Antiques

Mithun Rao asked:


a large difference between the overall affect that an antique cut diamond has as compared to the brilliance of modern cut diamonds. While antique cut diamonds exude a certain subtle panache, the modern cuts provide a brilliance that is unparalleled in its own intense way.

Many jewelry designers have been attracted by the subtlety of the antique cut and have adopted it in their jewelry designs to enhance the overall look of the setting. Another aspect that makes the antique cut so appealing and mesmerizing is the fact that each antique cut diamond looks different and reflects the shape of the rough diamond. The subtlety of the piece also ensures that the attention of the onlooker is directed towards the overall design and setting and not only on the glittering diamonds.

The antique diamond cuts that are being patronized these days are

Briolette - The round teardrop shape finds use in earrings and necklaces and other designs of jewelry where a dangling piece can enhance the look. A simple diamond drop can add to the look of earring piece and multiple such pieces are fit to adorn the neck of a princess. The briolette has triangular facets and no girdle. The size that they are most popular in is between 0.50 carats to 1.00 carats.

Rose - The rose antique cut has a flat base and a triangular facet that makes a peak. The flat base can have a round, triangular or pear shape and therefore lends itself to being used in various kinds of settings and designs. This antique cut was the most popular prior to the discovery and development of the round one. Most rose cuts are available in the range of 3mm to 6mm.

Bead - This completely faceted diamond is like a bead, as the name suggest. It can be drilled longitudinally through the center to be used in a string. A string of diamond beads like a pearl string can make many heads turn. These diamond beads are also a favorite among the designers when they want to space pearl necklaces and other jewels. The average range of diamond beads found in the market range from 2mm to 4mm.

Rondelle - Rondelle is a diamond disk and has faceted edges. Due to the nature of the cut, it is generally cut from rough diamonds that are extremely flat to begin with. These are mostly used as spacers between colored stones, jewels, gold beads or pearls. The range that the rondelle is found in is larger and these flattened disks come in the range of 2mm to 6mm.

Among these antique cuts, the round brilliant is considered the most superior. The nature of the cut allows for a higher and more efficient light return. Though modern designers consider brilliance and light return efficiency as important, they lay a far higher emphasis on design layout, setting and the sculptural artwork. The emphasis on these elements makes the antique cut diamond a more attractive option.

Given the high demand for antique cut diamonds, these started to be produced in bulk. The orchestrated unevenness in shape and design is not appreciated by many designers since it is against the ethos of antique cuts. But the benefits of using these antique cut diamonds far outweigh the negatives associated with mass production. The fact that the antique cuts are subtle, bring out the best in the setting and design and draw attention to the shape of the face up are reasons enough for the jewelry designers to choose antique cut diamonds over regular ones. And with the ever increasing demand for designer jewelry, antique cut diamonds are set to take the industry with their grace, elegance and panache.



CARL

Mei Galang asked:


Antique furnitures can easily give a character on a simple room or even to the space where it is placed. For those who are interested on shopping for the right antique to spice up their homes, below are the top 10 mistakes in antique shopping that could be avoided.

1. Going out of town for antique shopping and being clueless about the “in” places. You will need to do a research the best antique shopping places on the town that you would like to go. Certainly it will save time, money and you can exert all that effort on deciding what to buy rather than looking for antique stores to shop. Having connections won’t hurt, you can ask those who have experience on buying antiques where they had great deals and where you shouldn’t bother to go.

2. Preferring antique malls over single-owner shops. Well, this not a major mistake but shopping on a hard to find single owner shops can give a lot of perks like more personal service, price negotiation, wide selection of antiques and even the proprietor’s story that goes with each furniture.

3. Again, preferring antique malls over single-owner shops. Another hassle on shopping at a mall is when the owner is not present, you will need to negotiate with an attendant who can only give you limited discount.

4. Forgetting to bring handy items like flashlight and measuring tape. You will need to fully examine if your purchase is worth your money.

5. Paying by credit card. Dealers would often prefer and offer best price for those who can pay cash or through check.

6. Asking for a lower price by belittling the piece’s quality. Sellers would surely appreciate a polite price negotiation, emphasis on the adjective politely, rather than pointing out the piece’s limitations and bargaining for a lower price.

7. Splurge on shopping without doing a research. These days, the Internet is likely accessible to anyone and it can surely provide valuable antique informations about hot items, price range, history and more.

8. Being giddy about a flawless antique piece that you bought. Basically antiques should have small blemishes because of the time and history that it has endured. If the item looks flawless its probably a reproduction.

9. Being giddy about a flawless antique piece that you bought on a high price. Rare antiques generally comes at higher prices but be careful because you might end up buying a replica. In the case on shopping for antiques, its not bad to buy an expensive item with slight defect because the preservation of this item along with its minor defects makes it precious.

10. Not asking for the antiques proper care and maintenance procedures. Investing on antiques does not stop on buying one. You should gather information on how to take care of it and at the same time increase it’s value. Each item have its own requirement in terms of temperature, storage, cleaning, etc.



BLAIR