An old mine cut is an antique diamond cut that predates modern cutting technology. It's characterized by a cushion-shaped outline, high crown, small table, open culet (visible flat facet at the base), and large, chunky facets. These diamonds were cut entirely by hand, before standardized proportions existed, giving each stone a slightly unique character. Old mine cuts were the dominant diamond shape from the mid-1800s through the early 1900s.

A modern cushion cut is designed on a computer and cut by machine to maximize light return under standardized lighting conditions. An old mine cut was cut by hand for candlelight, resulting in a warmer, more romantic glow rather than the bright sparkle of a modern stone. Old mine cuts also tend to face up larger for their carat weight due to their proportions. Collectors increasingly prefer old mine cuts for this individuality and warmth.

Not necessarily — and increasingly, the opposite is true for collector-quality stones. Old mine cuts exist outside the standardized pricing structure of modern brilliant cuts, meaning a well-proportioned, GIA-certified old mine cut in a fine antique setting can offer exceptional value compared to a modern equivalent. Large, high-quality old mine cuts (2 carats and above) with strong provenance have appreciated significantly as their finite supply becomes more recognized.

Our collection spans engagement rings, solitaires, three-stone rings, cluster rings, cocktail rings, earrings, and pendants. The majority are rings, but we regularly carry old mine cut earrings and multi-stone pieces that showcase the cut's warmth in cluster settings — particularly beautiful in Victorian and Edwardian designs where old mine cuts were paired with rose-cut diamond halos.

Old mine cuts were produced from approximately the mid-1800s through the 1920s, making Victorian, Edwardian, and early Art Deco pieces the primary eras in our collection. Victorian examples tend to appear in silver-topped yellow gold or rose gold with cluster settings. Edwardian pieces favor delicate platinum filigree. Early Art Deco pieces began transitioning toward the old European cut but many still feature old mine proportions, particularly in French and English pieces.

Many pieces in our collection carry GIA certification for the center stone, noted in the product name. GIA certifies antique cuts using modified grading criteria that account for their unique proportions — the reports describe cut characteristics accurately rather than comparing them to modern cut standards. For any significant purchase, we recommend looking for a certified stone, and our team can assist during a virtual appointment.