Typical Diamond Cuts
European Cut… A predecessor of the round brilliant diamond, the old European cut also has 58 facets. Its higher crown, smaller table and larger culet give the stone an incredible depth. But what really makes this cut unique is its intention. Owners of these diamonds should wear them in candlelight as when worn in low light, old European diamonds produce a stunning glow, unmatched by any other cut.
Modern Round Brilliant Cut… The round brilliant is the most popular diamond shape, representing almost 75% of diamonds sold. Best known for its brilliance, this cut has 58 angular facets, which cause light to bounce from the bottom of the diamond back through the top, giving it unbelievable sparkle. Because of this, it’s become a time-honored engagement tradition. It’s versatile shape suits all styles and metals. The popularity of the round brilliant paired with the amount of waste produced during cutting, means that these diamonds carry the highest premium. For the greatest brilliance and fire, only very good and excellent cut grades for round brilliant diamonds are recommended. A cut grade is only given to round diamonds. This term refers to the diamond’s proportions—specifically how the facets interact with the light.
Old Mine Cut… Dating back to the mid 1800s through to the 1900s, the old mine cut diamond was developed in Brazil. It is considered one of the earliest forms of the brilliant cut with 58 facets. Often seen in jewelry from the Georgian and Victorian eras, old mine cut diamonds are similar to a modern day cushion cut. Much like other vintage diamond cuts like the old European cut and the rose cut, old mine cut diamonds tend to hand cut with the aid of early machinery. Each stone possesses its own individual and unique character, making this diamond cut a favorite of those longing for a one-of-a-kind jewelry piece.
Rose Cut… Considered one of the original diamond cuts, the rose cut diamond dates back to the early 1500s. With anywhere from three to 24 triangular facets, rose cut diamonds peak into a dome or kite-shape and unlike modern cut diamonds, the rose cut does not have a table, crown nor pavillion. Their structure resembles the soft curve of a rose petal, hence its name. Their flat base creates a larger surface area, making rose cuts an excellent choice to maximize your budget. With its subtle, soft brilliance, the look is old-world and distinctly feminine. You’ll love the clear flashes of light and simplistic faceting. This individual diamond cut is hand carved, unlike machine cut brilliant diamonds seen in the majority of modern jewelry. Rose cut diamonds are elegant reminders of the past, which make for a compelling centerpiece and you’ll often see rose cuts in antique style jewelry designs. But despite their rarity, this vintage diamond cut is making a comeback in modern jewelry design. Stars such as Jennifer Aniston, Alison Brie and Camila Alves all wear rose cut diamond engagement rings.
Transitional Cut… These diamonds typically bridge the gap between antique and vintage. Direct descendants of the Old European Cut, these progressive cuts saw an evolution toward a larger table, a lower crown, and a smaller culet than previous cuts. However, unlike later brilliants, the girdles of these stones remained unfaceted. These stones are truly one-of-a-kind.
*Descriptions compiled from information previously published by Taylor & Hart; EraGem