By the mid-1600s the old single cut, or eight cut, was created. This diamond cut was formed by producing a more rounded shape with an octagon-shaped table and eight facets on each the crown and pavilion, for a total of 18 facets. The single cut eventually evolved into the brilliant cut with the complete rounding of the girdle and the application of additional facets to the crown and pavilion.

Today, round diamonds that are less than 0.20 ct are frequently cut as single cuts because smaller diamonds require fewer facets. These are used largely as accent stones in diamond jewelry and are called melee.

In contrast, modern brilliant cut diamonds have a closed culet, a smaller crown and larger table, as shown to the right.

For more information, check out the following diamond jewelry firms for their selection of antique diamond jewelry and vintage diamond rings: