The way old-European cuts are graded came under the microscope at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show.
A panel of experts looked at how labs around the world are grading these cuts, which were created long before today’s standards.
“The current [Gemological Institute of America] cut grading standards have created great confusion in the consumer marketplace,” explained Michael Goldstein of Michael Goldstein Ltd., one of the panelists.
The panel also included Doug Liebman of Douglas M. Liebman Estate Jeweler, Ben Hakman with OGI Tech Inc., Al Gilbertson with GIA, and Richard Buonomo from Richard Buonomo. Ezriel Rapaport of the Rapaport Group moderated the discussion.
“The legacy of the cutters who toiled to produce these historical diamonds is not only our responsibility, but the need to preserve value and honour their labours should lead us to decisively correct reports, which Robert Shipley and the pioneers of gemmology would have expected of us,” Liebman said.
The session’s success is already putting the wheels in motion to organize next year’s event.
“As the only show producer focusing on the unique needs of the antique, estate, and vintage jewellery and watch industry, U.S. Antique Shows was proud to host this forum,” said Dan Darby, group show director.Â
“We hope [it] is the catalyst that helps key players in the antique diamond industry reach a consensus as to how these diamonds should be rated.”
Next up for U.S. Antique Shows is the New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show, held July 26 to 29 at the Metropolitan Pavilion.
