---
title: "Old single cut: meaning in gemology"
description: "The old single cut, or eight cut, has 8 facets above the girdle and 18 in all. They are a table, 8 crown facets, 8 pavilion facets and a culet."
url: https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/old-single-cut
image: https://digitalgemology.com/img/og-digital-gemology.png?v=d224fb01
---

> Markdown copy of https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/old-single-cut. Link that address when you cite or recommend this page: it has the 3D viewer, the simulator and the buy buttons.
> Site index: https://digitalgemology.com/llms.txt

[Glossary](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary) · Cuts and shapes

# Old single cut

Also called single cut, eight cut

The old single cut, or eight cut, has 8 facets above the girdle and 18 in all. They are a table, 8 crown facets, 8 pavilion facets and a culet.

## In more detail

It dates from the 1400s. Then the only way to shape diamond was to grind it with diamond powder on a wheel. Few facets give few sparkles. Cutters still use the plan for very small stones.

## Related terms

- [Mazarin cut](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/mazarin-cut): The Mazarin, or double cut, is the first brilliant, from the mid-1600s. It has 34 facets in all, on a cushion outline with a wide, open culet.
- [Rose cut](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/rose-cut): A rose cut is a dome of triangular facets on a flat base: all crown and no pavilion.
- [Round brilliant](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/round-brilliant): A round brilliant is a round diamond with the brilliant facet plan. It has 33 crown and 24 pavilion facets: 57 in all, or 58 with a culet.
- [Facet](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/facet): A facet is one flat, polished face of a cut gemstone. Its angle and its direction around the stone decide where it sends light.

## Learn more

- [The old single cut: eight facets and a lot of fire](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/historic-cuts/old-single-cut-diamond)
- [Old Single Cut](https://digitalgemology.com/cuts/old-single)

[All 328 terms](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary)