Like any other industry, fine jewelry continues to evolve with the times. Many jewelry enthusiasts know that modern twists on classic looks have become more popular, as cutting-edge technology and innovative designs emerge. However, the appeal of classic jewelry remains. Here, we take a deep dive into the old mine cut diamond—how it came to be, what the design is known for, how it is made, and much more.

Examining the Old Mine Cut Diamond

Among the classic diamond cut favorites are vintage pieces. There’s a reason why antiques still fetch a good portion of the market. From sentimentality to the unique design from eras long gone, some jewelry owners and buyers prefer to have a sparkly piece that has remnants of past designs.

If you have gone window shopping for these old vintage pieces, the old mine cut diamonds may have been one of the common designs you’ve seen out there. This antique style continues to be popular for many reasons, among which is its romantic timeless look that gives any fine jewelry piece an elegant finish.

History of Old Mine Cut Diamonds

For those who want to own a piece of history, old mine cut diamonds will make a good addition to your jewelry box. Hailing back from as early as the 1800s, this diamond cut harks back to the time when more modern mining and diamond cutting started to take place in Africa.

What is an old cut diamond?

Terms can get tricky when it comes to old diamonds The term “old cut diamond” refers to any antique-style stone that usually has generous cuts compared to more modern ones, in terms of carat sizes.

Given the timelines, most of the diamonds back then were hand-cut, so it is expected that the diamond cutter’s skill influences the finished product. During this time, the old mine cut diamond may have been the most popular. Yet there are still those who wonder what exactly the term refers to.  after all, it is hard to guess the shape of the old mine cut diamond from the name alone.

What does the name mean?

The name goes back to the diamond’s history. Used to be, Brazilian mines were the major source of diamonds. African mines were taking over the scene because of higher quality and more colorless diamonds found in these locations.

Yet it should be noted that this did not negatively impact diamonds of this nature. If anything, they became a quaint finish for the diamond, especially with colorless diamonds becoming all the rage back then.

This has even brought forth a transitional diamond cut, known as the old European cut diamond. As technology and innovation started to push the jewelry industry forward, the older traditions of jewelry making involving old mine cut diamonds also began to change.

The precision of cut and clarity of the stone became more crucial for jewelry buyers. Because of the unpredictability of the outcome for old mine cut diamond making,  the style became less appealing, and fewer jewelry makers tended to create diamonds using this approach. As such, the old mine cut is a unique preference as more people shift their options to modern fancy shapes or brilliant cuts.

The Basics of Old Mine Cut Diamonds

If you are interested in the old mine cut diamonds for your engagement or even a wedding ring, it helps to know what you are looking to get. Here are a few visual properties that the old mine cut diamond is known for.

It looks narrower or smaller

Most people would prefer to get diamonds that look larger than their actual carat size. This saves them money while still getting a good-sized investment However, this may not be the best approach for old mine cut diamonds.

Putting them side-by-side with the modern round cut will reveal that it has a smaller table. This is a signature of antique diamonds. When viewed from the side, the old mine cut diamond can appear to be far taller than the modern cut.

It has a bigger culet

Old mine cut diamonds have a unique feature that no other modern cut has: a tiny circle in the middle of the diamond. From the top view, some may think that this is an inclusion, but it is more of a quirk than something to avoid.

A large culet also brings another unique facet, which is a row of lower half facets. Some jewelry buyers who also own old European cut diamonds can expect to see this in their pieces.

Expect a higher crown and deeper pavilion

The old mine cut diamond’s higher crown and deeper pavilion balance out the shorter facets. This sets the old mine cut diamond apart from modern diamonds.

From the side, a loose old mine cut diamond looks a lot taller and bigger than other modern cut diamonds. However, it will look thinner as well, which can make it appear smaller as a diamond when set in a band.

It will have less sparkle

Jewelry buyers who prefer a muted sparkle will definitely find the old mine cut diamond a must-have for their collection. Its cut was designed to have 58 facets, but they differ from modern diamonds. This difference lies in the larger-cut facets.

This bulky appearance deliberately makes the diamond sparkle romantically by candlelight. Its soft sparkle makes it a beautiful engagement ring, especially in earlier eras. So if you are wondering, “Do old mine cut diamonds sparkle?” then the answer is yes. However, it is best to expect that this sparkle is more old-world rather than the intense sparkle that modern cut diamonds exude.

For those who like to see fire in their diamonds, old mine cut diamonds serve this up as well. The larger facets create striking colors when viewed under different lighting.

Each cut is unique from the next

At a time when symmetry is highly valued, old mine cut diamonds break this particular criterion. Some jewelry enthusiasts may prefer a more symmetrical diamond because of its influence on issues like light transmission and sparkle.

However, keep in mind that the old mine cut diamonds are cut by hand from long ago. While this does not make their quality any less, it does influence how their appearance will end up in terms of symmetry.

Antique diamonds will have imperfect features that come from cuts. Most jewelry makers and buyers will see these as quirks rather than errors. These set apart the diamond from others even of the same cut. So if you want a more personal approach to your ring, then this will be a definite advantage.

