The old European cut diamond is a classic beauty, it is considered to be a time-honoured choice for any couple wishing to declare their everlasting love through an engagement ring.
It is usually a high carat cut of diamond with a large culet and small table, whilst maintaining a round shape.
Let’s take a deeper look at these vintage pieces, below you will find all you need to know about the old European cut diamond.
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- What Is An Old European Cut Diamond?
- What Is The Origin And History Of Old European Cut Diamonds?
- What Are The Pros And Cons Of Old European Cut Diamonds?
- How To Measure And Select An Old European Cut Diamond
- What Are The Best Ring Settings For Old European Cut Diamonds?
- How Much Are Old European Cut Diamonds?
- Are Old European Cut Diamonds Conflict Free?
- Old European Cut Diamond vs Old Mine Cut
- What Does An Old European Cut Diamond Say About You?
What Is An Old European Cut Diamond?
The old European cut is an antique diamond cut that was the most chosen cut between the 19th and 20th century.
Old European cut diamonds were originally mined for their carat weight, as opposed to their sparkle or brilliance. Even though they have 58 facets, they don’t possess the same sparkle as the modern brilliant-cut diamonds we see today.
Old European diamonds have a unique and individual quality to them. This is because each diamond was hand cut and polished, without the modern day machines and technology we now use. It’s safe to say you won’t find any two European cut diamonds perfectly alike. They were often cut and polished by candlelight, so when you find one of these beauties and the cut is imperfect, it’s important to keep that fact in mind.
What Is The Origin And History Of Old European Cut Diamonds?
Old European cut diamonds were first developed and handcrafted in Europe from around 1890 to 1930. They were extremely popular amongst all classes of people in the early 1900s.
Rounded diamonds that were cut before 1890 are referred to as old-mine cuts. Then there are the round cuts that were crafted after 1930, and those are most often referred to as modern round brilliant diamonds.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Old European Cut Diamonds?
Like every diamond or gem, each type has their own individual list of pros and cons, we have complied one for you of the pros and cons of the old European cut diamond:
Pros of Old European Cut Diamonds
- Each stone will be unique and there won’t be one out there just like yours. You are guaranteed to have a cut that was polished and cut by hand, therefore it will almost always be totally one-of-a-kind.
- These diamonds are often not very pricey, if budget is an issue for you, then these kinds of diamonds will be easy on the pocket and a good choice to look into.
- If your partner has their heart set on an antique style, then this is the way to go. They are the perfect option for someone wanting an antique looking engagement ring.
- They are becoming rarer. The old European cut diamonds have been reshaped, reset and recut throughout the years. Now, it is becoming less and less easy to find a legitimate specimen. This means that finding one and keeping it, is a good investment and will increase in value and sentiment as time goes on.
- Old European cut diamonds are known to not have a high brilliance, but they do have something that is known as “inner fire”. This is the light and dark, square like flashes of light that one can see when viewing the diamond from above. It is unique to this style of diamond.
- These diamonds have already been mined, which means they are considered eco-friendly. Their carbon footprint is low and they have a minimal impact on the environment.
Cons of Old European Cut Diamonds
- A genuine old European cut diamond is relatively difficult to come by, you can find them, but the selection is somewhat limited.
- Due to the fact that each piece was hand cut, there are no perfect old European diamond cuts. Where this is unique and exciting to some people, it may be a deterrent for others.
- The GIA doesn’t keep old European cuts of diamonds on their grading list, due to the fact that the cuts vary so much. This means your diamond won’t ever come with a GIA certificate.
How To Measure And Select An Old European Cut Diamond
Measuring and selecting your ideal old European cut diamond should be a relatively easy process. Here are some tips to look out for:
- Choose your diamond with personal taste in mind. It’s important to look for what you want, more than what certifications or carats it has to its name.
- Choose the diamond that compliments the right ring setting for you. Old European cut diamonds go beautifully with antique/vintage settings.
- When measuring your diamond, remember to keep an open mind and be open to accepting imperfections and unusual characteristics.
- Consider the colour of your setting for the diamond. Most old European cut diamonds have relatively low colour grades which means they are wonderfully complimented by the more yellow or rose gold settings.
- Purchase from a trustworthy source, so you can be sure you are receiving a legitimate product.
What Are The Best Ring Settings For Old European Cut Diamonds?
Due to the uniqueness and imperfection of the old European cut diamonds, it’s vital to choose the right ring and setting. Here are some diamond settings to look for when considering the old European cut diamond ring:
- Edwardian style
- Victorian style
- Art Deco style
- Filigree setting
- Cathedral setting
How Much Are Old European Cut Diamonds?
The prices of old European cut diamonds can start as low as under £1130 for around 0.70 carat. They can also go as high as up to 5 or more carats and will then cost in the range of £22 500.
Are Old European Cut Diamonds Conflict Free?
Old European cuts are assumed to be totally cruelty and conflict free. This is because the mining and crafting of these diamonds pre-dates the awful conflict-fuelled and angst-filled diamond industry as we now know it today.
Old European Cut Diamond vs Old Mine Cut
Old European cut diamonds have some key similarities to old mine cuts such as their softness, antique look, and undeniable beauty.
The ways in which they differ are:
- Age: old mine cuts came before the old European cuts by around 100 years.
- Shape: Old mine cut diamonds have a more square shape and the old European cut is round.
- Culet: they both have a visible culet, but the old mine cut diamonds culets are larger.
- Fire: the old mine cut has larger facets than the old European cut. This means they have more fire and intense colour.
What Does An Old European Cut Diamond Say About You?
Choosing an old European cut diamond doesn’t necessarily have the ability to say much about your personality or who you are. However, it does often get chosen by people with exquisite taste and an eye for quality.
It also is likely to mean that you are a unique character with a one-of-a-kind personality. You are probably quite soft, gentle, and compassionate with a deep love for the old and forgotten.
Chermaine’s journey into the world of gemstones and crystals began as a child, collecting shimmering stones on family vacations. Today, she’s a certified gemologist and spiritual healer, intertwining the physical beauty of jewels with their metaphysical properties.
Chermaine has traveled to mines in Africa, marketplaces in India, and spiritual retreats in Bali, always seeking to deepen her understanding.