What is an old mine cut?
An old mine cut is an early style of diamond cutting that dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries. These diamonds were typically cut by hand and feature a cushion-like shape with a high crown, deep pavilion, small table, and a large open culet. With their large and irregular facets, they reflect light in a softer way than the high brilliance of modern cuts.
What is an antique cut?
“Antique cut” is a broader term that includes various diamond cuts used before the modern round brilliant was developed. This category includes old mine cuts, old European cuts, rose cuts, and other early cutting styles. Each has unique characteristics, but all were typically cut by hand, lending to the charm. For these antique cuts, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Each individual cutter was exercising in a way their own artful touches each time a stone was cut.
Everything You Need to Know About Old Mine and Antique Cut Diamonds
AUGUST 28, 2025
Vintage-style engagement rings and heirloom jewelry are making a major comeback and for good reason. Their old-world appeal, storied history, and romantic charm are unmatched. Whether you’re drawing inspiration from Taylor Swift’s engagement ring or just a sucker for classic heirloom jewelry, old mine and antique cuts are captivating us all. We put together this guide to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision. Let’s break it down!
What is the difference between an old mine and antique cut stone?
An old mine cut is a type of antique cut. So, not all antique cuts are old mines but all old mines are antique cuts! Old mine cuts have distinct features (like the squarish cushion shape and open culet), while antique cuts might also include other styles like the rounder old European cut or flat rose cuts.
Can old mine cuts and antique cut stones be produced today, or must they only be vintage/antique?
Yes, they can be produced today! Skilled diamond cutters can recreate old mines by cutting both natural and lab diamonds. Original antique stones were mined typically over a hundred years ago and aren’t totally precise, which is part of the appeal. However, you can enjoy modern reproductions of these cuts with today’s technology and usually at a lower price point.
What shapes do old mine cuts come in?
Old mine cuts are almost always in a squarish cushion shape, sometimes appearing slightly asymmetrical due to being cut by hand. You might also find oval or elongated cushion variations, but the squarish form with rounded corners is the most traditional.Below, we've given you a few examples of shape: (left to right) A champagne old mine cut diamond that's more squarish and set in our Hazeline setting, more of an oval/circular shaped old mine cut set in our Hazeline Three Stone setting, and a more elongated cushion shape in our Bea solitaire setting.
Can an old mine cut be made in a lab diamond?
Absolutely! Since diamond cutters are able to manufacture old mines with modern technology, they're available for those looking for the eco-conscious benefits of a lab diamond combined the vintage appeal of an old mine. Below is an image of a Bea East West Set 4.05ct Lab Old Mine Cut Engagement Ring we have done in the past.
What diamond colors are old mine cuts available in?
Many original stones tend to be warmer tones, falling into the J to M color range, giving them a soft, romantic glow. However, finding old mine cuts in higher colors or fancy colors is definitely possible. It’s all dependent on your budget and what you like!
What are the benefits of choosing an old mine cut or antique cut stone?
For one, the uniqueness. Yes, it's true that no two diamonds are the same and this is especially true of hand-cut stones like old mines, old euros, and other antique cuts! Plus, since they mostly mined a century ago, you'll know that there was no new mining if it's truly an antique stone. They're also super romantic because of their softer, candle-light sparkle and the fact that they carry such a rich history. They pair beautifully with vintage, art deco, or custom settings.
What cost can you expect for an old mine cut or antique stone?
Prices vary widely depending on whether you're buying a genuine antique or a modern reproduction, as well as the rest of the 4 C’s: carat, clarity, and color. Antique stones might offer better value per carat compared to modern brilliant cuts, but rare or high-quality vintage diamonds will typically fetch a premium.
Whether you love them for their vintage appeal, sustainability or one-of-a-kind sparkle, old mine and antique cut diamonds offer something truly special. They’re not just beautiful stones, they’re true treasures that reflect legacy, provenance and the uniqueness of a time now past. You can browse our Old Mine and Antique Cut engagement rings hereto learn more about antique old mine cut engagement rings.
