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Old European cut diamonds are the so-called “grandfathers of the modern round brilliant cut.” It’s the dominant style between 1890 and 1930, the style that was popularized after diamond cutting stopped becoming crude.

The old European cut has a very distinctive look, which is appealing to specific groups of diamond enthusiasts. Similar to the old mine cut, the old European cut has these features - a high crown, a tiny table, and an open culet. Instead of having a perfect point, the cut is done straight across, so the bottom is flat.

The unique features of the old European cut diamonds are made more apparent when compared to modern cuts, particularly the round brilliant cuts, which are the most popular types of cuts today. Old European cut diamonds have thick triangular blocks while the modern round cuts have thinner facets.

Those passionate about diamonds will have at least one old European cut diamond in their collection for sure. It can very well be a family heirloom – a vintage engagement ring that a grandmother thought sweet to keep for her granddaughter, among other touching stories.

Of course, note that not all old European cut diamonds are going to look the same, even if they share these common features. Also, remember that old European cut diamonds were cut primarily for carat weight instead of their brilliance. Therefore, there is no use griping that they do not seem to be sparkling like the modern brilliant-cut diamonds. These old European cut diamonds were cut and polished with candlelight as the main inspiration – soft and luminous instead of sparkling and glittery.

If you are looking to add one in your own diamond collection, here are the top 10 Old European cut diamond rings and where you can buy them. If you are planning to propose to your girlfriend, give one for someone special in your life this Christmas, these are the perfect choices!

They are from reputable diamond vendors that you can check out for all your other diamond needs. Shop away!

#1 Masterwork Cushion Halo Vaulted Milgrain Diamond Engagement Ring with Surprise Diamonds, Ritani, $5920

Photo From Ritani
Masterwork Cushion Halo Vaulted Milgrain Diamond Engagement Ring with Surprise Diamonds Photo From Ritani

Ritani has a good collection of vintage engagement rings, which mostly come with old European cut diamonds, and the Masterwork Cushion Halo Vaulted Milgrain Diamond Engagement Ring with Surprise Diamonds is a good choice. It is manufactured in the USA. Size can be adjusted.

#2 Heirloom Old European Cut Diamond Ring in Modern Rose Gold Diamond Halo .89 CT L/VS2 GI A, Eragem, $4820

The primary stone in this gorgeous ring is an old European cut diamond weighing 0.89 carats and yet, has the most amazing sparkle. Placed in a four-prong setting, the diamond is surrounded by a halo, scallop set comprised of a total of 20 round brilliant cut diamonds.

On each shoulder are 10 roud brilliant cut diamonds. Regardless of the number of diamonds on this one, it still looks dainty and precious as opposed to obnoxiously glittery.

Give this to your special someone this Christmas and watch how her breath catch.

HEIRLOOM OLD EUROPEAN CUT DIAMOND RING IN MODERN ROSE GOLD DIAMOND HALO .89CT L/VS2 GIA
HEIRLOOM OLD EUROPEAN CUT DIAMOND RING IN MODERN ROSE GOLD DIAMOND HALO .89CT L/VS2 GIA From Eragem

#3 0.80CT Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, Amazon, $2,999

At the center of this beautiful ring is an old European cut diamond with the following characteristics: 0.70cttw, K-L color, and VS2 clarity. It is surrounded by 12 small round cut sides diamonds, making the ring as gorgeous as it could be. Size can be adjusted to fit.

diamond 3
0.80CT Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring From Amazon

#4 Vera, 1.25 Pinkish Brown Old European Cut Diamond Ring, Victor Barbone, 12,900.00

1.25 Pinkish Brown Old European Cut Diamond Ring
1.25 Pinkish Brown Old European Cut Diamond Ring from Victor Barbone From Victor Barbone

Unique among these rings, this one has an old European cut diamond in pinkish-brown hue that looks as pretty with SI1 clarity. This Vera 1.25 ring – a vintage-inspired VB-made diamond ring, places the old European cut diamond in an 18 karat yellow gold setting, making the ring look even more precious. A total of 10 champagne diamonds are bead-set into the shoulders. This allows the ring to look luminous from the center and the sides as well. Size can be adjusted to fit.

#5 Allure, 1.55 Old European Cut Diamond Band, Victor Barbone, $4,000

Allure 1.55
Allure 1.55 from Victor Barbone from Victor Barbone

If you cannot settle for just one old European cut diamond in your ring, get this Allure 1.55 ring instead. It is a VB-made 6-stone ring, featuring a total of 6 old European cut diamonds of Champagne hue. From afar, it will look like a simple gold band, perfect when you are going for that look. The Allure features VS-SI clarity and totals 1.55 carats. The stones are placed in an 18-karat yellow gold setting.

#6 Manny Large Cluster Vintage Engagement Ring, Victor Barbone, $19,900

Manny From Victor Barbone
Manny From Victor Barbone From Victor Barbone

Looking for a larger, cluster ring featuring old European cut diamonds instead? The Manny ring will be perfect for you. The company describes it as an authentic vintage ring right from the Edwardian era – so this is certainly going to be a conversation piece whenever you sport it in on your finger. Featuring a GIA certified 2.98-carat old European cut diamond of N color of SI1 clarity, the ring is simply breathtaking.

Clustering the center diamond is a total of 16 old European cut diamonds. All these diamonds come to a total of 0.70 carats. Apart from these, a small rose cut diamond is added into the split shoulders, making the ring feel dainty even with its large size, project a beautiful floral look. Size can be adjusted to fit.

#7 The Cherlyn Ring, Brilliant Earth, $11,700

Weighing approximately 1.51 total carats, the Cherlyn features a GIA-certified old European cut diamond placed in a platinum setting. The band has nicely engraved while single cut diamond accents surround the center stone. Even though old European cut diamonds are not the most sparkly out there, the design of this ring makes it genuinely sparkle from all angles.

The Cherlyn Ring
The Cherlyn Ring From Brilliant Earth From Brilliant Earth

#8 The Thistlewood Ring, Brilliant Earth, $3,490

Another Retro-era beauty, the Thistlewoord ring, showcases true artisanal craftsmanship. Wearing it will be quite an experience, even though it features just a piece of old European cut diamond at the center. Some diamond accents are placed on each shoulder set with their individual sculptural prongs, giving the wearer a touch of elegance at just 0.79-carat weight.

The Thistlewood Ring
The Thistlewood Ring from Brilliant Earth From Brilliant Earth

#9 Double French-Set Band Engagement Ring, Ritani, $3,260

This 14kt white gold beauty featuring a round brilliant cut diamond is a perfect engagement ring. As opposed to prongs, French-set diamonds are placed close to each other where light can enter the exposed sides, allowing for maximum sparkle. The ring also showcases exquisite detailing on the sides. Indeed, there’s no better pairing than diamonds and precious metal, making this double French-set band engagement ring sparkle and shine worthy of anyone’s collection.

Double French-Set Band Engagement Ring
Double French-Set Band Engagement Ring from Ritani From Ritani

#10 Laney, Victor Barbone. $5,750

The Laney is an Edwardian-era Filigree engagement ring. Featuring an old European cut diamond weighing 0.83 carats and of VS2 clarity, it is a good addition to your partner’s collection or if you are looking for that gorgeous ring to give when you propose.

The diamond is of J-color and a bezel placed in a platinum setting. A total of 46 rose-cut diamonds accent the bezel-set, which makes this ring a total of 0.20 carats.

Laney
Laney from Victor Barbone from Victor Barbone