Yes, old European cut diamonds can be valuable. This is because natural, authentically antique old European cuts are considered quite rare, as they have usually already found their homes in pieces of antique jewelry. They aren't widely produced now in the era of the lab diamond, plus their charm makes the most sense in a less ""perfect"" diamond, with lower color and clarity grades.

There's something very sentimental about a uniquely cut diamond that has survived for so long, gone through so many wearers, and represented so much love. It's no surprise, then, that so many modern jewelry clients want a vintage-inspired ring with an authentically antique diamond. That demand, coupled with the low supply, makes for a diamond of great monetary value.

The old-European cut is like the grand dame of diamonds—timeless, elegant, and steeped in history. Its defining features are those soft, round shapes and chunky facets that give it a distinct glow under candlelight. There’s something innately romantic about these diamonds; they harken back to an era where subtlety and warmth were prized over fiery brilliance, making them the ultimate expression of vintage luxury. Whether set in antique jewelry or cherished as heirlooms, old-European cuts carry an air of sophistication and romance that’s hard to replicate.

Now, the transitional cut is a bit like the rebellious niece of the old-European cut. Emerging in a period when tastes were shifting, it reflects the desire for something more modern—a step toward the brilliance and fire we associate with today's round brilliant cut. Transitional cuts strike a perfect balance between old-world charm and the newer, flashier aesthetic. They have smaller, more refined facets compared to old-European cuts, giving them increased sparkle while still retaining a touch of vintage allure.

Think of the transitional cut as a bridge, uniting the warm glow of the past with the dazzling brilliance of the present. Both styles are utterly gorgeous, and each tells its own story—one steeped in tradition, the other hinting at change and evolution. Which story resonates with you?

Old-European cut diamonds truly embody rarity and charm, akin to exquisite vintage treasures that aren't merely discovered without effort. These gems are reminiscent of cherished hand-me-downs, each with a story to tell, rooted deeply in history. This uniqueness stems from their creation; many Old-European cut diamonds were meticulously crafted over a century ago, entirely by hand. Unlike the contemporary dazzlers that catch our eye today, these diamonds boast a distinctiveness born of their manual cutting process. Artisans of the past took the original rough diamond and, with careful precision, shaped it to enhance its natural beauty, ensuring that each facet reflected light in a way that modern machinery simply cannot replicate.

The process of creating an Old-European cut diamond was not about adhering to a standard of uniform brilliance but about accentuating the best aspects of each individual diamond. This approach resulted in gems with soft, romantic glows, each unique from the next, truly one of a kind. While modern technology has allowed for the creation of lab-grown Old-Euro diamonds, laser-cut to mimic this antique style, finding a natural, handcrafted Old-European cut diamond is a rare and exciting discovery. The allure of these diamonds isn't just in their beauty but in their rarity and the connection to the past that they represent, making each natural Old-European cut diamond a precious and sought-after jewel.

Short answer? Yes! But, keep in mind that while lab-grown old European cuts are still made today, they are harder to come by, and they are machine-cut, not hand-cut like an antique diamond would be. Plus, most lab diamond manufacturers prime their growing environment so that diamonds can have maximum near-colorlessness and clarity. So while you can find a lab-grown old European cut diamond, it may lack the old world charm you crave.

That said, our gemologists at Frank Darling are here to curate a selection of diamonds that speak to your personal taste. Let us know your preferences ahead of your showroom appointment, and we'll do our best to find the perfect stones to choose from.

Both of these stones feature a round silhouette, but the old European cut is considered the "grandfather" of the round brilliant cut. Old European cut diamonds have a deeper pavilion (bottom of the stone), higher crown (the "muffin top" of the stone, as we like to call it) and a smaller table (the flat surface that sits at the top of the stone). They also have the chunkier facets reminiscent of an era when diamonds were cut by hand. Meanwhile, round brilliants are considered the next evolution of the old European cut. They optimized the cut for more sparkle by adding more facets. The round brilliant also has more "spread" (meaning the diamond delivers more finger coverage per carat). Both are great, but if you really want the antique charm of a bygone era, the old European cut will be great for you.

The world is your oyster, darling. But we have suggestions. Since the old European diamond is an antique cut, we love this style in an antique-inspired setting with hand-finished details. Think clusters, two-tone details, engraving, filigree, milgrain and the like.

We also think the juxtaposition of a vintage diamond cut and a modern cool girl setting with sculptural gold (such as our Noodle setting) could be very bold and interesting.

As always, we’re here to bring your vision to life. Come visit our showroom, where you can try on hundreds of settings and design a completely custom old European engagement ring.

Yes! An old European cut engagement ring is a straightforward cut when it comes to upkeep. Its rounded silhouette means there are no sharp corners to snag or chip. The faceting doesn’t leave many nooks and crannies for dirt, grime and oils to sneak in, so all you need to clean is a gentle scrub. While all fine jewelry deserves a little TLC, the round cut doesn't demand constant fussing, making it a great option if you’re trying to avoid something high maintenance.