What is an Old European Cut diamond? It's actually an official cut of diamond that they don't make anymore. If you see an Old European Cut diamond, it is vintage. In my opinion, that is what makes it special. You can't get an OEC at Costco or Blue Nile or jewelry stores at the mall.
Old European cut was the prevailing style from the 1890s to the 1930s. These diamonds are the grandfathers of the modern round brilliant cut.
Look at the stone on the left vs the right. See how the left has larger facets (triangles)? See how the one on the right has thinner slivers? Picture a very wide piece of pizza vs. a very thin piece of pizza. The left is OEC, the right is the more modern round brilliant. Round brilliants have more sparkle, are very beautiful, and very popular. OEC were hand cut during a time when diamonds weren't as available. They have more "fire" and show a prism of colors.
"Both the Old European & round brilliant cuts have either 57 or 58 facets, but the shape and placement of those facets gives each cut its distinctive personality. Whereas vintage diamonds were cut for color, modern round brilliant diamonds, as their name suggests, are cut for brilliance. Light is intended to go into the diamond and bounce right back out into the eye of the beholder. This creates the bling that has become ubiquitous in modern jewelry. Antique stones capture light differently, drawing the eye in rather than immediately radiating sparkle out."
Which do you prefer? The sparkle of the modern round brilliant? The charm of an older stone?
You know I love vintage, so you can probably guess that my engagement ring is Old European Cut!
Thanks to Erstwhile for the photo & description.