How do I wear an old cut diamond pin?

These pieces fasten securely to lapels, heavy coat fabrics, scarves, and structured hats using traditional pin stems and safety catches. For delicate silk or cotton fabrics, support the material from behind with a small backing piece to prevent the weight of larger diamond brooches from pulling the weave.

How can I tell Victorian pins from Art Deco ones?

Victorian examples rely on yellow gold, silver-topped settings, and romantic motifs like flowers, stars, and bows. Cannetille and detailed engraving often adorn the metal surfaces. Art Deco pieces utilise platinum and white gold with geometric lines, symmetry, and stylised shapes. The metalwork on these later pieces is frequently pierced and lighter in appearance.

What is an old European cut diamond?

An old European cut is a hand-polished diamond shape characterised by a circular girdle, high crown, small table, and open culet. These stones were cut before modern proportions were standardised in the twentieth century. They produce a distinctive chunky, patterned sparkle under low or candlelight rather than the sharp brilliance of modern stones.

Were these always worn as brooches?

Many items served dual purposes as both pendants and brooches, featuring hidden loops or detachable bails on the reverse. Smaller versions functioned as stickpins or tie pins for securing cravats and lapels. Conversion pieces and multi-functional designs were common in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to maximise the utility of valuable diamond jewellery.