When you walk into any modern jewelry store today, you'll be hard-pressed to find an old mine cut diamond. Its history and uniqueness make the old mine cut one of the most highly sought-after vintage diamonds today.
They don't have the standard mathematical symmetry that modern cuts have or the different colored fancy. However, their romance, mystique, history, and sparkle make them serious contenders for diamond collectors.
What Is An Old Mine Cut Diamond?
This is an antique diamond cut that was very popular from the mid-1800s to the early-1900s. It's the predecessor of today's modern diamonds but has many elements that still remain unique and different to it.
The most notable features of the old mine cut diamond are its uneven shape, the tiny table, and the eye-visible culet.
History Of The Old Mine Cut Diamond
The popularity of the old mine cut diamonds in the 18th and 19th centuries was unprecedented. They were used to make a wide range of jewelry, including diamond rings, earrings, and necklaces during the Victorian, Georgian, and Edwardian eras.
Like all diamonds of that time, old mine cuts were also cut and measured by hand. The beauty of their cut depended entirely on the cutter's skills and perception of proportions, beauty, and appearance. The diamond would remain many people's favored diamond until the late 19th century.
Characteristics Of The Old Mine Cut Diamond
The shape of the old mine cut is relatively similar to most modern cushion cuts but with some key differences that give it its unique and easily identifiable appearance.
These include:
- Smaller table: the old mine cut has a smaller table that is most noticeable when seen from the top.
- High crown and deep pavilion: its crown is much higher than most of the modern brilliants. It also has a much deeper pavilion on the ring.
- Large, prominent culet: they have a large culet that is visible through the table. This gives it its distinctive appearance.
- Small facets: old mine cuts have smaller, shorter facets on the lower half mainly because of their large culet.
Overall, the old mine cut has imperfect symmetry because it was eyed and cut by hand. You can also see some proportions of the old mine cut diamond are bigger and bulkier.
Why Choose The Old Mine Cut Diamond?
While the old mine cut diamond's value depends solely on the collector's desire for its rarity and quality of the cut, ultimately, its true value lies in the eye of the beholder.
Whatever your preferred style of a diamond cut, color, carat, or clarity, Lesley Ann Jewels has the design expertise and skills to help you find the perfect old mine cut for your individual needs. Contact Us for more information and advice.