Diamonds Cuts and Shapes: Old European Cut Diamonds

The word diamond owes its root to the Greek word adamas. In Greek mythology adamas meant something that is invincible. A diamond is formed from the element carbon that has undergone extreme temperature and pressure changes in the Earth's crust. Only 20% of the mined diamonds are made into gemstones, rest are employed for industrial work. Cutting is basically giving the diamond a shape, in which all its facets, including depth and width are in correct proportions.

Diamond Cutting
For a gemologist, cutting a diamond is not just giving it a desired shape. Instead cutting is an important process that becomes a crucial factor in determining the beauty of the gemstone. There are many characteristics for the durability and brilliance of diamonds, and these factors are enhanced by properly cutting them. Diamonds are categorized by grading them under various headings that helps a consumer identify the quality of diamonds. Diamond cuts are graded as ideal, premium, very good, good and fair or poor.

Width and Depth of a Cut Diamond
For a diamond to have brilliance, it is necessary that its width and depth are in proportion. Generally, an 'ideal' cut is considered to be the best cut. Light traveling through an ideal cut diamond favors total internal reflection (a law of physics or optics). The rays that enter from the top, reflect internally within the diamond and exit from its top face. This gives diamonds a bright sparkle. In 'shallow' cut diamonds, light disappears out of the bottom and the stone loses some of its sparkle. This makes shallow cut diamonds appear dark and dull. Even the diamonds that are cut too deep appear listless as light escapes through the sides.

Symmetry of Diamonds
Symmetry of diamonds is of prime importance. Proper alignment of diamonds faces and all its flat and polished surfaces, refine the qualities of diamonds. To the naked eye such changes may not be visible, but in the final finishing they play a major role. Diamonds are graded on their symmetry and hence geometrical precision is a necessity for diamonds. Diamonds under the category of excellent and good symmetries, should be preferred for purchasing.

Shapes of Diamonds
Diamonds of different shapes have unique characteristics. Various shapes of diamonds are round, princess, emerald, asscher, oval, radiant, pear, heart and cushion.

Old European Cut Diamonds
A modern diamond has 3 important parts. The upper or topmost part is called the 'crown', the bottom part is called the 'pavilion'. The part that separates the crown and pavilion is called the 'girdle'. The flat portion on the crown is called as the 'table'. Generally, in modern day diamonds there are 57 - 58 facets or polished surfaces and table is the largest facet in a diamond. A small polished surface at the bottom of the pavilion is called 'culet'. All these factors are made to exact precision, so that maximum brilliance is achieved in a diamond.

Old European cut diamonds fall in the category of antique diamond types. Owing to their geometrical construction and other features, these diamonds were extensively researched for improving the quality of other types of diamonds. Henry Morse and Marcel Tolkowsky (two stalwarts of diamond industry) studied old European cut diamonds. Their study led to the birth of today's round cut diamonds. Old European cut diamonds were in existence prior to modern day diamond cutting techniques. Modern day diamond cutting involves the use of improved and systematic approach in cutting the diamonds, in order to gain maximum brilliance. With the growth of diamond industry throughout the world, many different cutting and polishing techniques evolved.

The peculiar feature of old European cut diamonds is that they a have a small table and a heavy crown. They have a deep body and the culet is normally bigger than other modern cut diamonds. European cut diamonds are either round or oval in shape. This cut was immensely popular in early 1900's. Still, we can find this type of cut in vintage diamond rings and jewelries. The difference between European cut diamonds and modern cut diamonds is that, European cut diamonds are bulky and have higher carat weight. This characteristic of European cut diamonds makes it attractive and unique than other diamond cuts. Besides, the vintage and classic look of old European cut diamonds separates it from modern day diamond cuts, and makes it a popular buy among purchasers.

For thousands of years, diamonds have influenced the world economy and art and culture. Commercially, they form the backbone of the gem and jewelry industry. Africa is the most abundant continent when it comes to diamonds. It accounts for more than half of the world's total diamond production! 'De Beers', the mining giant of South Africa, controls the export of 95% of the nation's diamond production.