What is an Old Mine Cut Diamond?

Old Mine Cut Diamonds are vintage diamonds that were popular between the early 1700s to late 1800s. Offering a softer glow than many modern sparkling diamonds, it is considered the predecessor to the modern cushion-cut diamond. 

The Old Mine Cut Diamond is characterized by its square or ‘cushion’-like shape, high crown, small table, and large culet. It has 58 facets, producing a soft, romantic sparkle suited for soft lighting. 

Today, they are antiquities and are highly prized for their vintage character and rarity. Collectors and those who want a piece of history are willing to pay high prices for stones that serve as heirlooms. 

What Makes an Old Mine Cut Diamond so Unique?

Aside from being very rare, Old Mine Cut diamonds have unique characteristics that set them apart from modern diamonds. 

This is primarily because they were handcrafted under candlelight (this was the era of pre-electricity, after all). They were therefore designed to sparkle with beauty under that flickering, soft candle glow. That’s a totally different approach to the bright, LED flattering standards of the late 20th and early 21st century. 

The 58 hand-cut facets are larger and less precise too, giving a ‘hall of mirrors’ sparkle. As a result, you’ll see a romantic, warm glow with broad flashes of light and not the modern non-stop sparkle of modern diamonds. 

More so, as they were hand-cut, no two Old Mine Cut Diamonds are alike. They’ll all have slightly different appearances, even given the remarkable craftsmanship on display with rudimentary tools. 

Types of Old Mine Cut Diamonds

There are also various types of Old Mine Cut Diamonds. While the cushion-shaped design is the ‘standard’ for the term, there are subgroups that you may be interested in:

• Old European Cut Diamond: A rounder shape, but with 58-hand cut facets like the Old Mine Cut

• Old Mine Asscher: Square, with cropped corners, these are similar to modern ‘Asscher’ diamonds but with a more chunky and less precise cut. 

• Old Mine Emerald: Very similar to modern emerald cuts, but with large cutlets in the center of the stone. 

• Old Mine Cushion Cut: Very similar to the Old Mine Cut, but with a more obvious ‘cushion’ cut (similar to the shape of a modern cushion shape). However, these diamonds were very elongated and may be referred to as an ‘antique cushion cut diamond’ or ‘brilliant-cut old mine diamond’. This is the diamond Taylor Swift revealed to be her engagement ring in 2025!

Old Mine Cut vs. Old European Cut vs. Modern Cuts

It’s important to note the differences between Old Mine Cut and Old European Cut Diamonds. 

• Old Mine Cuts have a squarish, cushion-like shape with rounded corners. You can also notice chunky, hand-cut facets, a high crown, and a small table. 

• Old European Cuts have a rounder shape (much like the modern round brilliant). They also have 58 assets, but are hand-cut, with a small table, high crown, and large culet. Like Old Mine Cuts, they’re far less precise than modern cuts but still more consistent than Mine Cuts. 

• Modern Cuts, such as Round Brilliants and Cushion Brilliants, are perfectly symmetrical, having been crafted with advanced technology and mathematical optimization. They therefore have maximized brilliance and fire, with near-perfect cuts very possible. 

Why Choose an Old Mine Cut Diamond?

Value

If you’re a collector or looking for an heirloom, then an old mine-cut diamond is a fine choice. While technically speaking, they’re no more valuable than any other diamond, their antique rarity makes them a truly unique purchase.

Note, however, that the average jeweler won’t know how to evaluate or even truly identify antique stones like Old Mine Cut Diamonds. They may even consider it to be of low value when they see the ‘poor’ diamond cut, failing to understand the antique value. 

Light Play

Compared to modern diamonds, Old Mine Cut Diamonds have a unique liveness as they were designed under candlelight. This makes them offer a soft, romantic glow that is hard to find, if not impossible, to find in modern diamond designs. 

Unique Character

Vintage Old Mine Cut Diamonds are always unique, at least in a minor way. This is because they were hand-cut, with old-school tools. Each one features slight irregularities that make it one of a kind, giving it a true personality and charm that is harder to find in modern diamonds. 

Large Appearance on the Finger

With a deep pavilion and a cushion-like shape, Old Mine Cut Diamonds look bigger than their carat weight would otherwise suggest. As a result, you get a gorgeous diamond with a bold illusion of size. 

Do Old Mine Cut Diamonds Make for Good Engagement Rings?

Yes! Old Mine Cut Diamonds are a very romantic choice of engagement ring, offering true personality and vintage value. If your partner values individuality and artistry, it’s not going to disappoint. 

However, note that there isn’t that sharp brilliance of modern diamonds. But, instead of a softer, moody glow. 

If it’s good enough for Taylor Swift, who’s to argue?

FAQs on Old Mine Cut Diamonds

What Is The Difference Between An Old Mine Cut And An Old European Cut Diamond?

Old Mine Cut Diamonds have a cushion-shaped, squarish cut. Old European cut diamonds have a rounder, more brilliant finish, seen as a predecessor to the modern round brilliant. 

Are Old Mine Cut Diamonds Valuable?

Yes. Those that are in good condition can see a premium attached to them of around 15-25% more than a similar modern stone. 

Do Old Mine-Cut Diamonds Sparkle Differently From Modern Diamonds?

Yes. You can expect a softer, more ‘moody’ glow that offers broad flashes of light, rather than the sharp brilliance of modern diamonds. 

When Were Old Mine Cut Diamonds Popular? 

They were popular amongst wealthy people in the 1700s to the late 1800s before fading away with the invention of electric light and more modern cutting equipment. 

Can You Still Buy Old Mine Cut Diamonds Today?

Yes, reputable sellers who understand the value of vintage diamonds such as these will sell them after a fine inspection.