The round brilliant cut diamond as we know it today is a result of decades of evolution and optimization in the art of diamond cutting. It is most directly descended from the transitional cut diamond, which is not a cut that is discussed too often but is absolutely exquisite and should be considered when looking for old cut diamonds.
What is a Transitional Cut Diamond?
A transitional cut is a diamond cut that was developed in the late 1920s, as a transition between the Old European Cut (OEC) and the modern Round Brilliant Cut (RBC). The transitional cut diamond is characterized by its round shape and 57 or 58 facets, like the Round Brilliant Cut, but with a higher crown and a deeper pavilion than the Round Brilliant Cut. This results in a diamond that has a slightly more antique look than the modern Round Brilliant Cut, while still maintaining the brightness and fire of the modern cut.
Because the GIA doesn’t have a specific categorization for the transitional cut, it’s worth noting that the term "transitional cut" can also refer to any diamond cut that was developed as a transition between two different styles or periods. For example, the Princess Cut, which was developed in the 1960s, could also be considered a transitional cut, as it marked a transition between the traditional round and square cuts of the time.
HOWEVER, the transitional cuts we are talking about today are specific to the transition between old cut diamonds and more modern cuts, from 1920s - 1950s. These specific transitional cut diamonds are often sought after by collectors and vintage jewelry enthusiasts due to their unique blend of vintage and modern characteristics. They are also popular among those looking for a more unique and antique-looking diamond for an engagement ring.
Characteristics of Transitional Cut Diamonds
The transitional cut diamond bridges the chunky old Euro diamonds of the old world and the flashy brilliant stones of today. These beauties manage to have an old world feel while maintaining that mega modern round brilliant sparkle.
Transitional cut diamonds tend to retain the round shape that is typical of Old European Cut Diamonds but exhibit improved symmetry and proportions closer to the modern round brilliant. They generally have 58 facets, similar to both Old European Cut and modern cuts, but with notable differences in the size and placement of these facets. The table is larger than that of the Old European Cut, allowing more light to enter the diamond and increasing its sparkle. The crown height is lower, and the pavilion is shallower, which helps to optimize light reflection within the stone.
One of the distinguishing features of transitional cut diamonds is the size of the culet. Transitional cuts often have a smaller culet compared to Old European Cut Diamonds, where the culet was sometimes quite large and easily visible. The reduced culet size in transitional cuts means there is less light leakage through the bottom of the diamond, enhancing overall brilliance.
Transitional cut diamonds show a marked improvement in symmetry and proportions over Old European Cut Diamonds. These enhancements result from better cutting tools and techniques developed during the early 20th century. The greater precision in cutting allowed for more uniformity in the facets, leading to a more consistent and appealing light performance.
The transitional Cut Diamonds combination of larger table, lower crown, and shallower pavilion enhances its ability to reflect light. While Old European Cut Diamonds were designed by and for candlelight, transitional cuts were tailored for the brighter electric lights of the era. This results in a diamond that sparkles more intensely and has a better balance of brilliance and fire.
Some stones exhibit the famous checkerboard pattern which is one of the more unique characteristics of the Transitional Cut Diamond. These diamonds were cut from the 1920’s to 1940’s and represent a very unique time in history.
The History of Transitional Cut Diamonds
Like all good things in life though, we should ask “Why?” Why do we have transitional cut diamonds and how did they come to be? Well, I’m glad you asked. If you’ve read any of our other blogs, you’ll know that prior to this era, all diamonds were cut by hand and the dim lighting available at the time - resulting in what we call “Old Mine Cuts” or “Old European Cuts.” In 1876, American Charles M. Field acquired a patent for the first modern diamond cutting machine, because of this, Transitional Cuts are sometimes referred to as Early American Cuts. This machine, the diamond lathe, was powered by steam and diamond saws and wasn’t foolproof. Because they were learning as they used it, every transitional cut diamond is fairly unique - their ultimate hope was to achieve the best possible light performance for each stone. This was important to Field and his boss, David Morse, because electrical light was becoming more pervasive in society, meaning that diamond cutters were not only using it to cut, but that their work would be scrutinized under it as well. This is the reason transitional cut diamonds featured a wide range of proportions, angles, and facet numbers - to ensure the quality of light performance, striving for brilliance and scintillation. The cuts were based on the stone, not on any particular set of criteria, as they are today. Thirty years later, the proportions were mathematically perfected by famous diamond cutter Marcel Tolkowsky and eventually resulted in the modern round brilliant cut as we know it today.
How To Identify a Transitional Cut Diamond (Visual Checklist)
The transitional cut diamond bridges the chunky old Euro diamonds of the old world and the flashy brilliant stones of today. These beauties manage to have an old-world feel while maintaining that modern round brilliant sparkle. They feature larger tables, a lower crown, and a smaller culet than earlier old European cuts—but because cutters were still refining techniques at the time, transitional cuts can vary widely in angles, proportions, and facet patterns. Some stones even exhibit the distinctive “checkerboard” pattern, one of the more unique visual traits of this cut.
