Reclaimed, Vintage, and Antique Diamonds: An Ethical Engagement Ring Guide
Say yes to RARE, ANTIQUE DIAMONDS unlike all the others in ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Your engagement ring will be an enduring symbol of your eternal love and ensuring your diamond is conflict-free is more important than ever.
It is believed that 30% of the global diamond market is of Russian origin. A few sources exist from countries that have a fully transparent supply chain such as Botswana and Australia.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of greenwashing to unpack regarding the ethical dilemma of laboratory-grown diamonds - even conscious consumers have been misled.
There are breathtaking responsibly sourced options unlike every other diamond: post-consumer recycled diamonds.
What are POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED diamonds?
The term post-consumer recycled applies to gemstones harvested from jewelry previously owned or worn by the consuming public.
It has been said the future of fashion is circular, but as one of the world’s first art forms…
JEWELRY HAS ALWAYS BEEN A CIRCULAR ECONOMY!
The facets of any diamond are indicative of when it was cut. Today diamonds are cut with machines informed by math and science, whereas diamonds before the early 20th century were cut with eyes and hands. By simply looking at facets, many diamonds can be dated well before conflicts across seven African countries and now Russia.
The curated diamonds you see here from Perpetuum Jewels are primarily antique, but Jay does have a few that are contemporary in origin. Because they have already incurred a cost in their environmental footprint as a primary commodity from a non-renewable and extractive industry, they are certified as post-consumer recycled.
CLIMATE OPTIMISM with a sparkling circular economy
More and more we invest in ESGs and make lifestyle choices across all industries with the climate crisis in mind. Choosing post-consumer recycled gemstones is one way to mitigate our environmental footprint, live into being a Climate Optimist, and contribute to the progress of beating climate change.
“These materials have already incurred a cost in their environmental footprint as a primary commodity from a non-renewable and extractive industry. The older the jewelry and its gems, the better for its recycling and environmental value as it re-enters the trade.”
Perpetuum Jewels’ Certifications
Perpetuum Jewels is 3rd Party Certified by SCS Global Services, a trusting leader in environmental and sustainability certification and auditing. They work to promote sustainable decision making and policies to safeguard the environment, support workers and communities, and raise the standard of living for all.
As your fine jewelry concierge, I help you acquire ethical, conflict-free diamonds for an engagement ring or fine jewelry you will love.
FEWER BETTER THINGS THAT ENDURE WILL ALWAYS BE BETTER FOR PEOPLE AND THE PLANET
All The Brilliants is a proud member of the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network.
This wonderful community brings together industry leaders, media, governments, and UN organizations to champion the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With leadership from the UN Office for Partnerships and the Fashion Impact Fund, we’re committed to fostering transparent, inclusive collaboration and driving innovation.
Together we are creating a better world for everyone!
Meet a curation of post-consumer recycled antique and modern diamonds.
DIAMONDS DREAMS ARE MADE OF…
OVAL DIAMOND
(recycled modern)
STEP CUT DIAMOND
(antique)
OLD EUROPEAN DIAMOND
(antique)
PERUZZI DIAMOND
(antique)
ELONGATED OVAL DIAMOND
(recycled modern)
THE 4C’s and ANTIQUE DIAMONDS
The 4C’s for diamonds which stands for cut, color, clarity, and carat weight were introduced by GIA in 1958.
Regardless if they are newly mined or hundreds of years old, natural diamonds are similarly valued for the same quality factors relating to color, clarity, and carat size. When it comes to antique diamonds, a gem laboratory does not “grade” the cut, as they are not cut with modern, precision technologies.
GIA DIAMOND COLOR SCALE
While these scales serve consumers well as a guide in terms of value, the most important thing to remember is what is uniquely beautiful to you!
GIA DIAMOND CLARITY SCALE
FOUR THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ANTIQUE & VINTAGE CUT DIAMONDS
Antique and vintage cut diamonds are defined as cutting styles found in jewelry produced previous to the 1950s. I’ve had the immense delight of learning more about these alluring gemstones with Jay and discovering their dynamic diversity. For me, it’s not just the artful reflective beauty, but the individual histories that have me smitten. With Jay’s permission, here are the core reasons why he is so passionate about these cuts:
1. Light show
Old cuts have superior light performance in many real-world lighting conditions (dimly-lit restaurants, your living room, etc.) They were designed to perform well under candlelight, then gas and oil light, then early (dim) electric light.
2. Glowing face
They often face up with better color than modern cuts (i.e. a K often faces up beautifully, meaning the money saved vs. buying an I color can go towards buying a larger stone).
3. Not just rare… unique
Unlike modern diamonds, antique diamonds are truly rare and a dwindling resource. Botswana currently mines more diamonds in one month than the entire world produced in 1900. An old mine cut from the 1850s is infinitely more rare still, because it was mined in scarce deposits from Brazil, Borneo, or India.
4. Cut by eye, not by numbers
Each antique stone is unique, truly one of a kind, with its own distinct character. Diamond cutters always followed the material, not a predetermined criteria of “ideal” proportions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about RECYCLED DIAMONDS
Are antique diamonds more or less expensive than newly mined diamonds?
Neither, generally speaking!
Natural diamonds are similarly valued for the same quality factors relating to color, clarity, and carat size regardless if they are newly mined or hundreds of years old. Vintage diamonds do not receive a “grade” on cut.
However, a post-consumer diamond’s rarity, cultural or historical significance, or connection to a person of renown can increase its value.
How are reclaimed diamonds considered ethical and sustainable?
A better term is “responsibly sourced”, as this is a commitment to going beyond conflict-free. This means respecting the environment, protecting people with fair labor practices across the supply chain, and enabling sustainable local economies to thrive.
In the case of post-consumer gemstones, because these diamonds are obtained from origins such as private estates, store trade-ins, and auctions, they have already incurred a cost in their environmental footprint as a primary commodity from a non-renewable and extractive industry. All diamonds from Perpetuum Jewels are carefully researched, documented, handled, and distributed by harmless practices.
The older the jewelry and its gems, the better for its recycling and environmental value as it re-enters the trade.
Can post-consumer diamonds be traceable?
Yes, those from Perpetuum Jewels can.
Each post-consumer diamond and colored gemstone that is purchased is given a provenance with as much transparency and accurate detail as is available when acquired. The way a diamond is cut is indicative of when it was cut. Diamonds can be dated to a specific period - be it 400 years ago or 4 years ago. For example, older gemstones display larger facet surfaces to sparkle in candlelight versus modern cuts with smaller, thinner facets to be flashier in multiple environments. This historical origin is communicated along with any credentialed laboratory reports.
In the same way that certain newly mined diamonds have a chain of custody that will rely on data collection, Perpetuum Jewels establishes a point of provenance for their recycled gems that can be part of those systems.
What are the benefits of our fine jewelry concierge service?
A fluid, personalized experience, presenting you with thoughtfully designed jewelry for purchase you will love. The service can be:
• Editing your current jewelry wardrobe and anticipating needs for your next purchase.
• Advising you on kinds of jewelry that fit your lifestyle and values, as well as wear and care considerations.
• Sourcing jewelry for you or a gift for someone you love, be it day-to-night stud earrings or an engagement ring.