Everything You Need to Know about Old European Cuts

What is an Old European Cut?

Old European Cuts (or OECs) are the round cut diamonds that predate today’s Modern Round Brilliant. OECs were cut by hand in the late 1800s, early 1900s instead of using today’s methods which involve the use of computers and lasers to get exact cuts and dimensions. As a result, OECs vary in look and proportions greatly from one OEC to the next.

What makes OEC's so endearing?

Here are the top four reasons why WE love ‘em!

1) Flashes of color

All diamonds have a property to them called fire which is the flashes of color that a diamond gives off. Modern cut diamonds flash reds, greens, and blues while old cut diamonds give off softer periwinkles, pinks, and teals! The pastel colors give the diamond a softer, lighter appearance!

2) Chunky, floral-like patterns of light

The reflections of light in OECs are in a chunky floral like pattern or checkerboard style. Modern round brilliants have more of a splintery look.

3) High, cloud-like crowns

 The crown (or top part in the sideview of a diamond) has a “puffier” look giving it a lighter and softer impression.

4) Visible culets

A visible culet is a key indicator of an OEC (a culet is the bottom tip of the diamond)! Sometimes seen as the center of the flower in with the floral light patterns, it adds to the vintage vibes you get from these gorgeous stones!

What do the professional's look for?

• The table must be less than or equal to 53 percent, which means that their tables are smaller than modern round brilliants

• The crown angle must be greater than or equal to 40 degrees, or higher crowns which is the top part of a diamond in the side view

• The lower half facet length must be less than or equal to 65 percent, which creates a longer bottom half of the diamond

• The culet size must be slightly large or larger. The culet is the bottom tip of a diamond and a larger culet is a flattened surface that you can see straight through.