What is an old European diamond?

An old European diamond is one that features an Old European gemstone cut. This type of cut became popular during the Art Deco period and has a round shape with 58 central facets. You'll find a variety of European cut diamond gemstone jewelry on 1stDibs.

How old is an old European cut diamond?

How 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.

Are old European cut diamonds worth more?

Yes, 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.

Are old European cut diamonds valuable?

Although old European cut diamonds are often priced lower than modern cuts, due to scarcity, they can sometimes be more valuable than modern cut diamonds.

When did old European cut diamonds stop?

Jewelry 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.

Old European Marquise Diamond

Art Deco Marquise Cut Ring

1920s Platinum Art Deco Diamond Bracelet

Antique Yellow Sapphire Ring

Marquise Cut 3 Carat Blue Diamond Ring

1920s Deco Cocktail Rings

Gold Navette Ring

Marquise Sapphire Engagement Ring

Victorian 1880 Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring

Old European Marquise Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate old european marquise diamond for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, Platinum and 18k Gold — can elevate any look. If you’re looking for an old european marquise diamond from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 20th Century. Today, if you’re looking for an old european cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes marquise cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for an old european marquise diamond, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is an Old European Marquise Diamond?

The price for an old european marquise diamond starts at $1,864 and tops out at $38,921 with these rings, on average, selling for $5,132.

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.

Questions About Old European Marquise Diamond

What is an old European diamond?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
An old European diamond is one that features an Old European gemstone cut. This type of cut became popular during the Art Deco period and has a round shape with 58 central facets. You'll find a variety of European cut diamond gemstone jewelry on 1stDibs.
How old is an old European cut diamond?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
How 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.
Are old European cut diamonds worth more?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021
Yes, 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.
Are old European cut diamonds valuable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Although old European cut diamonds are often priced lower than modern cuts, due to scarcity, they can sometimes be more valuable than modern cut diamonds.
When did old European cut diamonds stop?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Jewelry 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.