What is a table cut diamond?

The table cut diamond was invented in the 1400s, and was a successor of the point cut diamond. Table cut diamonds are often recognised by their flat surface. Each of the four sides has a simple facet, and was incredibly popular for centuries after its invention. Diamond table cut jewellery is most likely to be spotted in Medieval and Georgian jewellery collections. This invention would shape the way that jewellery production evolved throughout the years.

When were table cut diamonds popular?

Diamond table cut jewellery was incredibly popular during the Tudor era. The Aristocracy and nobility were the only people who could afford beautiful, precious jewellery featuring table cut diamonds. Tudor jewellery often features table cut diamonds, sapphires, rubies and other semi-precious gemstones. Table cut diamonds would continue to be popular until the Georgian period.

How old are table cut diamonds?

We can trace the origin of diamond table cut jewellery to the 1400s. The table cut diamond was a natural successor of point cut diamonds, which have been traced back as early as the 1300s. Antique jewellery collectors have found table cut diamond jewellery pieces from a myriad of eras, including the Tudor and Georgian periods. If you want to assess a table cut diamond, make sure you consult an antique expert. Here at Berganza, we are committed to conducting accurate assessments on each piece that passes through our doors.

How to tell if a table cut diamond is authentic?

Table cut diamonds were produced many centuries ago, however, finding the exact provenance of antique jewellery can be challenging. Usually, experts on antique jewellery can examine the jewellery piece and be able to reveal its authenticity and provenance. Here at Berganza, our expertise on vintage jewellery means we are ideal for this. If you have a beautiful diamond table cut jewellery piece that you’d like to be evaluated, contact us at purchases@berganza.com.

How to clean vintage table cut diamond jewellery

Taking care of rare vintage jewellery such as a table cut diamond jewellery ring is incredibly important. Cleaning your ring correctly is a great way to enhance the value of your jewellery. Table cut diamond jewellery is often incredibly valuable due to its rarity and age. It is recommended that you have your antique jewellery professionally cleaned to ensure it doesn’t get damaged. Here at Berganza, we offer complimentary annual cleaning for life with every purchase, so your special point cut diamond ring can be taken care of properly.

Antique Table Cut Diamond Rings

The table cut diamond was one of the most innovative creations in antique jewellery history. Before table cut diamonds were invented, jewels were formed into a ‘point cut’ shape. The point cut dates back to the 1300s, and its design imitated the point of a natural diamond.

In the 1400s, stonecutters invented the table cut diamond. The table cut diamond can be recognised by its flat surface, called a ‘table.’ This new diamond cut was incredibly popular at the time. Diamond table cut rings and jewellery continued to be popular until the 1800s.

This major new faceting technique would shape the way that jewellery production evolved throughout the years. For example, many of the popular diamond cuts still worn today derive from the innovation of the table cut diamond. Step cuts, french cuts and emerald cuts were a natural progression from the table cut diamond. Without the invention of diamond table cut jewellery, diamond faceting wouldn’t have evolved to the artistry we see it as today.

The jewellery artisans of the past didn’t simply make diamond table cuts either. They soon found that the new table cut would bring out the natural beauty of many stones, such as ruby, garnet and red spinel. However, diamond table cut jewellery was the most popular throughout time.

Table cut diamond jewellery was incredibly popular during the Tudor era. The Tudor era refers to the years between 1485-1603, when the Tudor dynasty ruled England. Only available to the nobility and upper classes, the rich and powerful wore a lot of table cut diamond jewellery. Table cut diamond rings were very popular because of their shine and brilliance. Often set in gold, Elizabethan jewellery often included table cut diamonds, sapphires, rubies and other gemstones.

Diamond table cut jewellery also continued to be popular throughout the Georgian era. Due to the innovation of the table cut, diamond cutting evolved significantly during the Georgian era, but table cut diamonds continued to be popular. Many pieces in our Georgian rings collection feature stunning antique table cut diamonds.

The invention of the table cut diamond was incredibly revolutionary - it would shape the way that jewellery artisans would create the future stone cuts that we wear today. If any of our antique table cut diamond jewellery pieces catches your eye, please be in touch with us here online, or visit our showroom at the centre of Hatton Garden.