Common questions

What is an OEC cut?

What is an OEC cut?

If you’ve been shopping online for vintage engagement rings, you’ve probably come across old European cut diamonds. An old European cut diamond is a round diamond primarily cut between 1890-1930. They are less sparkly than modern brilliant-cut diamonds and were cut and polished with candlelight in mind.

Are old European cut diamonds hand cut?

Tables became larger, culets became smaller, and facets became longer and leaner. These changes led to the creation of what is now the world’s most popular diamond shape, the modern round brilliant. Vintage diamonds, such as old Europeans and old mine cushion cuts, were hand cut to increase their color and clarity.

How can you tell an old European cut diamond?

Easy to Identify Old European Cut Characteristics:

  1. Large culet. (The culet is the facet at the bottom of the diamond)
  2. A very small table. (The table is the facet at the top of the diamond)
  3. Frosted girdle.
  4. Old European cut diamonds have the same number of facets as modern diamonds: 58.
  5. Larger facets than modern diamonds.

What is a euro cut?

The old European cut is a round shaped diamond cut. It has 58 facets, similar to the round brilliant cut. Unlike modern brilliant cuts, which are designed to reflect the most white light possible, euro cut diamonds were known for their “fire,” or the flashes of different colors when moved under low light.

What is a cushion cut?

Cushion cut diamonds are shaped like a square with cut corners (or a cushion), just like old mine cut diamonds, but they feature modern brilliant cut faceting. Because cushion cut diamonds evolved from this ancient diamond shape, they’re thought of as a vintage style.

What is radiant cut diamond?

The radiant cut diamond is the first square cut (the second being the princess) to have a complete brilliant-cut facet pattern applied to both the crown and pavilion, creating a vibrant and lively square diamond.

Can you tell how old a diamond is?

That’s the funny thing about Diamonds, there is is no exact way to tell their age or origin. A Diamond’s DNA is the exact same in every single Diamond. It’s 100% pure Carbon. There is no way of testing it to see what part of the World it came from or which Diamond mine produced it.

What is Asscher cut diamond?

An Asscher cut diamond features a flat table, large step facets, and a high crown. Most notably, the shape of the Asscher cut is square. The corners are truncated (or cropped), meaning it is technically an octagon, but when the stone is set, this is not even noticeable.

Are old European cut diamonds conflict free?

Because old European cut diamonds predate modern wars, territorial claims, and drug trafficking, they are considered conflict-free and more eco-friendly than modern stones.

What is a vintage diamond?

Antique cut diamonds are diamonds that were mined and cut anywhere between the 1300s and the 1930s. Their most distinguishing characteristic is that they’re not as blingy or sparkly as most modern cut stones. Instead, antique cuts often feature larger faceting and a softer look.

What does an old European cut diamond look like?

Both diamond cuts are round and have 58 facets. In a certain way, an old European cut diamond looks almost like a softer version of the modern round brilliant cut. However, the old European cut also has a variety of unique characteristics that aren’t typically found in modern diamond shapes.

What are the different types of diamond cuts?

There are three different diamond cuts used to craft every diamond shape: brilliant cut, step cut and mixed cut. Which Diamond Shapes Are the Largest?

How many facets are on an old European diamond?

58 facets. Just like the modern round brilliant cut, old European cut diamonds have 58 facets. However, these facets are typically larger and chunkier than those on a modern round brilliant cut diamond. Imperfect symmetry.

What is the most popular diamond shape?

The round cut diamond is the most popular diamond shape, representing approximately 75% of all diamonds sold. Due to the mechanics of its shape, the round diamond is generally superior to fancy shapes at the proper reflection of light, maximizing potential brightness.

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Ruth Doyle