In this last post before Christmas we are visiting DB Gems at Grays Antique Centre, where I was mesmerised by this late 19th century diamond tiara:
Late 18th Century tiara with rose cut diamonds at DBGems, Grays Antique Market
The centre stone is a Rose Cut Diamond, and this sounds so alluring that I just had to find out more:
The Rose Cut dates all the way back to the early 1500s (1) and was a very popular choice of diamond cut during the Georgian and Victorian eras (2). However, as cutting technology developed the Brilliant Cut became the popular choice in diamonds, as it provided more sparkle in candle light and so the rose cut fell out of fashion for a while. It did however regain popularity soon again and has remained a treasured choice in engagement rings until this very day.
A rose cut diamond as the centre stone
You might notice in the photo above that the centre diamond is raised above the others? A rose cut stone is cut to resemble the spiralling petals of a rose, so it features a flat bottom and a dome-shaped crown. It can have anything from 3 to 24 facets, which are the flat areas on the stone that allows it to reflect light and dazzle us!
Vintage cufflinks at DBGems, Grays Antique Market
I was also delighted to see the amazing collection of cufflinks at DB Gems, that will make the perfect Christmas presents for the gentleman in your life who has everything!
Antique diamond rings at DBGems, Grays Antique Market (please forgive the reflection in the photo!)
I also spent a looong time admiring their necklaces and diamond rings. We can also glimpse some sapphires and rubies in the photo above, just in case anyone is after a wedding present for their loved one for example..?
Grays Antique Centre, 7 Davies Mews, London, W1K 5AB
A huge thank you to Grays for having us over! Hopefully you will get a chance to pop by there during Christmas as it really is a wonderland of beautiful jewellery and works of art.
Sources:
(1) Tracy Matthews
(2) Brilliant Earth
Decades of Elegance 