You will need a protective setting

Thin girdles can be fragile when it comes to chipping. As such, you will need to choose the kind of setting that fully protects this part of an old mine cut diamond. Older styles, like the Edwardian, Victorian, cathedral, and solitaire make perfect settings for old mine cut diamonds. Vintage settings also work, such as what was done with this vintage 14K white gold wedding band.

Some of these settings give height between the band and the tip of the ring. This makes it a highlight for old mine cut diamonds as it matches the height. At the same time, it serves as a protective setting that encloses the vulnerable parts of the diamond.

Value In The Eye Of the Beholder: How Much are Old Mine Cut Diamonds?

Price points will always be a major issue for jewelry hunters looking to score a good buy. Like other diamonds, you should consider the value for the overall quality of an old mine cut diamond.

Are old mine cut diamonds worth more?

In terms of pricing, old mine cut diamonds can fetch a good sum with the right appraisal. This type of diamond cut has become exceptionally rare given the way it was made. The technology for cutting diamonds has evolved, and hand-cut diamonds are now a rarer breed.

This cut may carry more imperfections and lack the perfect symmetry that many modern-cut diamonds offer. Yet this diamond also stands as proof that diamonds can last for eras as they have stood the test of time.

Balancing style with the 4Cs

Of course, the style is just one factor for diamond appraisals. You also need to consider the usual 4Cs grading for the diamond. Unfortunately, given the many potentials for imperfection, old mine cut diamonds tend to rank in the poorer ratings for cut grade.

Despite its rarity, what fetches a higher sum will require higher grades for clarity, color, and carat. This is why old mine cut diamonds can become a tricky investment, whether you are purchasing or exchanging an heirloom.

Getting your diamond appraised should be first on your list. If you received an old mine cut diamond ring, make sure to tap a professional appraiser to check its value. If you are looking for an old mine cut diamond engagement ring, make sure that the price is right for the appraisal you get. Some might be less expensive than others, but this can also mean that, in the long run, any trading or selling value for the ring may not hold.

Current price ranges for old mine cut diamonds

If you and your partner are set on getting an old mine cut diamond, it pays to know how much you will need to shell out for it. Antique style diamonds may be more expensive, but between the old European cut diamond and the old mine cut diamonds, choosing the latter can save you up to 15% in the payout.

There has been a rise in the value of antique diamonds and rings, so getting one may mean needing a more flexible budget. Some factors, such as asymmetrical cuts, should have an impact on the price point. But given how they are considered as charms of the old mine cut diamond, even having these issues may not affect the price.

This diamond style also usually comes with bigger diamonds. As they are antiques, these diamonds were not necessarily made only for engagement rings and wedding bands. Some may have a bigger cut, and therefore increase the diamond’s carat value. This is another charm of the old mine cut diamond: some are even recut to a more modern style, which gives the owner flexibility with what they can do with the stone.

Comparing Timeless Cuts: The Old Against European Cut

If the main criterion in your engagement ring hunt is the antique style of the ring, then you may have another contender in mind. Some jewelry buyers tend to interchange or compare the old mine and the old European cut. They share the key trait of being antique rings, making them both more in demand in recent times.

Beyond this, however, they have key differences that can make or break your decision. Make sure you get the best ring that fits what you need.

What is the difference between old mine cut and old European cut diamonds?

Old mine cut diamonds embody the true meaning of antique diamonds. It may be among the oldest styles as it dates back to over 100 years before the old European cut was even created. According to history records, old mine cut diamonds first made their appearance back in the late 17th century. On the other hand, old European cut diamonds only came around in the late 19th century.

Even the difference in technologyies used for the two cuts makes an impact. The culet, which is the lowest point in the diamond, may be visible to both styles. However, the culet is bigger in the old mine cut diamonds that they can be seen clearly through the table without any magnification.

Major differences in looks

The overall shapes of both diamonds differ from one another. The European old cut can be a good alternative for those who still want a rounded diamond. It has a round outline that is reminiscent of round brilliant cuts. The old mine cut diamond tends to have a rounded edge, similar to the modern cushion cut diamond. These alone can signify very different styles, and it may also affect your decision on which setting to best use.

The varying proportions of the two diamond styles can also manifest in major physical differences. Old mine cut diamonds tend to have a larger culet and shorter pavilion facets than the other antique style. The old European cut, on the other hand, can have a heavier crown and a smaller table compared to the old mine cut diamond.

Comparing Against Modern Cuts: How Does It Fare With Round Brilliant Diamonds?

When it comes to a question between old mine cut diamond vs round brilliant, it may also be a matter of choice. Remember, one has an antique flair while the other is a brilliant sparkle that one can find in modern jewelry.

The appeal of modern cut diamonds will always be their near-perfect symmetry, brilliance, and scintillation. If you want a modern engagement ring with flexible settings, a round brilliant diamond will always be the better choice, such as the one in this Marseille diamond ring review.

On the other hand, if you want a timelessly romantic ring, then go with the old mine cut diamond. Always listen to you or your partner’s preference, because at the end of the day, you will be the one looking at the ring and appreciating it.

Learn more about the symmetry and polish of diamonds in our article “Diamond In The Rough: Understanding Polish and Symmetry For Diamonds.”