Why Old European Cut Diamonds Reflect Light Differently
Nov 10, 2025
by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read
THE BASICS --
Old European cut diamonds capture a distinctive kind of beauty — one defined by their deep bottom facets, open culet, and romantic, candlelit glow. Unlike modern brilliant cuts designed to maximize brilliance under contemporary lighting, these antique diamonds were crafted to reflect softer, warmer light. Understanding how their faceting interacts with light reveals why old European cuts continue to enchant collectors and couples seeking timeless elegance.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--
In this guide, we will explain the following:
- About the Old European Cut
- Weight
- Shape
- Faceting
- The Design Behind the Glow
- The Enduring Beauty of the Old European Cut
About the Old European Cut
The Old European cut diamond, affectionately known as the “Old Euro,” represents a captivating era in the history of diamond cutting. A precursor to the modern round brilliant, it retains the same circular outline and roughly 58 facets, yet each was shaped entirely by hand rather than machine. This human touch gives every Old European cut its own unique character — a slightly off-center culet here, a deeper facet there — resulting in a diamond that glows with individuality and warmth. Unlike modern precision-cut stones, an Old European cut embodies the craftsmanship of its era, reflecting light with a romance and depth that feel truly timeless.
Weight
Cut to maximize carat weight rather than focusing on brilliance and sparkle, old European cut diamonds were shaped and polished with candlelight in mind, rather than brighter artificial lighting. This means the stone’s color may be a shade or two warmer with a tinge of yellow or brown rather than a clear, colorless hue. These stones still have an inner fire, however, giving them charismatic glitter to draw the eye.
Shape
The shape of an Old European cut diamond is one of its most distinctive features. With a higher crown and smaller table than the modern round brilliant, it often appears larger and stands taller on the finger, creating a graceful and elevated appearance. The open culet — visible as a small circular facet when viewed from above — and the softly frosted, unfaceted girdle further set these stones apart from modern designs, which typically feature additional polished facets along the edge for precision and symmetry.
Faceting
Cut between the late 1800s and the early 1900s, Old European cut diamonds were shaped entirely by hand, long before precision machinery was introduced. Each stone was crafted by eye, resulting in broader, deeper facets that capture and return light in larger, more romantic flashes. Because these facets were guided by the cutter’s artistry rather than mathematical formulas, the reflection of light feels softer and more organic. Unlike the uniform brilliance of modern cuts, Old European diamonds reveal a glow that shifts gently with every movement — warm, distinctive, and beautifully handcrafted.
The Design Behind the Glow
The distinctive radiance of an Old European cut diamond comes from the balance between its proportions and craftsmanship. With a high crown, deep pavilion, and small table, light travels through the stone at slower angles, producing broad flashes of fire rather than the steady brilliance of modern cuts. These diamonds were shaped to perform under candlelight, where their warmth and subtle movement create a romantic, almost fluid glow. The result is a light that feels intimate and timeless — a reflection of the era in which each stone was created.
The Enduring Beauty of the Old European Cut
An Old European cut diamond doesn’t just catch the light — it captures the romance of another time, beautifully preserved for today. Each hand-cut facet tells a story of artistry and intention, creating a glow that feels intimate, warm, and enduring. For those who appreciate craftsmanship and meaning, few stones reflect love — or light — quite like the Old European cut.
Suzanne Sachs
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