These 18k white gold earrings are set with two marvelous antique diamonds. The settings were clearly created in the 20th Century, and are quite high with open-worked sides, allowing as much light as possible to pass through each diamond, optimizing its brilliance.
The earrings are set with two old mine-cut diamonds, each one measuring 6.6 x 6 x 5.2 mm, weighing an estimated 1.31 carats, and the other 6.8 x 6.1 x 4.8 mm, weighing an estimated 1.26 carats. Both diamonds have a 'cape' colour, estimated at L-M. The largest diamond has one small black inclusion under the table and some smaller inclusions around the sides, with an estimated clarity of SI2. The smaller diamond has some small scattered inclusions (none black or white) and has an estimated clarity of SI1.
Both diamonds were clearly removed from a previous setting, likely an antique jewel, and have large chips on their girdle. The diamond setter has cleverly used rub-over settings on the four corners of each diamond, which hides these chips, making them mostly invisible when worn.
From the early 18th century to the late 19th century, the old-mine cut was one of the most common diamond cuts used in jewellery. You can recognize an old mine-cut diamond by its squarish shape and different proportions: it typically has a smaller table, a larger culet, and a higher crown. It also has short lower half facets and a girdle that is very thin in places and, as a result of these factors, an old mine-cut diamond has a very distinctive look and a very unique character.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: Each setting measures 7 x 6.5 x 6 mm.
Weight: combined 3.37 grams
Age: The diamonds were likely cut in the 19th Century. The settings are vintage and are made in the late 20th Century.
Material: Acid tested as 18k gold.
Condition: The earrings are in good vintage condition with only minor wear, consistent with their age.