Victorian Bangle - SOLD
Victorian Bangle - SOLD
A stunning and highly unusual Victorian old cut diamond bracelet c.1890, designed as a solid hinged bangle with a central row of large old European brilliant cut diamonds collet set between two outer rows of small old Europeans all set in silver on gold; the central row detaches to form a classically elegant line bracelet of impressive proportions.
Age: Victorian
Price: £POA. - SOLD
Specification
- Gemstones and Other Materials: 24 old European brilliant cut diamonds estimated to weigh a combined total of approximately 29.8cts 136 old European brilliant cut diamonds estimated to weigh a combined total of approximately 9.5cts (24 principal stones estimated as 0.92, 1.20, 0.93, 1.0
- Condition Report: Very fine
- Setting: Silver on gold
- Weight description: 51 grams
- Dimensions: Inner circumference 6.75", width 0.5"
Expert's Notes
The old European brilliant cut is the forefather of today's modern round brilliant cut diamond. It was developed towards the end of the 19th Century when new machinery was invented, in particular the motor-driven saw, which allowed diamonds to be cut in attractive, symmetrical round shapes without wasting the excess rough crystal that was cut off. This revolutionised the industry and gradually, through a process of trial and error, cutters discovered which proportions produced the finest balance of brilliance and fire within these new round stones. Diamonds were now able to dazzle even in the dimly candle-lit rooms of the turn of the century. Along with their characteristic polished culet facets, finely cut old European brilliants can be distinguished from their modern counterparts by their higher crowns and smaller table facets. These features combine to create a greater amount of spectral colour-flashes from inside the stone than we typically see in modern cut diamonds.