The Resurgence of Old European Cut Diamonds: A Vintage Charm with Timeless Appeal

The Old European Cut (OEC) has become increasingly popular in recent years. This classic cut is characterized by its round shape, large culet, and high crown. It was developed in the late 1800s and remained popular until the early 1900s when it was replaced by more modern cuts like the round brilliant. However, with a renewed interest in vintage and antique jewelry, OEC diamonds have made a comeback.

To learn more about this beautiful cut, we sat down with diamond expert Sarah Kabbani of Jahan Diamond Imports.

Q: What makes an Old European Cut diamond unique?

A: The most distinctive feature of an OEC diamond is its large culet. The culet is the small flat facet at the bottom of a diamond that allows light to reflect back up through the stone. In an OEC diamond, this facet is much larger than in other cuts which gives it a unique look.

Another key feature of OEC diamonds is their high crown. The crown is the top part of a diamond that sits above the girdle (the widest part). In an OEC diamond, the crown can be quite tall which adds to its overall sparkle and brilliance.

Finally, OEC diamonds tend to have smaller tables (the flat top facet) than modern cuts like the round brilliant. This means that they reflect less light but also give off less fire or colored flashes.

Q: Why did Old European Cut diamonds fall out of favor?

A: There were several reasons why OEC diamonds fell out of favor in the early 1900s. One major factor was improvements in cutting technology which allowed for more precise and efficient cutting styles like the round brilliant. These new cuts had fewer imperfections and could be produced faster which made them cheaper as well.

Additionally, tastes changed over time as people sought out newer and flashier designs for their jewelry. The Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 30s, for example, favored geometric shapes and bold colors over the softer curves of OEC diamonds.

Finally, there was a shift towards larger stones in the mid-1900s which made OEC diamonds less desirable. The cut tends to sacrifice some of its carat weight in order to achieve its unique look which didn’t appeal to those looking for the biggest diamond possible.

Q: What should someone look for when buying an Old European Cut diamond?

A: When shopping for an OEC diamond, it’s important to find one that has good symmetry and proportions. Since these cuts were done by hand rather than machine like modern cuts, there can be more variation from stone to stone. Look for a diamond with even facets that are well-placed on the stone.

You’ll also want to pay attention to the culet size. While it is a defining feature of the cut, too large of a culet can make a diamond appear dark or dull at certain angles. Aim for a culet no larger than 10% of the diameter of the stone.

In terms of color and clarity, remember that OEC diamonds were typically cut before modern grading systems were developed. This means that they may have slightly different standards when it comes to what is considered “good” color or clarity. Focus on finding a diamond that looks beautiful to you rather than getting too hung up on specific grades.

Q: Are there any downsides to owning an Old European Cut diamond?

A: Like any vintage or antique item, there are pros and cons to owning an OEC diamond. On one hand, these stones have a charm and character all their own thanks to their unique shape and history. They also tend to be less expensive than comparable modern cuts since they aren’t as popular (yet).

On the other hand, because they are older cuts they may not have as much fire or brilliance as newer stones – especially if they are heavily included or damaged. They may also require more maintenance and care over time since their shapes can be more fragile than modern cuts.

Ultimately, owning an OEC diamond is a personal choice based on your own taste and preferences. If you love the vintage look and feel of these stones, then they could be a great option for you.

Q: Can Old European Cut diamonds be set in modern jewelry designs?

A: Absolutely! While OEC diamonds were originally cut for antique settings, they can absolutely work in modern designs as well. In fact, many jewelers are incorporating them into contemporary pieces to give them a unique vintage flair.

One thing to keep in mind when setting an OEC diamond is that its shape may not fit perfectly into standard prong settings. You’ll want to work with a jeweler who has experience working with antique cuts so that they can create a custom setting that showcases the stone in the best way possible.

Q: Why do you think there has been such a resurgence of interest in Old European Cut diamonds lately?

A: I think part of it has to do with our current cultural moment where people are looking for things that feel authentic and have history behind them. Vintage and antique items – including jewelry – have become increasingly popular as people seek out unique pieces that stand out from mass-produced goods.

Additionally, I think there’s something about the soft curves and gentle sparkle of OEC diamonds that appeals to people right now. We’ve seen trends moving away from overly flashy or ostentatious styles towards more understated elegance which fits perfectly with this classic cut.

Overall, I’m thrilled to see more people discovering the beauty of Old European Cut diamonds. They truly are one-of-a-kind stones with a rich history and timeless appeal.