Have you ever heard of the European cut in gemstones? The so-called European cut is an old type of cut and dates way back to the period before modern cut techniques made their mark on the diamond cuts we know today. With the increasing popularity of vintage jewellery, the European cut is becoming more and more common. An excellent choice. That's why we would like to go over all the facets of the European cut with you.

 

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Vintage diamond ring - Find your vintage look ring at BAUNAT.

What characterizes the European cut?

A European cut diamond can be recognized by the narrow base and a wide, large crown. The European cut doesn't really have a pretty sparkle, but the dull look adds an antique touch to your ring. Because of their distinctive shape, diamonds with a European cut have a higher carat weight than their modern counterparts.

A diamond can have impeccable brightness and be graded as totally colourless, but if it is not well cut, that will not be reflected. Because of this imperfection, over the years numerous European cut diamonds were re-cut using modern techniques before they were set. A European cut diamond is therefore a little more difficult to find. The shape does offer a particularly romantic shimmer in a solitary ring.

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Diamond in old European cut - The European cut is the brilliant's predecessor.

The evolution of the European cut

The European cut is a round cut that was created and used from 1890 to 1930. It was actually one of the main trends in diamond cuts in the Art Deco period. The old European cut is also known as the Amsterdam cut or the transitional cut.
The brilliant focuses mainly on clarity and brilliance. The European cut, on the other hand, accentuates colour and purity.
This cut was preceded by the old mine cut and followed by the modern round brilliant diamond. Diamonds in an old mine cut have a square zone, but with rounded corners. Until the mid-20th century, diamonds were measured and then hand-cut by the diamond cutter himself. That's why a diamond cut according to the European cut, is not so perfectly proportioned.

In the 1920s, Marcel Tolkowsky developed the European cut further into the brilliant cut that quickly became more popular.
Ring with brilliant cut diamond - The brilliant cut is more modern than the European cut.

The difference between a brilliant and the European cut

I'm sure you have noticed that the European cut looks quite a bit like today's brilliant. That's no coincidence. The brilliant is regarded as the descendant of the European cut. Both brilliants and the European cut diamonds have 57 or 58 facets, but it is the shape and placement of the facets that give the cuts their own and unique character.

  1. The modern brilliant especially emphasizes the brilliance and brightness of the diamond. This is not the case with the European cut.

  2. In the heyday of the European cut, cutters had fewer rough diamonds to work with, and those were often of lower purity and quality than the current ones. Diamond dealers tried to remedy this by cutting the diamond in such a way that colour and purity were emphasized. The unique facet structure brought out the best in each stone.

  3. Diamonds in the old European cut actually absorbed the light, while brilliants, thanks to more modern cutting techniques, mostly reflect the light.


  4. In addition, the oval cut was also created after the brilliant cut, which also bears similarities to the European cut.

Ring with brilliant cut diamond

European cut diamond - The European cut is rare.

The cost of a European cut diamond

The value of a diamond is determined by the 4 C's. Logically, the price of a European cut diamond should be lower than with modern diamonds. They after all have a duller colour and purity, as well as a lower cut quality. However, their rarity and higher carat content sometimes make these diamonds more expensive than modern variants.
Although the European cut is gaining popularity again, it is not easy to find such diamonds. Influenced by an increasing demand for older diamonds, the cost is ultimately not that far from that of a brilliant.

Are you looking for an original jewel with a European cut diamond? Our experts at BAUNAT would love to meet your wishes and design your custom jewel with a diamond of your choice.

What are the other diamond cuts?

The European cut doesn't have an exceptionally beautiful sparkle, but the dull appearance gives your ring an antique appearance. Do you prefer more sparkle in your diamond? Then discover the different other cuts.
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