Antique & Vintage Transitional Cut Diamond Rings

The invention of the transitional cut diamond was revolutionary. When we look at the transitional cut diamond, we can bridge the gap between the old European cuts and the modern stone cuts on the market today. Transitional cut diamonds were the first round diamond of its kind invented in the early 1900s. They standardised modern round brilliant cuts that are incredibly popular today.

Transitional cut diamonds refer to the round, well proportioned diamonds that were cut in between the 1920s and the 1940s, prior to the invention of famous diamond cutter Tolkowsky’s Ideal Cut. The Transitional Diamond Cut has a lower crown angle, a larger table, and smaller culet than the Old European Cut. The transitional cut diamond was known for its’ well proportioned and well balanced appearance.

The transitional cut diamond was produced under the management of Henry D Morse, who has been called America’s first diamond cutter. This is why you might see transitional cut diamonds referred to as ‘Early American Cut.’ The steam powered engines which made the transitional cut diamond allowed the diamond cutters to produce truly unique diamonds. The workers who produced transitional cut diamonds were also working under electrical lighting. Stone cutters of the past worked under candlelight. By the 1920s, stonecutters had a better understanding of diamond’s light performance. They were able to produce sparklier, shinier diamond cuts. Transitional cut diamonds have come to symbolise a time of industrialisation and innovation.

When producing transitional cut diamonds, standardisation was the goal. The new technology which had been invented in the 1920s allowed stonecutters to produce more symmetrical and consistent diamonds. The transitional cut diamond demonstrates how stonecutters utilised modern technology to hone their craft even further.

Transitional cut diamonds were produced for a few decades after their invention in the 1920s. The 1920s was a time of transformation and modernity, and the aesthetic of the time reflects these ideals. Referred to as Art Deco, the geometrical designs and machine gemstone cuts were incredibly popular with 1920s society. Art Deco engagement rings are popular even today, as their beauty still translates almost 100 years later.

Transitional cut diamonds are most commonly seen in jewellery from the 1930s and 40s. They were sought after for many years after their invention, and they are still very popular today. No longer produced, they are known for their rarity and beauty.

Transitional cut diamonds were a very important chapter in antique jewellery history, and they are still breathtaking even today. If any of our jewellery featuring transitional cut diamonds catches your eye, please be in touch with us here online, or visit us at our Hatton Garden showroom.

FAQs

How do you know if a diamond is transitional cut?

Transitional cut diamonds bridged the gap between the old European cuts and the modern stone cuts. They were the first round diamond of its kind, invented in the early 1900s. Transitional cut diamonds can be recognised as round, well proportioned diamonds that were cut in between the 1920s and the 1940s. They can be identified due to the fact that they have a lower crown angle, a larger table, and smaller culet than Old European Cut diamonds. Transitional cut diamonds demonstrate how stone cutting has evolved through the years, and they are incredibly popular.

How many facets does a transitional cut diamond have?

Transitional cut diamonds usually have between 57 or 58 crown facets, like the round brilliant cut. However, the transitional cut diamond has a lower crown angle and a smaller culet than the round brilliant cut. The creation of transitional cut diamonds demonstrate how diamond cutters have used technology in order to further hone their craft.

When were transitional cut diamonds popular?

Transitional cut diamonds were popular during the 1920s, and would remain popular throughout the 1940s. Transitional cut diamonds reflect the spirit of the time, as they were created due to the innovative technologies and techniques of the period. The 1920s has come to symbolise technological revolution and modernity, which transitional cut diamonds reflect. They can most often be found in jewellery from the 1930s and 40s, however, they are incredibly popular even today.

Are transitional cut diamonds rare?

Transitional cut diamonds were only produced between the 1920s and 1940s, prior to the invention of the famous diamond cutter Tolkowsky’s Ideal Cut. They were a predecessor to the Round Brilliant diamond cut. Transitional cut diamonds are extremely rare because they are no longer produced. However, transitional cut diamonds are still popular even today, due to their vintage charm and exemplary brilliance.

How to sell transitional cut diamonds

Antique jewellery pieces are a careful investment. Antique transitional cut diamond rings are incredibly valuable, so you should make sure to get a fair price. Consulting jewellery experts on your transitional cut diamond jewellery piece can ensure you’re getting the right advice. This is true whether you inherited or bought it. Here at Berganza, our expertise on vintage jewellery means we are ideal for this. If you have a beautiful transitional cut diamond ring that you’d like to sell to us, contact us at purchases@berganza.com.