Old European Cut Diamond Cross
Antique Mid-19th Century French Victorian Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Gold
20th Century American Edwardian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique 19th Century Necklace Enhancers
Diamond, Platinum
American Brooches
18k Gold
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Necklace Enhancers
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century French More Jewelry
Vintage 1920s French Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold
Antique 1890s Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Vintage 1910s British Victorian Wedding Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1930s European Dangle Earrings
Platinum
Unknown Cocktail Rings
Diamond
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Fashion Rings
18k Gold
Late 20th Century Belle Époque Dome Rings
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Cluster Rings
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
20th Century English Art Deco Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Drop Necklaces
White Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 1880s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 1880s French Late Victorian Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
20th Century American Victorian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique 1850s Belgian Romantic Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century Scarves
Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Wedding Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 1890s British Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s British Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco More Jewelry
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Antique 1890s Victorian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 1880s British Victorian Band Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Late Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold...
Vintage 1910s Edwardian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
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Old European Cut Diamond Cross For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is an Old European Cut Diamond Cross?
The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023How old an old European-cut diamond is varies. The old European cut is a precursor to the modern round brilliant cut. The stone appears circular when looked at from the top (because of its low table or largest facet) and has a high crown (the part above the middle of the stone) with larger facets. The tip of the stone, or the culet, is flat instead of pointed. This style was used predominantly in the 19th century, hence the name. It is best to consult a certified appraiser for assistance with dating and identifying antique jewelry. On 1stDibs, find a variety of European-cut diamond jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Although old European cut diamonds are often priced lower than modern cuts, due to scarcity, they can sometimes be more valuable than modern cut diamonds.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Jewelry makers stopped using the old European cut for diamond and other gemstone jewelry around 1930. The style was common during the Art Deco period, but the brilliant cut became popular in the years that followed. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Old European cut diamond gemstone jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021Yes, old European cut diamonds can be worth more than many other cut diamonds as they are not produced anymore. This cut was developed and popularized between the years 1890 and 1930 and is likely to be found in an antique ring belonging to this period and featuring a round-cut diamond.