Old European Cut

An Old European cut is an early round brilliant cut diamond popular from the 1890s to 1930s, featuring a smaller table, larger culet, and higher crown than modern round brilliants.

These antique diamonds were hand-cut before modern cutting technology, resulting in slightly irregular faceting and unique character. They exhibit more fire (color flashes) than modern brilliants due to their larger facets and deeper pavilions. Old European cuts are highly sought after for vintage and antique-style engagement rings.

When evaluating Old European cuts, traditional grading criteria may not apply as these cuts were optimized for candlelight rather than modern lighting. They're valued for their romantic appearance and historical significance.