Cut primarily from the 1920s to the 1940s, transitional cut diamonds represent a pivotal moment in diamond-cutting history—where craftsmanship began shifting from hand-cut artistry to precision-based brilliance. Here are some key characteristics to look for:
More Symmetry than Old European Cuts
Transitional diamonds show noticeable improvements in symmetry as cutting techniques became more refined, though they are not as perfectly calibrated as modern round brilliants.
Smaller Culet (Sometimes Nearly Absent)
Unlike old European cuts, which often have a large, visible culet, transitional cuts typically feature a much smaller culet—or none at all—resulting in a more continuous sparkle.
Larger Table than Antique Cuts
The table facet is noticeably larger than in earlier antique cuts, allowing for increased light reflection and a brighter overall appearance.
Improved Light Return
Transitional cuts were an early step toward maximizing brilliance, offering more sparkle and light performance compared to their predecessors.
Lower Crown
The crown height begins to decrease compared to old European cuts, contributing to a more modern face-up look.
Thinner Pavilion and Shorter Lower Girdle Facets
These evolving proportions help enhance brilliance while still maintaining some of the broader, chunkier facet patterns associated with antique diamonds.
Rough Girdle
Many transitional cut diamonds retain a slightly rough or unpolished girdle, a remnant of earlier cutting methods before fully standardized finishing techniques.
Together, these features create a diamond that sits perfectly between two worlds—retaining vintage character while introducing the brilliance and performance that would eventually define the modern round brilliant cut.
How Transitional Cut Diamonds Perform (Light & Sparkle)
One of the most compelling aspects of a transitional cut diamond is how it handles light. Sitting between antique and modern cutting styles, these diamonds offer a unique balance of sparkle that appeals to collectors and modern buyers alike.
Unlike old European cuts, which are known for their softer, more diffused glow, transitional cuts were an early attempt to maximize brilliance. As cutting techniques improved in the early 20th century, diamond cutters began experimenting with proportions that would better reflect and return light to the eye.
The result is a stone that delivers:
Brighter Overall Light Return than Antique Cuts
Transitional diamonds reflect more light due to improved symmetry and proportioning, making them visibly more brilliant than their predecessors.
A Mix of “Chunky” and “Pinfire” Sparkle
You’ll often see a blend of broad, bold flashes (common in antique cuts) alongside smaller, faster scintillation that begins to resemble modern round brilliants.
More Consistent Brilliance Across the Stone
Thanks to better alignment of facets, light performance is less patchy than earlier cuts, though still not as mathematically optimized as modern diamonds.
A Softer, Less “Perfect” Sparkle than Modern Cuts
Transitional diamonds don’t have the ultra-precise, uniform brilliance of today’s round brilliants—which is exactly why many buyers are drawn to them. The sparkle feels more organic and less engineered.
In many ways, transitional cut diamonds offer the “best of both worlds”: more life and brilliance than antique stones, with more character and depth than modern cuts.
Why Choose a Transitional Cut Diamond?
Choosing a transitional cut diamond comes down to finding the balance between character, performance, and individuality. One of the biggest reasons buyers are drawn to transitional cuts is their rarity and value. These diamonds were only produced for a relatively short window—from the 1920s to the 1940s—and many have since been recut into modern round brilliants. As a result, the supply is limited, and no two stones are exactly alike. Despite this, transitional cuts are often undervalued compared to other antique diamonds, making them an appealing option for buyers looking for something distinctive without paying a premium for more well-known cuts.
Another key consideration is how beautifully these diamonds pair with different settings. Because transitional cuts sit stylistically between antique and modern, they are incredibly versatile:
- Art Deco or vintage-inspired settings highlight their historical roots and create an authentic, period-correct look
- Simple solitaire settings allow the diamond’s unique facet pattern and light performance to take center stage
- Halo settings can enhance perceived size and add extra brilliance while still complementing the stone’s character
Ultimately, a transitional cut diamond is ideal for someone who wants a ring that feels both timeless and unique—something with history, personality, and a level of craftsmanship that stands apart from today’s standardized cuts.
Today, they are becoming increasingly rare as many are being recut to fully modern round brilliant cuts. This cut was around for such a short period that GIA doesn’t even categorize it as its own cut. They use different names to describe transitional cuts like “Round Brilliant” or “Circular Brilliant.” In fact, sometimes they even call Old European Cuts “Circular Brilliant”. The differences for their names are minuscule and are very technical. GIA counts facets and % of proportions. If a stone has a small table, open culet (they are traditionally small for transitional cuts), large facets, medium to thick griddle, deep pavilion, it’s very likely a Transitional Cut. The culet makes all the difference as Modern Round Brilliants don’t have a culet at all.
In response to some of this confusion and misappropriation, GIA introduced the “Circular Brilliant” in 2014 and this categorization does include some Transitional Cuts. Regardless of GIA categorization, a true transitional cut has its own character and remains one of the important cuts in diamond history. We’d be happy to help you on your search in finding one!
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