What is the difference between an European cut and a brilliant cut diamond?

Answer 1

European cut diamonds have the same amount of facets and tables as brilliant cut diamonds but were cut by hand. They would have been created after 1919 when Marcel Tolkowsky developed the round brilliant cut proportions, but before technology allowed for people to cut diamonds in a precise and even fashion. The main difference between brilliant cut and European cut diamonds, other than time period, is that the proportions. Because European cut diamonds were made without advances in technology, the proportions are usually imperfect, where as brilliant cut diamonds are supposed to be exact.

Answer 2

The European cut refers to an antique type of diamond cut and is the predecessor of the brilliant cut diamond and has a vintage feel to them. The overall shape of the stone is round, though some European cuts may be slight ovals due to the imprecise cutting methods used in the early days when diamonds were first cut. A brilliant cut diamond is a refined version of the European cut due to advancements in cutting technology.