Behind the Stones: The Beauty and Charm of Antique Diamonds

With the next drop of our Antique Edit landing in April, we're shining a spotlight on the stars of the show: antique diamonds. The latest trio of engagement rings to join the edit celebrates the charm, character and craftsmanship of antique diamonds, brought to life through setting styles inspired by the Georgian, Victorian and Art Deco eras. The rings—a sapphire and antique diamond target ring, a trilogy ring and a cluster ring—are a love letter to old-world romance, finished with authentic antique detailing.

But beyond their beauty, what makes antique diamonds so special?

Diamonds with History

Our clients are increasingly looking for something with personality—a stone that feels like it has a story to tell. Antique diamonds offer just that.

Antique diamonds are, quite literally, one in a million. Formed deep within the Earth over billions of years, their very existence is a rare and precious thing. Each one was hand-cut in a time before lasers, computers or mass production. Designed to sparkle by candlelight rather than LED lighting, when you wear one, you’re not just wearing a diamond—you’re wearing a fragment of history.

Unlike their modern counterparts, antique diamonds aren’t striving for perfect symmetry or ultimate brilliance. They carry the marks of the hands that cut them—less-precise facets, deep culets, thicker girdles—which are all part of what gives them their irresistible charm. In an age of cookie-cutter modern diamonds, these stones are gloriously unique, with no two the same. 

Cuts with Character

In this drop, we’ve focused on Old Mine Cut and Old European Cut diamonds—two of the most beloved antique styles. Popular during the Georgian and Victorian eras, Old Mine Cut diamonds are cushion-shaped, with a deeper, more romantic sparkle. Old European Cut diamonds, on the other hand, are round. The go-to during the late Victorian, Georgian and Art Deco periods, they were the precursor to today’s modern round brilliant cut, with a warm and gentle glow, accentuated by flashes of diamond fire.

It’s worth noting that antique diamonds have become so sought-after, some modern stones are now being recut to imitate them, making it harder to tell what is truly antique and what is simply inspired by the past. One clue? A genuine antique diamond will usually have an unpolished girdle—something you won’t find on a newly cut stone. At Sophie Breitmeyer, we are rigorous with our selection process and authenticate every diamond in our Antique Edit to ensure it’s the real thing.

Rising Stars of the Diamond World

Interest in antique stones has surged over the past few years—and with it, their value has too. Once a well-kept secret, antique diamonds are now more widely appreciated for their rarity and charm, often sitting on a par with modern stones in terms of prices and occasionally exceeding them. It’s no surprise, really: you’re buying something rare, irreplaceable and full of soul.

And while the world of diamonds has become clouded with confusion in recent years—whether lab-grown diamonds are more ethical and sustainable is up for debate—the answer for many of our clients has been refreshingly simple: opt for an antique. With their timeless beauty and proven provenance, antique diamonds offer not only peace of mind but a sense of history and individuality that modern stones can lack.

This April’s Antique Edit Drop

The latest additions to our Antique Edit include three very special rings:

• The SB Antique Diamond Target Ring. A favourite of the Art Deco era, the target ring was all about precision, contrast and eye-catching symmetry. Sophie’s take on the design features a 2.10 carat Old European cut diamond in a mixed-metal setting, framed by a circle of round brilliant diamonds. Subtle knot details on the 18k yellow gold band symbolise enduring love, while the delicate millegrain beading bordering the diamond cluster adds a final flourish of antique charm.

• The SB Antique Diamond Trilogy Ring. Set with three Old Mine Cut diamonds, this classic three-stone design is crafted in 18k yellow gold. Each diamond sits in a decorative open basket, gently curving around the stones to offer both security and a distinctly antique flourish. 

• The SB Antique Champagne Diamond Cluster Ring. Champagne diamonds were often used in early 20th-century jewellery, particularly in designs that favoured soft contrast. Centred around a glowing 2.03ct Champagne Old Mine Cut diamond, encircled by crisp white diamonds and set in 18k yellow gold, this romantic take on a classic cluster ring conceals a decorative basket beneath.

We’ve also got a fourth ring with a coloured gem centre stone coming soon—a first for the Antique Edit.

The Edit Continues

Due to the popularity of antique diamonds at Sophie Breitmeyer, we’re making it a priority to always have a selection of Ready-to-Wear engagement rings available as part of the Antique Edit. With prices ranging from £4,000 to £15,000, we’re so excited to see more of you saying yes to something with a little sparkle and a lovely backstory. 

In the meantime, we invite you to explore the latest additions to the SB Antique Edit or get in touch to discuss creating your own bespoke design with an antique centre stone.