New in: Marquise Jewellery
Elegant, elongated, and made to captivate. Explore our newest marquise-cut jewels designed to celebrate love.
Delve into the world of diamonds with Valquère, where the past and present coalesce, giving rise to new kinds of luxury. We celebrate the Old European Cut, an exquisite square-shaped cut with brilliant facets, rounded edges, and a high crown. What sets it apart is its large culet, a facet at the tip of the diamond, visible when viewed from above.
Read summary
How Did the Old European Cut Shape Modern Diamond Design?
The Old European Cut, popular from 1890-1930, represents a pivotal transition in diamond cutting history. This square-shaped cut with brilliant facets, rounded edges, high crown, and distinctive large culet emerged from Antwerp (also called the Amsterdam or Transition Cut).
Diamond cutting evolved from simple polishing in the 14th century to the table stone in the 15th century. The introduction of grinding wheels led to the Rose Cut, followed by the Mazarin and Peruzzi cuts, which added more facets.
In the 1920s, Marcel Tolkowsky refined this design into today's Brilliant Cut by reducing the culet, enlarging the table, and optimizing facet angles for maximum brilliance.
Old European Cut diamonds offer a darker, distinctive reflection compared to modern brilliant cuts, creating unique vintage appeal.
Read more below
5 Questions to Find Her Perfect Engagement Ring
Are you planning to propose? Finding the right engagement ring is a defining step. Every ring is handcrafted in Antwerp from the finest materials by skilled artisans. Discover what engagement ring fits her personality.
Most viewed diamond jewels
-
![2.50 carat solitaire ring with lab grown oval diamond in white gold with lab grown side diamonds]()
2.50 carat solitaire ring with lab grown oval diamond in white gold with lab grown side diamondsFrom € 2.541,00 (incl. 21% VAT) -
![3.00 carat solitaire lab grown oval cut diamond pendant in red gold]()
3.00 carat solitaire lab grown oval cut diamond pendant in red goldFrom € 1.778,70 (incl. 21% VAT) -
![5.00 carat solitaire ring with lab grown oval diamond in red gold]()
5.00 carat solitaire ring with lab grown oval diamond in red goldFrom € 2.286,90 (incl. 21% VAT) -
![5.00 carat solitaire ring in red gold with round lab grown diamond and lab grown side diamonds]()
5.00 carat solitaire ring in red gold with round lab grown diamond and lab grown side diamondsFrom € 3.085,50 (incl. 21% VAT) -
![5.00 carat solitaire halo ring with a lab grown asscher cut diamond in white gold and round lab grown diamonds]()
5.00 carat solitaire halo ring with a lab grown asscher cut diamond in white gold and round lab grown diamondsFrom € 2.746,70 (incl. 21% VAT)
A Walk Down the Diamond Lane: Origin of the Old European Cut
Favoured between 1890 and 1930, the Old European Cut Diamonds marked a transition from the traditional cushion or octahedron shape to a more rounded cut. This cut is deeply rooted in our Antwerp heritage and is also known as the Amsterdam Cut or Transition Cut.
In the roaring 1920s, Marcel Tolkowsky further refined the Old European Cut into the Brilliant Cut. This transformation meant a smaller culet, enlarged table, and optimized angles of facets for unparalleled brilliance.
In the roaring 1920s, Marcel Tolkowsky further refined the Old European Cut into the Brilliant Cut. This transformation meant a smaller culet, enlarged table, and optimized angles of facets for unparalleled brilliance.
The Evolutionary Path of the Old European Cut Diamonds
The Old European Cut stands as a testament to the journey, from the initial round diamond shapes to the modern brilliant cut. The first significant stride in the evolution of the Old European Diamond Cut traces back to the 14th century, where diamond cutters sought to enhance the natural octahedral surface by polishing.
The movement from the pointed stone to the table stone in the 15th century marked a revolutionary shift. This change led to the creation of the early Old European Cut diamond with a square roundness, distinct from today's Princess cut.
With the advent of grinding wheels, facets were introduced to the diamond surface, leading to the development of the Old Rose Cut. The Mazarin cut in the 17th century and later, Vinzent Peruzzi's cut in the 18th century, added more facets and shaped the diamond into a classic old cut.
The movement from the pointed stone to the table stone in the 15th century marked a revolutionary shift. This change led to the creation of the early Old European Cut diamond with a square roundness, distinct from today's Princess cut.
With the advent of grinding wheels, facets were introduced to the diamond surface, leading to the development of the Old Rose Cut. The Mazarin cut in the 17th century and later, Vinzent Peruzzi's cut in the 18th century, added more facets and shaped the diamond into a classic old cut.
Reflecting the Light of Legacy: Old European Cut Vs. Brilliant Cut
Old European Cut diamonds, with their less pronounced facets, project a slightly darker reflection, setting them apart from the brilliant cut diamonds of today. These diamonds bear a visual resemblance to emerald, and baguette cut diamonds, emphasising on polished surfaces.
Looking to express your statement style with a piece of diamond jewellery that symbolises a new kind of luxury? Turn to Valquère to experience our personal service, as we handcraft high-quality lab grown diamonds into stunning pieces.
Looking to express your statement style with a piece of diamond jewellery that symbolises a new kind of luxury? Turn to Valquère to experience our personal service, as we handcraft high-quality lab grown diamonds into stunning pieces.
-
Fabienne Rauw
- Valquère Antwerp
- My Linkedin profile - Contact me
