Old European Cut Diamonds

In the 1870's a new technological invention came into play in the diamond cutting industry (thanks Industrial Revolution!), and it changed the game for diamonds in the future. Henry Morse and Charles Field teamed up and created the first ever steam-powered lathe, making it possible to create a fragile round girdle. This gave way to the Old European Cut diamond, one that would be the prevailing cut choice from 1890 to 1930.

Old European Cuts — or OECs, as collectors call them — were the diamond of choice from the late 1800s through the 1930s. They're basically the great-grandparents of today's round brilliants, but with a whole lot more personality.

These stones were cut by hand, not by machines, which means every single one is different. The magic is in the details: high crowns, small tables, chunky facets, and those sweet little open culets (that tiny flat "hole" at the bottom). They glow - having been cut to maximize candlelight.

Old European cuts have a high crown, a small table, a thin girdle, and an open culet. They are symmetrically round and have pretty good symmetry. The thick triangular block-like facets are as stunning as they come, and this cut was such a hit that it made the round diamond the new standard. This was the grandmother of modern round brilliants, and they are somewhat rare to find these days, as most were recut into modern brilliants once advancements in tools became available. We love Old Euros for their unique beauty. It's a good compromise if you like round, modern cuts but want a touch of antique glow and aura.

Why can't we get enough of them

There's something about OECs that feels soulful. They're not perfect — and that's precisely the point. Each one carries the quirks of the cutter who shaped it more than a hundred years ago.

Here's why collectors (and we) swoon over them:

• They flash big, bold fire instead of sharp, blinding sparkle.

• They look especially dreamy in warmer color grades (creamy ivory > icy white).

• They carry history. You're wearing a little piece of the past.

• They look equally at home in antique mountings or sleek modern rings.

   

  Our collection

  We're always hunting down Old European Cuts because, frankly, they're getting harder to find. These days! Some are petite and perfect for delicate rings, others are big, bold showstoppers that stop you in your tracks. If you're curious, you can peek at our current loose OEC collection here.