Family jewelry that’s been passed down through generations is incredibly special. And for those whose family stories and histories are difficult to trace, these pieces of jewelry are often some of the only clues to tracing family lineage. These diamonds traveled from Europe, five generations ago, during what was most likely very stressful circumstances. These stones have been in engagement rings, brooches, earrings and, finally, as a solitaire necklace. I have known this grandmother since my teenage years, having babysat her children, one of whom is the father of the women who now have these necklaces for their own. So, in some small way, even I share in this history.
Nana came in to the shop wanting to do something for her two granddaughters. She had been wearing these diamonds as earrings, which, coincidentally, my father happened to set. She wanted the jewelry to be special and I think we can all agree that just as a gift from her it is special indeed! And so, we decided on a classic four-prong basket setting but with a little bit of design on the profile, as well as a classic solid tope link chain. I suggested inserting the pendant into the chain so that the diamond is always front and center. No sliding around for these beauties.
Surely, these final pieces will live to see many more generations to come.
The diamonds are European cut stones. They have a smaller table facet, the flat facet on the top of the stone. They also have what is known as an open culet, the name for the point of a stone. European cut diamonds do not necessarily have the 58 facets found with a modern brilliant cut diamond, but they sparkle just as much!
- Materials: European cut diamonds and 14k white gold
- Location: Bloomfield, CT
