Antique Jewelry Store

A more thorough knowledge of the history of diamonds is necessary to select vintage diamond jewelry than modern pieces. Buyers who use contemporary brilliant cuts as their standard will fail to appreciate the unique qualities of antique diamonds. Their character is largely derived from the artisans who crafted them, rather than simply their innate mineral properties. It is wise to buy vintage for these attributes, in order to appreciate the investment fully. A little advance education can result in a more successful purchase.

Learning about Vintage Diamond Jewelry

Locating a reputable store places buyers in the realm of expertise. Staff should understand the entire timeline of gemstone cutting, from the ancient days of unpolished diamonds, through the first 'cabochon,' or dome-shaped cuts, to the evolution of faceting. This helps them to assist buyers in evaluating stones for clarity, cut and color. These criteria apply differently to antique versus modern stones. The old cuts had fewer facets and many variations in depth and table that aren't common today.

The untrained buyer might consider these as flaws, detracting from the beauty or value of a piece of jewelry. Instead, they are widely thought to enhance its individuality, and therefore its worth. Many modern, machined rings or earrings are crafted to exactly the same specifications, but a hand-crafted piece of vintage jewelry is one of a kind. That explains the resurgence in popularity of antique rings, especially as wedding bands. A store such as Single Stone offers a collection of fine vintage diamond accessories as well as in-depth information. It serves buyers from San Francisco to San Diego at its Los Angeles area showrooms, as well as online.