Back in 1947, Frances Gerety penned the legendary slogan for De Beers: “A diamond is forever.” That phrase didn’t just sell rings — it defined a generation’s idea of love, commitment, and timeless sparkle 💖.
But fast forward to today, and there's a new word on everyone’s lips: “lab.” Lab-grown diamonds (aka “L” diamonds) are shaking up the market. Prices are falling. Dealers are ditching inventory. Some won’t even hold stock unless they have a buyer already lined up. The anxiety? Very real.
💡 Still, there’s one place where natural diamonds continue to shine: auctions.
Collectors are going wild for pieces with history, romance, and mystery — especially if they’re vintage or antique.
🔍 What makes old diamonds irresistible?
- Old mine-cut diamonds (1740s–1860s) have a unique cushion shape, high crown, and large culet. They’re what characters wore in Victorian novels (usually before a carriage accident 😅).
- Old European-cut diamonds (late 19th century) brought round shapes and more symmetry, giving them a brilliant sparkle that still holds up.
- Both were once called “brilliants” — but their light behavior, shapes, and vibes are totally distinct from modern diamonds.
✨ It’s not about perfection. It’s about personality.
Buyers today love that these stones:
- Are one-of-a-kind
- Come with invisible family legacies
- Look and shine differently than anything in a mall display case
And sure, lab-grown diamonds are cool tech. But they can’t replicate a century of stories, family lore, or the emotional punch of a ring that’s been passed down through generations.
👵💬 “I don’t even know which side of the family this tiny diamond ring came from,” says one owner, “but it holds three diamonds — one old mine-cut, one old European-cut, one transition-cut. Three generations in one ring. That’s everything.”
🧱 And what about ugly old jewelry?
Jewellers now offer redesign services to recycle heirloom diamonds into pieces you’ll actually wear. Say goodbye to clunky brooches and hello to your new favorite ring or pendant.
🧠 Duncan Parker, VP of Dupuis Fine Jewellery Auctioneers, says it best:
“Lab diamonds are on everyone’s mind. But the ‘L’ hasn’t replaced the history, mystery, and romance buried in natural old diamonds.”
🔮 Bottom line? While the future may be lab-grown, real romance lives in the past. And diamonds with stories? They’re priceless.