At Old Northeast Jewelers, we’ve always had a soft spot for antique and old-cut diamonds — stones cut by hand, not by laser, back when brilliance was measured by candlelight. Each has a soul, a history, and a sparkle that feels alive, especially in platinum.
Recently, a small-town jeweler from Georgia reminded us exactly why we love them. He owned a truly remarkable old European-cut pear-shaped diamond — 8.35 carats, D color, S1 clarity — a survivor from another era. Hoping to find it the right home, he traveled to Atlanta and showed it to three major diamond buyers. Two admired it but admitted it was “a bit out of their league.” The third made a cautious offer, but he hesitated.
He’d heard about “the Hesses” down in St. Petersburg — about our passion for old cuts and our reputation for paying fair prices for rare beauty. After a quick call and my assurance that we’d meet his $200,000 asking price, he took a leap of faith and drove south.
We’re thrilled he did. The diamond is stunning — an old cut of the highest color and impressive clarity. It’s now proudly part of our collection and available for viewing by appointment only. The ring’s price is $250,000.
Whether this long lean beauty remains a giant ring or is turned into a massive pendant is up to you! Either way, it’s a perfect reminder that great stones, like great stories, always find their way to those who truly appreciate them.
Fair market value: $200,000 to $250,000
Wholesale value: $350,000
Retail or insurance value: $500,000 to $700,000 depending on the particular jeweler’s markup.
