Glossary · Diamond Cuts
Old European Cut
The old European cut is the round diamond of the late Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras — hand-cut for candlelight, with a soft glow quite unlike a modern brilliant.
What is an old European cut?
An old European cut is an early round brilliant, cut by hand from roughly the 1890s to the 1930s. It has a small table, a high crown, a deep pavilion and a large open culet (a flat facet at the point), visible as a small circle when you look straight down. These proportions return a soft, glowing brilliance with bold flashes rather than the bright sparkle of a modern cut.
History & why it matters
The old European cut bridges the cushion-shaped old mine cut and the modern round brilliant. It defined diamond jewellery of the Edwardian and Art Deco periods, and is prized today for its romantic character and the fact that each stone was cut by eye.
How to identify & what affects value
Look for a small table, tall profile and an open culet. Because they were cut to save weight, old European cuts can hold value well in larger sizes. With antique stones, an original old-cut diamond in a period mount with intact hallmarks is worth more than a recut modern stone of the same weight. See our guide to gemstone cuts.
Old European Cut Diamond Jewellery
Browse antique old-cut diamond pieces, or sell one from your collection.
FAQs
An old European cut is an early round brilliant diamond, hand-cut between roughly the 1890s and 1930s, with a small table, high crown, deep pavilion and a large open culet.
Yes — antique old european cut stones are increasingly sought-after for their character and rarity. With antique diamonds the cut style and the original period setting add value beyond the 4Cs alone. Request a valuation to find out what yours is worth.
Yes. We buy and sell antique diamond jewellery of all cuts. Browse the collection or request a valuation.