Antique Diamond Shapes
How To Choose A Diamond
How to choose between a French cut and a Cushion cut? How to even TELL the difference? Find our guide to the wide and glorious variety of diamond cuts below.Point Cut
This cut is widely thought to be one of the very first faceting diamond shapes created by humans. The octahedral shape is close to that commonly found in many naturally occurring diamonds and the first polishing methods allowed for little more than polishing of the surfaces of the natural diamond. Most point cut diamonds have since been recut using more advanced cutting methods and as a result a point cut diamond is incredibly rare.Table Cut
The Point cut with one tip cut off. It has 4 main facets on the pavilion together with a culet. The crown features four main facets and a table facet. These stones were square or rectangular in shape. Full table cuts have been in fashion throughout the Renaissance. Only a few have survived to see this day; they had excellent proportions to be recut to a modern Brilliant Cut.
Rose Cut
Considered one of the original diamond cuts, the rose cut diamond dates back to the early 1500’s. With anywhere from 3 to 24 triangular facets, this cut peaks into a dome or kite shape which resembles the soft curve of a rose petal.French Cut
French cut diamonds are square or rectangular multifaceted stones which can be recognized by the typical ‘cross’ created from the crown facets. This cut is created by grinding the top of the diamond to create a table leaving the remaining faces to form natural facets that are then cut to make into a symmetrical cut.
Old Mine Cut
An Old Mine cut diamond can be round or slightly off round and has 58 facets similar to that of the modern round brilliant cut. In addition to a different shape, this cut has different diamond proportions. An old mine cut typically has a smaller table, larger culet and higher crown. It also has short lower half facets and a girdle that is very thin in places which gives this diamond a very distinctive look.Old Cushion Cut
The antique cushion cut diamond is a classic and timeless jewel which is a more square or rectangular version of the Old Mine cut. Its pillow-shaped outline, soft, rounded corners, small table, high crown, and large open culet are easily distinguished from other diamond cuts.
Old European Cut
A predecessor of the round brilliant diamond, this cut also has 58 facets and was created in the late 19th century. Its higher crown, smaller table and larger culet gives the stone an incredible depth and presence.Asscher Cut
Is a form of square emerald cut. Asscher cut diamonds are roughly square in shape when viewed from above but have cut corners for more light to enter the diamond. They typically have 50 or 58 facets and their ideal length to width ratio is 1 to 1.04. The Asscher cut was invented in 1902 by Joseph Asscher, the artisan diamond cutter who founded the I.J Asscher Diamond Company, now known as the Royal Asscher Diamond Company. It was the first patented diamond cut, protecting it from replication from other companies The Asscher cut was a staple of art deco jewellery, with its straight lines and brilliance making it perfect for the movement.Transitional Cut
These are diamonds cut from around 1920 through the 1940’s meaning that they were crafted in the era in which the industry was moving from the old mine and old European cuts to the modern round brilliant. Transitional cuts are distinctive for having a low crown with slightly larger table facet and a smaller open culet that European cut diamonds.Client Testimonials
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