Modern fashion, in a nutshell: Thrifting is thriving, and vintage (i.e. vintage-inspired) clothing is on the rise. This renewed appreciation for heritage items also extends to the bridal industry, where retro gowns and antique engagement rings are lining everybody’s inspo board.
We get it—heirloom jewelry has a special kind of character. And luckily, it’s attainable (if you know where to look). If you’re not inheriting grandma’s solitaire, simply create one of your own. Tracking down a true antique diamond or creating an antique style setting from scratch is simply a matter of selecting the right jeweler.
Don’t know where to start? Here’s 6 antique diamond styles to get familiar with:
June Cove ring
1. Old Mine Cut
“Old mine” is an antique style that originated in the 1700s. Popular in the Georgian and Victorian eras, these stones were cut by hand (often by candlelight). The method produces square-ish stones with famously chunky facets. In comparison to today’s brilliant cut, old mine cut diamonds have a handcrafted look and vintage sparkle.
Shop Cove, Fleur, Surry, and other old mine cut favorites in the June Engagement Collection
June Dove ring
2. Rose Cut
“Rose cut” is one of the oldest forms of diamond cutting. Also popular in the Georgian era, these stones have a flat bottom and domed top, resulting in a near-transparent effect. The name derives from the method’s petal-like (rose) facets. Rose cut diamonds have a soft, romantic look and luminous shimmer.
Shop Dove, Estelle, Seville, and other rose cut favorites in the June Engagement Collection
June Perry ring
3. Portrait Cut
“Portrait cut” is one of the oldest known techniques with origins in Ancient India. Once used to protect miniature artwork and photos—”portraits”— the style resurfaced in the early 20th century amongst the royal class. This method produces a flat, transparent stone with minimal facets along the edges. Portrait cut diamonds are beloved for their distinct look and contrastive, glass-like sparkle.
Shop Maren, Perry, June Solitaire, and other portrait cut favorites in the June Engagement Collection
June Sonora ring
4. Old European Cut
“Old European” or “old Euro” cut is a later developed technique from the 1800s. Popular in the Edwardian and Art Deco eras, it is considered a predecessor of today’s modern brilliant cut. These stones are usually round in shape with medium-to-small facets. Old Euro cut diamonds have an excellent refraction of light and color, yet appear less brilliant than modern cuts.
Shop Sonora, Arden, Mira, Lennon, and other old Euro cut favorites in the June Engagement Collection
June Caye ring
5. Portuguese Cut
“Portuguese cut” gained prominence in the 1700s amongst European nobility. This method is known for its complex faceting pattern, which includes a substantial amount of tiny facets. Portuguese cut diamonds are often referred to as “glitter bombs” or “kaleidoscopes” due to their extreme reflection of light and color.
Shop Caye, Glenn, Sutton, Vienna, and other Portuguese cut favorites in the June Engagement Collection
June Mesa ring
6. Scissor Cut
“Scissor cut” is an experimental technique dating back to the early 1600s. Similar to other step cuts (i.e. emerald), this method produces rectangular stones with a “hall of mirrors” effect. Known for their criss-cross sparkle, scissor cut diamonds are extremely reflective. They are a beautiful mix of both a brilliant and a step cut’s most beloved qualities.
Shop Mesa to get the look or create a custom scissor cut ring in the June Studio
With a dedication to fine jewelry crafted from quality materials, June creates modern heirlooms made to last. Shop our collection or create a custom ring with our design team.
