Old European Cut Engagement Rings – An Alternative to Lab Grown Diamonds

If you’re interested in an alternative to the modern brilliance of lab-grown diamonds, consider opting for a vintage-inspired engagement ring with an old european cut. It’s a trend that jewelry insiders say is increasing in popularity, particularly among millennials.

The cut is a precursor to the modern brilliant and consists of a tall crown (top section), large culet, and unique sparkle. It’s also rarer than the modern brilliant, which makes it a worthy investment.

Asscher Cut

Asscher Cut is a vintage style diamond that has a nod to Art Deco. This diamond cut is a favorite of bridal jewelry lovers looking to embrace a more antique feel. It pairs perfectly with settings featuring geometric lines, flourishes of color, and unique metalwork to create a ring that evokes a sense of timelessness.

Asscher cut diamonds have a stepped-cut appearance that offers a clean and symmetrical look. This step cut also helps to reveal the untapped clarity of higher grade diamonds.

While Asscher cut is a great option for brides-to-be who want to emphasize the diamond’s quality, it is important to know that Asschers are more prone to showing inclusions than other types of diamond cuts. This is why you should shop for a well-cut stone, and it’s especially critical to look for GIA excellent ratings on Asschers with symmetry grades.

Despite this, Asscher cut is not as prone to damage as other diamond shapes. In fact, it is more resistant to nicks and scratches than baguette, princess, or trilliant cuts.

Another benefit of Asschers is that their octagonal shape can help to protect the four corners that would normally be susceptible to damage. This means that Asschers can be placed in more delicate settings than other cuts, such as a pavé setting or a bezel setting.

While Asscher cut diamonds can be very valuable, they are also known for having a lot of junk in the trunk. This can include small tables, built-up crowns, thick girdles, pavilion bulge, and excessive depth percentage. This can make the diamond appear smaller and stick up higher than it should on the finger.

Emerald Cut

The Emerald Cut is a classic diamond shape that carries an old world charm. Its elongated shape with cropped corners and straight linear facets is a popular choice for engagement rings. Its chiseled step cuts and a long surface table also make it ideal for colorless diamonds.

While the emerald cut is a popular choice for a center stone, it can also be paired with other gemstones in a variety of settings. It’s especially versatile when paired with other diamond cuts like a princess cut.

As with other rectilinear cuts, the length to width ratio is an important factor in the visual appeal of an emerald cut. The optimal length to width ratio is a number that is approximately 1.45 to 1.55.

Another way that the emerald cut differs from other rectilinear styles is in its facet design. The emerald cut is comprised of step-cut facets that are parallel to each other and flat on the surface. This gives it a less sparkly appearance than other contemporary cuts, but still possesses a sophisticated aesthetic.

However, a common drawback of this cut is that it can reveal clarity inclusions more than other cuts do. As a result, it’s important to purchase a high-quality diamond for an emerald cut.

The best way to ensure you’re purchasing an emerald cut diamond that’s high quality is to work with a trusted professional jewelry store. They will know all the ins and outs of this classic style of cut and can help you determine which one is right for you. They’ll be able to do a detailed optical comparison for you, and can even show you a light performance image including ASET and Ideal Scope.

Hexagon Cut

Hexagon cut engagement rings are a unique and modern way to showcase your style. These unusual cuts look great when paired with unique settings and gemstone center stones.

Hexagon diamonds are known for their geometric lines and dazzling sparkle, and they are becoming increasingly popular as a unique and modern alternative to round cut diamonds. Hexagons are also rarer than round-cut diamonds, which adds to their appeal.

There are two types of hexagon diamonds: Brilliant and step-cut. Each has a distinct impact on the brilliance of a hexagon stone, and they can be faceted in different ways.

Brilliant cut hexagons have a facet structure that is remarkably similar to round-cut diamonds, resulting in a stone with megawatt brilliance. Step-cut hexagons, on the other hand, have a facet structure that is much more similar to emerald and Asscher cut diamonds. This faceted arrangement creates a “hall of mirrors” effect, letting light shine through the facets to illuminate the interior of the stone and enchant your eyes.

Hexagon diamonds are available in both lab-grown and ethically mined options, so you can be sure that your ring will contain a genuine gem. They’re typically more expensive than other diamond shapes, but are gaining popularity. This makes them a fantastic option for those who want to show their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly fashion.

Pear Cut

The Pear Cut is one of the most unique diamond shapes, with its rounded head and pointed bottom. This makes the pear shape perfect for both asymmetrical and symmetrical setting designs.

It is a beautiful option for engagement rings, as it offers a unique combination of elegance and sophistication. It’s also a great choice for a halo setting that beautifully enhances the center stone’s brilliance.

Like most asymmetrical cuts, the pear shape can vary in length-to-width proportions. This means that the stone can look slender, long, or plump and tall. The length-to-width ratio of 1.50:1 to 1.75:1 is a good guideline for the ideal look, though it’s important to note that every person’s preference will vary.

A well-cut pear diamond will feature a pleasing shape and a bright, vivid, and colorful display of light. This is due to the high volume of red in the facets of the stone and its ability to rapidly scintillate, helping to hide inclusions.

When shopping for a pear-shaped diamond, be sure to check its symmetry, shape, and clarity imperfections. Many reputable online jewelers offer closeup 360deg videos and expert reviews to help you make your choice.

In addition, it’s important to pay attention to the tip of the diamond’s crown. This area is fragile and may break if it isn’t carefully protected.

It’s also worth paying close attention to the diamond’s girdle, as this will determine how much of the stone’s weight is exposed to light. It should be shaped to avoid bulging areas. It should also have a smooth, even surface that doesn’t show any dark areas or bowties. It should also be polished to ensure that it looks its best.

Princess Cut

The princess cut, also known as the square modified brilliant, is the second most popular diamond shape after the round. It was invented by a man from London named Arpad Nagy in the 1960s, and it has since become a favorite among modern, innovative buyers who are looking for a clean, geometric profile.

The beauty of the princess cut is that it looks larger on the surface than its carat weight, which can make it an excellent choice for those who want a big stone at a more affordable price. In addition, the number of facets is often less than in a round, which can help to reduce the amount of stone wasted by the cutter.

Like all diamond cuts, the quality of a princess cut is based on how well the facets are arranged within the stone. A two chevron patterned facet in a princess will produce large flashes of sparkle while a four chevron patterned facet will be more subtle and create a balance between brilliance and dispersion.

Scintillation is another important feature of the princess cut. While a princess cut diamond may not show as much color as a round, it does have some of the most impressive scintillation.

Unlike rounds, princess cuts can be harder to grade. Most gemological laboratories don’t report on the overall cut quality of fancy diamond shapes, so it’s up to you and your retailer to determine whether or not a diamond is truly eye-clean.

You can use online diamond vendors to find the best princess cut diamonds for your budget and style preferences. Look for reputable online stores with a great reputation, high-quality products and strong after-sales policies. You can also ask for a free evaluation from an expert at the vendor.

Old European Cut Engagement Rings – An Alternative to Lab Grown Diamonds