Exciting News From Kwiat: The Fred Leighton Round Is A Cut Above

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Exciting News From Kwiat: The Fred Leighton Round Is A Cut Above

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They spent a lot of time perfecting this new modified Old European cut, and even in still photos it does look brighter and more lively than they usually do in print. Good job Fred Leighton crew! 8-)

Exciting News From Kwiat: The Fred Leighton Round Is A Cut Above
December 7, 2020 by Amy Elliott

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"It’s also the Kwiat family’s biggest announcement to date since acquiring the Fred Leighton brand in 2009.

In brief: The firm has created a proprietary diamond cut christened the Fred Leighton Round that is based on the proportions of an Old European cut yet displays the heightened brilliance—and contemporary faceting technology—of a modern stone. This important debut is presented within a collection of vintage-inspired engagement rings that offers bridal customers a luxurious “something old meets something new” option—and the unique thrill of wearing a bit of both iconic brands at the same time.

For those who have been anticipating a Kwiat x Fred Leighton collaboration for more than a decade, the wait is over. And yet there’s something interesting about the form it has taken, especially if you were expecting something splashier like a red carpet capsule or a traveling exhibition.

Below, a conversation with Kwiat CEO Greg Kwiat for a deeper understanding of what makes the Fred Leighton Round a unique, thoughtful addition to his family’s diamond-centric jewelry business.

JCK: Why did a bridal collection seem like the right approach for the premiere of a Kwiat x Fred Leighton collaboration?

Greg Kwiat: The Kwiat family have been diamond experts for more than 100 years. Overlaying that experience at Fred Leighton was a natural place to bring the two brands together. Fred Leighton clients and all lovers of vintage jewels have always been enthralled by the old-world charm of antique cut diamonds. Since our 2009 purchase of Fred Leighton, and after a decade of immersing ourselves in the world of vintage jewelry, we felt that bringing a refined Old European diamond to the market was a great way to leverage the expertise of Kwiat with Fred Leighton aesthetic.

Who took the lead on product development?

The development process for the diamond was led by [chief operating officer] Russell Kwiat, who has been intimately involved with diamonds from rough to polished for over 20 years. He studied the angles and proportions of the [classic] Old European to understand how to bring out the maximum charm while also maintaining quality and precision of the final diamond.

Russell, [Fred Leighton] creative director Rebecca Selva, and I worked together on the ring designs. Our goal was to take the antique charm of the Fred Leighton Round and place it in a focused group of rings that includes styles that harken back to the early part of the 1900s as well as styles with more minimal and contemporary design.

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Clockwise from top: Fred Leighton Round diamond cluster engagement ring in 18k gold, price on request; Fred Leighton Round diamond engagement ring (antique style collet setting) in silver-topped 18k yellow gold, from $2,300 (setting only); Fred Leighton Round diamond engagement ring with filigree halo in platinum, price on request; Fred Leighton Round diamond solitaire engagement ring in 18k gold with filigree details, from $2,600 (setting only); Fred Leighton Round diamond engagement ring in platinum with diamonds and calibré-cut sapphire halo, from $3,250 (setting only)

Is there something inherent to Old European cut diamonds that makes them difficult to cut anew using modern tools and tech?

There is a tremendous amount of nuance that goes into cutting an Old European. The GIA has very specific parameters that must be achieved in order to receive the Old European cutting style designation on a natural diamond grading report. On top of that, we wanted to ensure that Fred Leighton Round diamonds always look their proper size and are cut to modern standards for precision—excellent polish and excellent symmetry. Putting all of this together in an Old European was an effort of love and practice.

Where are the stones being cut? ... "

https://www.jckonline.com/editorial-art ... d-diamond/
PinkDiamond
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Re: Exciting News From Kwiat: The Fred Leighton Round Is A Cut Above

Post by rocks2dust »

That does look nice. I've always thought that the little culet was attractive - a centerpoint reminder that I'm looking at a cut stone, not just glitter.
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