Which term refers to an early brilliant cut with a circular girdle?

• A. Old Mine Cut
• B. Old European Cut
• C. Rose Cut
• D. Coning

Answer: (B)

Old European Cut is the term for an early brilliant cut that is round in outline and features a circular girdle. This style emerged as a refinement of the Old Mine Cut to improve light return while preserving an antique look, typically with a deep crown, a small table, and a relatively large culet that gives that characteristic warm, vintage brilliance. The Old Mine Cut is more square or cushion-like with a less perfectly circular girdle, and the Rose Cut is flat-topped and non-brilliant, while Coning is a manufacturing term rather than a historic cut name.