Posts Tagged Diamonds
Introducing the Betteridge Diamond Collection
by Win Betteridge on April 10th, 2012
Last week, we launched a new section on our website devoted to the Betteridge Diamond Collection.
We have photographed each and every diamond, pairing it accurately with its GIA certificate on the site. Better yet, the diamonds are available for viewing in our stores.
Many of these diamonds offer truly exceptional value. Over the years, we have done our best to buy diamonds opportunistically, helping to ensure favorable pricing for our customers.
There is no better way to showcase a spectacular diamond than in an elegant, handcrafted setting. You can see a few of our favorite designs in our engagement ring guide.
We hope that you enjoy the newest addition to Betteridge.com, and please let us know if you have any suggestions to improve it.
The Evolution of Diamond Cutting & the “Antique Cushion”
by Simon Teakle on October 1st, 2011
Betteridge Collection Graff 10.04ct 'Antique Cushion' Diamond Engagement Ring
Diamond cutting is a combination of art and science that has evolved over many centuries. A cutter’s understanding of diamond’s precise physical properties combined with a finesse to bring out exceptional beauty is extremely rare. Although the understanding of how to maximize the weight from a crystal and achieve maximum brilliance is now almost faultless, to realize a gem’s potential for beauty remains a true art form.
The first brilliants, known as Mazarin’s, were introduced in the middle of the 17th century. These crudely fashioned stones were a more sophisticated creation than the Indian rose-cuts, and these in turn gave way to the cushion-cut, which was the most popular style of cutting by the middle of the 18th century. Many historic gems were refashioned at this time including the Agra and Hope diamonds.
Although modern brilliants and princess-cut diamonds have established themselves as a benchmark of technical perfection, the “Antique Cushion” has endured aesthetically as one of the most beautiful ways to cut a stone. This 10.04 carat diamond is a lovely example, the GIA grade is G-color and VS2-clarity, which makes it an extraordinarily beautiful gem, but not so perfect as to demand an exorbitant price for the size.
Mounted simply by Graff to enhance the stones elegant shape, this ring presents a wonderful opportunity to own an important stone that represents value in every way.
What Makes a Really Fine Colored Diamond?
by Terry Betteridge on July 22nd, 2011
Fancy Colored Diamond Bracelet
Depth of color is crucial and phenomenally rare in the truly “vivid” colored diamonds where the yellow is the color of safron or the pink is the color of a perfect beach rose.
This simple floral bracelet (amazingly built in platinum, which usually bleaches color, as opposed to enhancing it like gold) is composed of perfectly matched deep steel blues, glowing pinks and solid yellows. The bracelet demonstrates just what the best of colored diamonds can be.
Seen at left: Fancy colored diamond cluster bracelet, composed of 22 diamond flower clusters, set with yellow, pink, purplish-blue and white diamonds, the 154 diamonds weighing approximately 9.00 total carats and the clusters ranging from 7-9mm in diameter, mounted in platinum, designed by George Kogis.
Gem Lore & Legend
by Simon Teakle on November 5th, 2010
Betteridge Collection Diamond Riviere Necklace with Pear-Shaped Diamond Drop
The lore of gemstones is as romantic and exciting as any subject. Dynasties have been destroyed, fortunes made, and legends created over the pursuit of stones.
And while literature or Hollywood may have exaggerated- many of the tales of daring do- it is important to know that the reality is also very objective and pragmatic.
The imagery surrounding gems involves the pursuit, and stories around any character, but once presented with a gemstone or gemstone jewelry one has to be objective with one’s analysis.
Diamonds and colored stones have so many subtleties, highs and lows, that to encapsulate them in a single paragraph is impossible.
As a snapshot of gem jewelry, this antique diamond necklace is a wonderful example of 19th century diamond elegance. The pear-shaped diamond drop of 4.57 carats is of exceptionally high quality, E color VS1, and is cut to portray a drop of frozen air suspended below a single line of wonderful old mine cut diamonds.
Exuding personality it has the imagery of old money inherited jewels, but is in fact as wearable now as the day it was made.
Platinum, Diamond and Onyx Bracelet by Betteridge
by Steven Grotell on September 7th, 2010
Diamond & Onyx Link Bracelet, $29,500
Inspired by the iconic sporting bracelets of the deco era, this Betteridge Collection design is composed of seven mathematically derived tonneau shaped links, curving elegantly along their length and connected by six hand carved onyx links closing to form a perfect circle around the wrist.
