European Cut????What is it?

[sirkclower]

I keep seeing some stones advertised on Ebay that are "European Cut." What exactly is that and how does one know what it is worth?
Thanks

 

[oldminer]

These are diamonds cut at the end of the 1800's and into the early 1900's. They tend to be round, but have different facet lengths and larger than standard culet sizes. The rsult is a diamond similar to a modern cut, but a bit lumpier usually and with a different "look" to the eye becasue the light is reflected somewhat differently.They are worth pretty much the same as modern cut diamonds as their relative rarity makes up for most of their shortcomings in terms of cutting efficiency. Some fine quality ones would command a premium as so few fine stones have not been already recut to modern shaping.------------------
David Atlas
Accredited Gem Appraisers