What are old cut diamonds?
Old cuts are initially understood to mean all cuts that were popular before the 20th century. This includes all predecessors of the modern brilliant, i.e. all round cuts. But other popular cuts from the past are also included. However, when people talk about “the old cut”, what is usually meant is the direct predecessor of the brilliant cut. Given the geometrically perfected modern cuts, old cuts are no longer in great demand in jewelry these days. But on the one hand, collectors and antique lovers enjoy the nostalgic charm of old-cut diamonds and, on the other hand, the old-cut diamonds have a somewhat more reserved appearance as a piece of jewelry due to their cut type and therefore always find lovers who don't want the big sparkle, but still enjoy it have to wear a real natural product - a diamond.
Geometry and structure
Old European cut diamonds typically have a total of 54 facets: 28 at the top of the crown, 24 at the bottom of the pavilion, a table and a culet. The old cut was the first diamond cut with a truly round girdle and was relatively symmetrical in its geometry compared to its ancestors. However, back then, diamonds were viewed under candlelight or gas lamps, which are much more dimmed than the electric lights of today. As a result, possible errors were not as noticeable. Nevertheless, old cut diamonds, with their improved geometric distribution of facets, have produced a radiance and sparkle that had not been seen before.
The belt on the old cut
The belt is hardly present in old cut diamonds. There is only a girdle, which can be thinner or thicker, but does not have any facets itself. The belt of today's diamonds, on the other hand, has very, very small facets.
The crown with the old cut
The crown of old cut diamonds has 28 facets and a relatively small table. It is very heavy and high. In comparison: The crown of brilliant-cut diamonds has at least 32 facets and a relatively large table and is significantly flatter.
The pavilion at Altschliff
The pavilion of old cut diamonds has 24 facets, just like the modern brilliant. However, the facets are arranged differently. In addition, the pavilion of old cut diamonds is not specified. There are old cut diamonds with a relatively flat pavilion and others with a very deep pavilion.
The culet on the old European cut
Old cut diamonds always have a culet, while brilliant diamonds rarely have a culet, which in turn is often faceted. However, under today's light, the culet of old cut diamonds would look as if it were a hole in the stone.