![Art Deco French-Cut Diamond Line Bracelet.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/French_Cut_Diamond_Bracelet-300x300.jpg)
![The Basic Design of a French-Cut.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/French_cut_1.jpg)
The term “French-Cut” does not refer to the country of origin, rather It refers to their shape and design. They are recognized by the typical “cross” the crown facets depict. French-cut stones are square or rectangular multifaceted stones. They are derived from making optimal use of dodecahedral diamond crystals.
A french-cut diamond is created by grinding the top of the crystal to create a table. The remaining crystal faces form natural facets that only need slight modeling to make it a symmetrical cut – as can be seen in the image on the right. The outline is squared and the pavilion is cut to 4 plain facets adjusting the angle of the original faces to allow a high light return. Varieties, where the facets described above are divided in half to create more facets, are common.
French-cut diamonds date back to the beginning of the 1400s but they came into fashion in the 17th century when they were favored by royalty and nobility until the brilliant-cut was first introduced. French-cut diamonds regained popularity during the Art Deco Era where they complimented the regular, geometric designs brilliantly.
![Left: the Top View of a Dodecahedron. Right: The Top of a French Cut.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/French_cut_2-300x141.jpg)
Its name is probably derived from the fact that it was more popular in France than anywhere else. You may encounter the term flat-bottomed French-cut. This refers to stones without a pavilion (like a rose cut). Their crowns follow the style of the traditional French-cut.
![French_Cut_Diamond_Table 6.79 Carat French-Cut Diamond, Top View.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/French_Cut_Diamond_Table-q88jzucmcmgmvxain3gshkal581michxzmq1l9rszs.jpg)
![French_Cut_Diamond_Girdle 6.79 Carat French-Cut Diamond, Girdle View.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/French_Cut_Diamond_Girdle-q88k04oufsusfmvhypxoqzonogmnv0mzp1wdvbch3c.jpg)
![French_Cut_Diamond_Pavilion 6.79 Carat French-Cut Diamond, Pavillion View.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/French_Cut_Diamond_Pavilion-q88jzbjujxqwfq1tovc93p1d9ima8efb91obzqjog8.jpg)
![6.79 Carat French-Cut Diamond, Angled View. 6.79 Carat French-Cut Diamond, Angled View.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/6.79-Carat-French-Cut-Diamond-Angled-View.-q88k0fywpta8ayf44ut7kwu6t332fdvrqlq7mmvr0o.jpg)
Sources
- Tillander, Herbert. Diamond Cuts in Historic Jewellery, London, UK, 1995 ISBN 1874044074