Restoring Jewellery – Part One – Recutting a Diamond
Jewellery has always been a symbol of status, power, and identity, and antique pieces are no exception. They were often worn by royalty, nobility and wealthy individuals, passed down through generations as heirlooms. As such, antique jewellery carries history that cannot be replicated. Recognising the value and rarity of antique jewellery requires a discerning eye, an appreciation for history and craftsmanship. Whether it is a delicate Art Nouveau pendant, a bold Victorian brooch, or a glittering Art Deco ring, antique jewellery is a treasure trove of beauty, history, and culture that deserves to be celebrated and cherished.
There are many ways that antique jewellery can be restored sympathetically to the original state without losing its charm. One way to do this, as we will be discussing in this blog, is by repairing damaged Diamonds.
Diamonds are renowned for their exceptional durability and resilience, but they are not completely invulnerable. Although they are one of the hardest materials on earth, Diamonds can still be chipped or scratched by other Diamonds or impact with a hard surface. Here at Hatton Jewels, we frequently see and purchase Diamond jewellery that has seen better days, but we endeavour to restore these significant pieces so they can be enjoyed and cherished for many more decades to come.
In this blog, we will talk about the reasons behind restoring a Diamond, how it is done and some examples of what can be achieved.
Why recut an old Diamond?
There are several reasons why someone might choose to recut an old Diamond as the process can breathe new life into old Diamonds. Most commonly a Diamond is recut to repair damage and restore the stone. The recutting process can also potentially improve clarity and colour of the Diamond, but this is never guaranteed. Recutting a Diamond unavoidably leads to a lower carat weight as the process involves removing some of the damaged areas, so it’s important to balance the benefits over the drawback of weight loss.
How is a Diamond recut?
Diamond cutting is a highly skilled and specialised profession that requires years of training and experience. It is a delicate and precise process that must be done with great care and attention to detail to ensure that the Diamond is cut to the correct proportions and angles to maximize its brilliance and is done sympathetically to the original cutting style to retain the character and value. The process of recutting a diamond involves removing some of its weight by cutting away the rough edges using a series of polishing wheels, each with a progressively finer abrasive compound, until the Diamonds individual facets are beautifully finished.
Restoring our 4.40ct Emerald Cut Diamond
Old emerald cut diamonds are highly sought after by collectors and those who appreciate their classic, elegant look in vintage and antique jewellery.
Old cut Diamonds are a window into the past, a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of bygone eras, and a symbol of the unique stories and experiences of its previous owners.
We purchased a lovely 4.40ct old Emerald cut Diamond and despite its evident wear and tear, including multiple sizeable chips on the girdle, which is the edge of the Diamond, and a few on the table, which is its top surface, we were instantly drawn to its potential and were excited to restore it to its former glory.
The emerald cut Diamond cutting style has been around for centuries and was first used in the cutting of Emeralds. The cut was later adapted to Diamonds and became popular during the Art Deco era of the 1920s and 1930s, with the Diamonds being rectangular in shape with truncated corners and step-cut facets. It was this old Emerald cut Diamond cutting style we wanted to retain in our gorgeous original 1930’s 4.40ct Diamond.
Here are before and after images of our exquisite old Emerald cut Diamond, which has been carefully restored to its original splendour. The transformation is remarkable, and we are delighted with the results.
If you have any antique jewellery you may wish to sell, Hatton Jewels' highly trained team are dedicated to giving you the best possible price for any unwanted items, with the expertise to restore pieces to keep its unique story going. Email us on info@hattonjewels.com or give us a call on 0203 116 0069 and speak to one of our friendly, expert members of staff who can offer guidance and advise on the process
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