Everything You Need to Know About Old Mine and Antique Cut Diamonds
AUGUST 28, 2025
Vintage-style engagement rings and heirloom jewelry are making a major comeback and for good reason. Their old-world appeal, storied history, and romantic charm are unmatched. Whether you’re drawing inspiration from Taylor Swift’s engagement ring or just a sucker for classic heirloom jewelry, old mine and antique cuts are captivating us all. We put together this guide to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision. Let’s break it down!
What is an old mine cut?
An old mine cut is an early style of diamond cutting that dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries. These diamonds were typically cut by hand and feature a cushion-like shape with a high crown, deep pavilion, small table, and a large open culet. With their large and irregular facets, they reflect light in a softer way than the high brilliance of modern cuts.
What is an antique cut?
“Antique cut” is a broader term that includes various diamond cuts used before the modern round brilliant was developed. This category includes old mine cuts, old European cuts, rose cuts, and other early cutting styles. Each has unique characteristics, but all were typically cut by hand, lending to the charm. For these antique cuts, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Each individual cutter was exercising in a way their own artful touches each time a stone was cut.
What is the difference between an old mine and antique cut stone?
An old mine cut is a type of antique cut. So, not all antique cuts are old mines but all old mines are antique cuts! Old mine cuts have distinct features (like the squarish cushion shape and open culet), while antique cuts might also include other styles like the rounder old European cut or flat rose cuts.
Can old mine cuts and antique cut stones be produced today, or must they only be vintage/antique?
Yes, they can be produced today! Skilled diamond cutters can recreate old mines by cutting both natural and lab diamonds. Original antique stones were mined typically over a hundred years ago and aren’t totally precise, which is part of the appeal. However, you can enjoy modern reproductions of these cuts with today’s technology and usually at a lower price point.
What shapes do old mine cuts come in?
Old mine cuts are almost always in a squarish cushion shape, sometimes appearing slightly asymmetrical due to being cut by hand. You might also find oval or elongated cushion variations, but the squarish form with rounded corners is the most traditional.Below, we've given you a few examples of shape: (left to right) A champagne old mine cut diamond that's more squarish and set in our Hazeline setting, more of an oval/circular shaped old mine cut set in our Hazeline Three Stone setting, and a more elongated cushion shape in our Bea solitaire setting.
Can an old mine cut be made in a lab diamond?
Absolutely! Since diamond cutters are able to manufacture old mines with modern technology, they're available for those looking for the eco-conscious benefits of a lab diamond combined the vintage appeal of an old mine. Below is an image of a Bea East West Set 4.05ct Lab Old Mine Cut Engagement Ring we have done in the past.
What diamond colors are old mine cuts available in?
Many original stones tend to be warmer tones, falling into the J to M color range, giving them a soft, romantic glow. However, finding old mine cuts in higher colors or fancy colors is definitely possible. It’s all dependent on your budget and what you like!
What are the benefits of choosing an old mine cut or antique cut stone?
For one, the uniqueness. Yes, it's true that no two diamonds are the same and this is especially true of hand-cut stones like old mines, old euros, and other antique cuts! Plus, since they mostly mined a century ago, you'll know that there was no new mining if it's truly an antique stone. They're also super romantic because of their softer, candle-light sparkle and the fact that they carry such a rich history. They pair beautifully with vintage, art deco, or custom settings.
What cost can you expect for an old mine cut or antique stone?
Prices vary widely depending on whether you're buying a genuine antique or a modern reproduction, as well as the rest of the 4 C’s: carat, clarity, and color. Antique stones might offer better value per carat compared to modern brilliant cuts, but rare or high-quality vintage diamonds will typically fetch a premium.
Whether you love them for their vintage appeal, sustainability or one-of-a-kind sparkle, old mine and antique cut diamonds offer something truly special. They’re not just beautiful stones, they’re true treasures that reflect legacy, provenance and the uniqueness of a time now past. You can browse our Old Mine and Antique Cut engagement rings hereto learn more about antique old mine cut engagement rings.