A tool designed to estimate the market price of diamonds cut in the early 20th century and earlier, characterized by a smaller table, a higher crown, and a larger culet compared to modern cuts, considers factors such as carat weight, clarity, color, and cut quality to provide an appraisal. For instance, an appraisal might consider a 1.5-carat, J color, VS2 clarity stone with a good cut.
Such appraisals are crucial for insurance, sales, and estate planning. Understanding the historical evolution of diamond cutting techniques provides context for these valuations. The distinctive features of these antique cuts often contribute to their unique optical properties, influencing their desirability among collectors and connoisseurs.
