The old European cut is the cutting style which made its debut in the 19th century and early 20th century. In this period there were no automated computer systems that determined the best way to cut a rough diamond. The diamond cutters often used their self-made tools, this makes every old European cut diamond unique. These stones have more facets than a rose cut, this means that both daylight and their candlelight had more ways to “fall in” the diamond that reflected it in more ways than in a rose cut diamond can. The result they sparkle more.
We can say that an old European cut diamond is the precursor of today's brilliant cut. it has a higher crown than the contemporary brilliant, therefore the table is smaller. Another characteristic is the cullet, in a brilliant cut a cullet is pointed, an old cut diamonds cullet is always cut off. Because the diamonds were cut by hand with self-made tools and the eye on making it sparkle as much as possible under candle light, these diamonds are never perfectly round. The cutting techniques have improved over the years, so they have found ways to make diamonds shine even harder now, namely by lowering the crown and enlarging the table. As a result, we always find the new sharpening style in contemporary rings.
These old European cut diamonds are often recut because the value of a new brilliant cut is higher than an old European cut diamond with the same amount of carat. Therefore they become more rear every day.
Jewelry from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Nouveau Eras are almost always provided with an old European cut or older cut style such as rosettes or single cuts. So when you buy a jewel with old European cut diamonds, you are not only in possession of an antique piece, but also of a unique piece.
