A Guide to Old European Cut Diamonds

There are a variety of features that differentiate the old European cut diamond from other modern cuts.

The stones are outlined to be round when you view them from the top.

There are 58 facets around the diamond, similar to the number of cuts in a round contemporary stone.

The old European cut diamond has an open culet, which means that the bottom ends in a flat facet instead of a sharp, knifelike point.

The old European cut diamond is often cut by hand, giving it a high value for those in favor of the intimate and antique.

Since there isn’t a technology to cut these diamonds, the old European cut stones are often asymmetrical. Their facets might be irregular and do not align properly with each other, which is why they are pointed outward. However, it’s the asymmetrical characteristics that give it a unique personality and ensure that there’s no other diamond out there like yours.

Another Marrow favorite, old mine cut diamonds are older than old Europeans (think more than 200 years before the old European cut was born). Dating back to the 1700s and popular during the Georgian & Victorian eras, this diamond cut also has 58 facets. But, unlike an old European, old mine diamonds have a square girdle which is different from the round structure of the old European cut. The old European cut has more brilliance and innovation than the old mine cuts. However, here at Marrow, we love working with these old stones equally!

The old European cut is a timeless classic - it’s become one of the most sought after diamonds, especially since there aren’t very many of them (compared to modern round brilliants, which are readily available). The mines in Africa that provide high quality colorless diamonds of today were not around in the days of Old European cut diamonds. These diamonds were mostly mined in Brazil and India, and typically have a warmer hue to them. However, many appear to be whiter than they are because the cut was meant to enhance the color of the stone. Since they are handcrafted and each of these stones has their own personality, old Euros are the perfect choice for anyone who wants to stand out from the crowd.

• - Antique and recycled, thus environmentally friendly
• - Unique because it was cut by hand
• - Draws you in with broad facets
• - Better price per carat
• - They grow more and more rare as the years pass!

• - Often a lower color; many of the whiter antique diamonds were recut into modern round brilliants in order to garner a higher price.
• - Often the cut/symmetry is graded as “fair” or “poor” when they are graded against the Round Brilliant standards, although many in the industry argue that it’s unfair to grade a 70-100 year old diamond against the standards of today.

It all depends on what you are looking for. If you want a timeless classic that has its own personality and flair, then definitely go with the old European cut. However, if you want perfection and precision, then the modern round cut may be best for you.

Old European cuts are definitely worth checking out! We don’t play favorites...but they just might be.