Buying or selling diamonds is confusing. How on earth do you understand all the criteria that go into determining the value of a diamond?

While most people take the time to figure out the ratings of shape, clarity, and color in their stone, many overlook the importance of cut. Often, the cut holds more water on your final price than any of the above.

And contrary to belief, cut pertains to more than the shape of your diamond (round, princess, heart, oval, cushion). The diamond’s symmetry, proportions, polish, and the number of facets play a significant role in whether a diamond was designed to increase its clarity or to increase its color.

For example, while Modern Brilliant Cuts and Old European Cuts are both round shaped diamonds (and look mostly the same to the naked eye), they have different attributes, and more importantly, different values.  

Here’s the difference between Old European Cut diamonds and Modern Brilliant Cut diamonds.

Old European Cut Diamonds

Also known as vintage diamonds, the Old European Cut was a favorite of the Edwardian, Victorian, and Art Deco periods. It was introduced in the late 1800s because of the invention of steam-driven and electric cutting equipment, which made cutting round diamonds on an industrial scale possible.

According to GIA specifications, “trade professionals characterize old European Cuts as having small table facets, heavy crowns, and overall “deep” or “steep” proportions.”

The GIA identifies classic old European Cuts using these criteria:

• Table size: less than or equal to 53 percent
• Crown angle: greater than or equal to 40 degrees
• Lower half facet length: less than or equal to 60 percent
• Culet size: slightly large or larger

Unlike a Modern Brilliant Cut, the Old European Cut diamond was cut to enhance the color and draw your eye into the stone. It has a warmer charm and looks best in a vintage or antique setting.

Often, when selling an Old European Cut diamond, you can expect to get 20-30% less than a Modern Brilliant Cut diamond of the same (or similar) specifications in color, clarity, and carat size. This is because the diamond will need to be recut into the modern brilliant style.

Modern Brilliant Cut Diamonds

Most popular, full of fire, and perfect for any setting, Modern Brilliant Cut Diamonds are available in virtually any combination of specifications and price points imaginable (while Old European Cuts are dwindling in supply).

The diamond is cut to enhance its brilliance; they reflect light, dispel color, and bounce light back into the eye of the wearer. Because of the sparkle, they maintain their aesthetic appeal even when the diamond has a lower clarity or color rating.

Modern brilliant Cut diamonds are more expensive than Old European Cuts because the cut results in a greater loss of the original diamond weight. It has a larger table, smaller culet, and leaner and longer facets.

Buying or Selling Old European or Modern Brilliant Cut Diamonds

When buying a diamond, the important thing to remember is to choose the cut of diamond you love the most, regardless of value. If you enjoy vintage or antique designs, you’ll appreciate the charm of the Old European Cut diamond.

If your style is modern, clean, minimalistic, or anything else, select a Modern Brilliant Cut diamond. You’ll also have many more choices in diamonds that fit your price range and specification ratings because this cut of diamond represents 75% of what is produced on the market.

When selling a diamond, your Old European Cut diamond will have less value than a Modern Brilliant Cut diamond. If possible, we recommend getting a GIA certification to ensure you receive the best value possible for your stone. Have more questions? Or want to know what your diamond is worth today? Contact us here.