As the fashion for big diamond rings continues, so does our ingenuity in producing them. Such as the Eco or Lab grown diamonds.
There are certain theories associated with diamonds, like, it is a crystal of Light; it is a symbol of perfection and illumination, it enhances inner vision and stimulates creativity, imagination, and ingenuity, opening the mind to the “new” and “possible.” Yeah yeah! In addition to its spiritual power, Diamond has an unconquerable hardness and has been known since antiquity as a “Stone of Invincibility,” bringing victory, superior strength, fortitude and courage to its wearer. It is a symbol of wealth and manifesting abundance in one’s life, an amplifier of energies and goals.
Gosh, well, if diamonds can do all that it’s no wonder we have developed a way of making manmade diamonds that are grown in a laboratory and test positive as a real diamond. Lab created diamonds share every desirable property of mined diamonds, creating a guilt-free alternative to mined diamonds. Conflict free, they are not connected with supporting war, abusive child labour, or damage to the Earth. Time will tell whether these will continue to make the high prices of natural diamonds at auction.
Known as lab. created diamonds or manmade diamonds, they are 100% pure carbon and are identical to that of mined diamonds in every way. However, as they are not dug out of the earth but instead are created by a scientist in a lab. they are conflict free and laboratory grown, graded and certified. Manmade diamonds are physically, optically, and chemically the same as a naturally mined diamond.
Lab. grown diamonds have all the same fire and brilliance of mined diamonds and range in carat from around .35 carats to 3.5 carats, they are internally flawless and in clarity, and graded D in color. The jury is still out on whether it is better to have a natural diamond even if it does have the odd imperfection. It is the natural inclusions in mined diamonds that is part of their appeal and intrigue. It is not clear which has the biggest carbon footprint.
Big rings are the supreme “on trend” jewellery, this very large solitaire diamond ring made £60,000 and reminds me of the story I was told during a recent valuation about the diamond that ended up in a bag of sprouts- It is really a story about the honest and principled people of Chesterfield. On a very cold winters day a lady bought a bag of sprouts from a market stall in Chesterfield, it wasn’t until she got home that she realised she had got more than just sprouts. She discovered there was a solitaire diamond ring in the bag, realising that it must belong to the lady who served her and with it been such a cold day it must have slipped off her finger without her realising. The following week she finds the stall holder on Chesterfield market and returns it to her. Much to the relief and delight of the owner. What a decent bunch we are in Chesterfield, or should I say a genuine lot!
An Art Deco single stone diamond ring, with baguette cut diamond shoulders. Dating from the 1930’s it weighted 10.87carats and is mounted on a platinum shank. From Mappin & Webb, Regent St., London. One of the reasons this ring made so much is because it was accompanied by a laboratory report and grading from 2015. It made £60,000 in a recent auction.
A lot of the commercial desirability of jewellery comes from the setting, as tastes change. A technique known as pavé setting was very popular in the early 20th Century and holds a certain fascination as the gems appear to be held in place by fresh air. Pavésetting is gems which are set closely together, the gems are separated and held in place by little beads. This technique has been used since the 1700s but came into prominence in the 1900s. In modern day Hollywood, celebrities such as Reese Whitherspoon, and Natalie Portman all have engagement rings with a pavé setting.
This late Victorian sapphire and diamond sunburst brooch which can be converted to a pendant, dates from the 1890 era, and is of a type that the Queen might wear. With a central sapphire with a border of diamond set radiating sunrays, sold for £3,800 in the recent specialist auction.
A Victorian valentine present - this pearl and diamond entwined hearts pendant, dates from the 1870’s. It has two pear-shaped split pearls, surrounded by rose cut diamonds forming a central heart. It made £3,400 in the recent specialist auction.
As well as the fashion for big diamond rings, other gems that are also popular are aqua marines, tourmaline, topaz and amber, in particular, pieces of amber with inclusions of insects will make a premium. Fashion is dictating that these are some of a girls “must have” jewellery pieces at the moment and it is good to see them making their true value in specialist auctions.
This pretty Art Deco single stone pink tourmaline ring made a premium in the recent specialist auction, tourmaline is considered to be a semi-precious gem, it is estimated at approximately 4.00carats and made £2,250 in the specialist jewellery auction.
Do you have antiques and collectables that might be valuable? If so, it is worth getting the advice of an Independent Antiques Valuer to assess your items.
For further information please contact Vivienne Milburn on Bakewell 01629 640210 or Mobile 07870 238788 www.viviennemilburn.co.ukemail- vivienne@viviennemilburn.co.uk