What Are The Antique Diamond Cuts

With antique engagement rings being all the rage, and the demand increasing daily, we would like to take a look at the diamonds that master jewelers used for their wonderful rings decades ago. These special antique cut diamonds include old european cut, mine cut, antique cushion cut, french cut, navette cut, transitional cut, asscher cut, rose cut and single cut diamonds. In the early 1900's diamond cutters did not have the knowledge, or equipment, to facet the diamonds. They were left with less facets than today's modern brilliant cut which gave the less stated look. We all love vintage diamond rings, so let's take a look at these wonderful diamonds from many years ago.

Old European Cut Diamonds

Old European cut diamonds are, arguably, the most popular of all antique cuts with a very small table, and heavy crown (from the top of the diamond to the girdle) containing 58 facets. This diamond cut was the fore-runner of the modern cut diamond. The European cut diamond was used in the glorious eras of Art Deco and Edwardian.

Mine Cut Diamonds

Also known as "old mine cut diamonds" or "old miners cut," these beautiful diamonds are shaped into a very high crown with a small table, and a large to extra large faceted culet, with a deep pavilion (the bottom of the diamond to the girdle). They are the earliest form of the modern brilliant cut diamond, and could compare to the antique cushion cut. Very popular during the Victorian era, cutters at that time left the pavilion facets large, creating what jewelers call a "sweet, less stated look." These diamonds are still very popular today and are very hard to find.

Antique Cushion Cut

The antique cushion cut diamond was actually the precursor of the mine cut diamond and brilliant cut diamond. Discovered in the 18th century, the cushion cut has rounded edges, a small table, a large culet with a large crown and a large pavilion giving this cut a much less stated look. This antique shape diamond is very rare, and has gained so much popularity that it has led to present diamond cutters discovering the modern cushion cut.

French Cut Diamond

The French cut diamond is a beautiful, rare and very hard to find square cut diamond. This antique square cut diamond with it's small table, and high crown has a look of a square star. This is one of our favorite cuts, and very popular during the art Deco era. French cut diamonds were used in vintage wedding rings and platinum bracelets, making them an instant favorite of many!

Navette Cut Diamond

The Navette is a wonderful shape, and is actually a marquis cut (having 2 pointed ends) with a large culet. Discovered in the 18th century and regaining popularity in the Mid-Century, the 1960's-1970's, it has continued it's popularity today.

Transitional Cut Diamond

Another favorite was the transitional cut diamonds, albeit for short periods of time. The transitional cut diamond, discovered in the early 1900's, has the look of a European cut diamond, with a flatish crown and can have a larger table and an open culet. A very popular diamond cut in the early twentieth century and used quite often.

Asscher Cut Diamond

The famous asscher cut diamond was discovered in the early 1900's. This antique gemstone is a square step cut diamond with a small table whose corners have been cut. It was quite popular in the 1920's throughout the art deco era. With antique and vintage cut diamonds regaining popularity today, the asscher cut diamond has become a highly sought after diamond.

Rose Cut Diamond

Another antique cut we cannot ignore is the rose cut diamond. This less stated antique diamond, lacking of fire, has approximately 24 facets and is a dome like shape. This antique diamond was used as a center diamond, but was more often used as an accent diamond. Vintage rose cut diamonds are very hard to find and have been in demand since we've seen a resurgence in antique jewelry.

Single Cut Diamond

Last, but certainly not least, is the all important single cut diamond. With this antique diamond containing approximately 17 facets, master jewelers throughout history used this vintage diamond as the perfect, less stated accent diamond to accentuate so many Art Deco, Edwardian, and Victorian engagement rings.

In conclusion

There are so many wonderful antique cut diamonds, which were so important in what has become the most exciting part of the jewelry industry today; the original antique and vintage engagement ring. What is your favorite antique diamond cut and era? Tell us on facebook and twitter!