If you’re the type who loves a piece with history, and would love to make sure your diamond will hold its value, look no further than antique diamonds. Their unique sparkle and vintage vibes, antique diamonds are the perfect way to make your love story stand out. In this installment of our natural diamond series, we asked 2 leading antique diamond engagement ring brands for some advice.

Opening of the article, Tiffany ring by Single Stone. Platinum rings above are also from the Single Stone’s collection, first the Jolene ring and below the Cori ring.

At Single Stone, the beauty of antique diamonds takes center stage. Co-founded by Corina Madilian, this Los Angeles-based jeweler is known for its bespoke, vintage-inspired designs. Single Stone specializes in repurposing old European and old mine-cut diamonds—stones hand-cut more than a century ago—into stunning, modern heirlooms. These diamonds are celebrated for their character and individuality, with no two alike.

Corina’s passion for antique diamonds stems from her appreciation of their imperfections and the stories they carry. We had the pleasure of speaking with her during the last Couture show in Las Vegas to learn more about what makes these vintage diamonds so unique and why they continue to captivate brides today.

What is so special about antique diamonds?

Antique diamonds were cut by hand, over 120 years ago. The diamonds were cut to maximize the rough so no two are ever alike. Since there wasn’t a grading laboratory, the specs of vintage cuts varied according to the rough available and the cutter’s specifications and imagination. Each antique diamond is a unique, one-of-a-kind. There is a very finite number of vintage diamonds that still exist today which only makes them that more special.

What is your favorite antique cut and why?

I love a chunky, cushion cut diamond, especially one that has a well-defined crown angle and a smaller table. There is something so soft and romantic about these characteristics.

How do antique diamonds compare to modern cuts in price, color and clarity in the current market? Do they hold value better?

Antique diamond and modern diamonds are both priced according to their size, cut, color and clarity. The proportions of the cut will affect the pricing on both types of stones however, an antique diamond may command a premium price because of its rarity.

Any tips on best engagement ring settings for these diamonds, and caring for antique diamond engagement rings?

There really isn’t a “better” ring setting for antique stones however, it’s important to consider the “style” of the stone and whether you’d like to respect the aesthetic of the period the stone represents.

Lang Antiques engagement rings featuring antique diamonds

Lang Antiques, located in San Francisco, is renowned for its carefully curated collection of authentic antique and vintage jewelry. With over half a century of experience, Lang’s experts are dedicated to preserving the beauty of these one-of-a-kind pieces. Their selection of antique diamonds ranges from Georgian and Victorian-era cuts to the iconic Edwardian and Art Deco designs. What sets Lang Antiques apart is their commitment to restoring these historical pieces with the utmost care, ensuring that each ring not only reflects the past but can be worn and cherished for generations to come.  Suzanne Martinez, co-owner of Lang Antiques was kind enough to share her knowledge and answer our questions.

What is so special about antique diamonds?

Each antique diamond is one of a kind!  Unlike contemporary (and nearly identical) machine-cut diamonds, antique diamonds were cut by hand using techniques and proportions that revealed the individual beauty of each diamond crystal.  Development of full cut shapes – like the antique cushion (mine) and European (the closest to the modern round brilliant) – resulted in more light reflecting from the diamond, bringing sparkle to candlelit evening events of the late nineteenth and early 20th century.

Although antique diamonds can be found in a range of colors, many of them display a captivating warmth that differs from icy white modern round brilliants.  Combined with their distinctive cuts and increased rarity, they beautifully symbolize an engaged couple’s unique relationship and style. An added bonus is that these stones have already been mined, so they are the most environmentally friendly choice.

What is your favorite antique cut and why?

The mine cut, also called the antique cushion cut, is just gorgeous. Not quite round, but not sharply squared, it has a soft-cornered pillowy or “cushion” shape that is lovely as a solitaire or accented with side stones. Antique cushion cuts were very popular in the Victorian and Georgian eras, their shape reflecting the efforts of jewelers to reveal the unique beauty of each stone.

Any tips on best engagement ring settings for these diamonds, and caring for antique diamond engagement rings?

Diamonds, whether antique or modern, are very durable. Unlike stones that are not as hard and might require a more protective setting, an antique diamond can be placed in any setting of your choice that suits the shape and depth of the stone. When you purchase an antique engagement ring, its setting was created to highlight the center stone, often featuring exquisite details and using artisanal techniques, many of which cannot be faithfully replicated today.

If you have an antique engagement ring, it is starting its second life with you, so be kind to it. One of the best things you can do is to take off your ring as soon as you get home. That way, you save it from the stresses of cleaning, cooking, gardening, or anything else that might damage the ring. Avoid harsh chemicals and do not wear your ring when using exercise equipment.

Cleaning is simple. Once a week, gently clean your ring with a solution of water (in a small dish) and a drop of dish soap using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Do have your ring cleaned and checked professionally (for loose stones, worn prongs, etc.) every six months.

Such great tips from these 2 experts. If your search for a specific antique diamond is getting frustrating, check out Fred Leighton round diamond, natural diamonds cut the way diamonds were cut in the 1890s.