9ct Gold, 1.7ct Natural Old European & Old Mine Cut Diamond Drop Hoope Earrings. Vintage. Includes WGI Report.

These earrings, a shimmering halo of 1.70 carats, tell a story that began deep within the earth billions of years ago, long before they were ever faceted by a master’s hand into the Old European and Old Mine cuts we see today.

​The Nitrogen Paradox: Rarity in the Light

​In the world of antique diamonds, there is a fascinating paradox regarding nitrogen. While nitrogen is often the "soul" of an antique diamond—giving many their warm, "tinted" character—finding a cluster of 22 diamonds from this era that are near-colourless is a rarity.

​The "Golden" Standard: Most diamonds from the "Old Cut" eras (Georgian through Edwardian) leaned into the warmer end of the spectrum (M-Z grades). These "tinted" or "Cape" diamonds were often preferred because they looked magnificent under the low-frequency light of candles and early gas lamps.

​The Near-Colourless Rarity: To find a collection of 22 hand-cut stones graded at H-I is rare. Whilst nitrogen was abundant in the soil, it usually aggregated in ways that created visible yellow or brown tints. Having diamonds that are chemically "clean" enough to sit in the near-colourless range—yet still possess the distinct, hand-cut charm of the Old Mine style—is a true "sweet spot" for collector, especially since these also eye clean. 

​Why H-I is the Geological Balance

​These diamonds contain just enough nitrogen to give them that "antique face"—a soft, romantic depth that modern, mass-produced diamonds lack—but not enough to "tint" the stone.

​In the Day: Under sunlight, they appear bright, crisp, and silvery.

​In the Night: They maintain a depth of fire and "blocky" flashes of light that modern Round Brilliants often lose in low light.

​Technical Specifications

​Total Carat Weight: 1.70ct (22 Natural Diamonds)

​Grading: H-I Colour / SI1 Clarity (Near-Colourless & Eye-Clean)

​Era Styles: Old European and Old Mine cuts

​Metals: 9k Yellow & White Gold (4.57g)

​WGI Replacement Value: £4,100 (Note: WGI values the materials; the historical curation adds further intangible value).

​My Price: £1,595.