Hand set with 5.62 carats of brilliant cut diamonds and supported by an armature of hand thrummed platinum plates and bridges, the easy, natural interactions between each element provide the basis for a timeless design of lasting value.
Every detail in this classic piece has a purpose and a function.
Cushion-Cut Diamonds: Romancing the Stone
by Randy Lapointe on July 2nd, 2010
3.01 Carat Cushion-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, D-Color & VS2 Clarity, $59,500
Having been involved with diamonds for all of my life (no kidding as a child of a jeweler it starts early)… I have become decidedly opinionated.
Of late, there has been an explosion of interest in cushion-cut diamonds. As we are specialists in estate and period jewelry, we see many cushions.
Stones cut in the style of the original cushion shape are beautiful creations that have characteristics that produce a unique blend of scintillation and fire. Just recall grandmother’s diamond ring at a candlelit dinner table! (If you would like to know the technical reason why this happens… ask me some time).
What is marketed today as a cushion-cut is really a radiant with rounded corners – a modern attempt that just falls short. If you want the best, take the time to appreciate the beauty and romance of a ‘true’ cushion.
Cartier 20.43ct, D-Color: The ‘Blitz Diamond’
by Simon Teakle on June 1st, 2010
GIA-certified: 20.43 carats, D color and VS1 clarity
In the summer of 1940, the German Luftwaffe attempted to win air superiority over southern Britain and the English Channel by destroying the Royal Air Force and the British aircraft industry. This attempt came to be known as the Battle of Britain, and the Germans saw victory over the RAF as absolutely essential if they were eventually to mount an invasion of the British Isles.
At the beginning of 1940, a South American copper and tin ore magnate arrived in London to secure a valuable contract to provide essential metals to the war effort. On this visit, he met an English girl, fell in love and an ensuing affair resulted in a swift engagement. There was now an urgent need for the best diamond in London, and on the 29th of February in Cartier on Bond Street, this 20.43ct diamond was given as the engagement ring.
Alongside this very romantic story, the ‘Blitz Diamond’ is everything an important stone should be. The pure colorless stone of extremely fine clarity (D, VS1) has been superbly cut, and for a large stone, it retains a grace and elegance that is perfectly mirrored with Cartier’s aura in the first half of the twentieth century.
8.13ct Marquise-Shaped Diamond Ring
by Randy Lapointe on December 1st, 2009
8.13ct Marquise-Shaped Diamond Ring, D-color and SI1-clarity, $225,000
I am not a fan of modern, long and narrow marquise-cut diamonds. I am, however, in love with this old, chunky marquise-cut that we just acquired!
It’s a nearly perfectly colorless diamond with a charming, antique cut that makes it quite literally a glittering ball of fire.
One-of-a-Kind 13.35ct, D-Color Golconda Diamond
by Randy Lapointe on November 1st, 2009
13.36ct Golconda Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring, D-color and VVS1-clarity, $1,100,000.
Every so often we uncover something truly extraordinary like this- a perfect storm of quality, rarity and value, all in one spectacular diamond.
I have been a diamond buyer for much of my professional life, and I have seen- maybe- one or two diamonds that have such a unique pedigree. Wow!
Diamond Studs: True Beauty Requires Artistry & Precision
by Randy Lapointe on October 11th, 2009
What goes into creating a pair of classic diamond stud earrings that we can be proud to put our name on? More than you might think. We are particularly fussy, here at Betteridge – we should be, as we have a reputation to uphold and skilled craftsmen in-house who can do the job to exacting specifications.
To make a “pair of stones”, lots of things need to match:
- Diameter is the easiest to see and must be identical on both stones.
- Color is the next most obvious matching point. Often a difference of one color grade, although seemingly insignificant, can result in a perception of a very disconcerting and unattractive mis-match.
- Clarity is not as critical, as it is by definition microscopic, but I always like the pair to be within one grade of each other.
- Often overlooked, is the matching of the cut. Table size in particular, is very evident when sitting side by side on the ear. The depth and dimensions of the diamond will also have an effect on the perceived brilliance of the stones and should be as close as possible.
- Finally, diamond studs should be set in platinum to fit our exacting specifications. Platinum is not only stronger and more enduring, but its color is the ideal ‘match’ for diamonds.
Net: ‘Simple diamond studs’ are anything but that, if they’re made here at Betteridge!