where jewelry designs consisted of feminine motifs and soft curves, the favored decorative motifs being flowers and leaves. The feature that most characterizes estate diamonds is a 1940's Hollywood appeal.
Antique diamonds, compared to their diamond counterparts, typically have smaller tables, higher crowns, deeper pavilions and thicker girdles. They also have a soft romantic glow and are cut to maximize carat weight. They range in their features, including cut and brightness. Antique diamonds are typically identified by their distinctive cuts, including, but not limited to the following : Old Mine Diamonds, which date back to the 1830s, were cut for the purpose of candlelight rather than a modern denser light, producing a sparkle in even a dim candlelit atmosphere; Rose Cut Diamonds, which were developed in the 16th century, have a flat bottom and domed top covered with triangular facets. They are commonly round, oval, triangular, or pear-shaped; Cushion Cut Diamonds, sometimes referred to as "pillow cut" diamonds, have an open culet and rectangular shape with rounded corners and a facet plan to give the diamond depth. Most quality cushion cut diamonds are found only on the antique and estate market; Asscher Cut Diamonds were originally designed to improve the emerald cuts, retaining the original features, but with wider corners and more facets for added brightness and more sparkles; and finally, Emerald Cut Diamonds have a hide-and-seek quality, which reflect light in a non-typical but extravagent way.
Vintage diamonds span several decades: Georgian, Early Victorian, Mid-Victorian, Late Victorian, Arts and Crafts era, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco, and Retro. The most popular style of vintage jewelry is Victorian, Edwardian, and the Retro. Victorian style can be identified by its grandeur, inspired from the antique vintage jewelry worn by Queen Victoria. Edwardian style is less detailed as is Victorian, typically characterized by white gold or platinum, as well as superior craftsmanship and metal working. Invisible platinum settings were popular, as they tended to enhance the brilliance of the stones. Finally, Art Deco features platinum and diamonds, interwoven and supplemented with other gemstones (rubies, sapphires, and emeralds) in bold, contrasting combinations. Vintage diamonds typically appear contemporary because of their simplicity.

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