Old Mine Cut

Old Mine Cut is an antique style of diamond cutting that was widely used during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly during the Georgian and Victorian periods. It is one of the principal historical diamond cuts found in antique jewellery.

Old mine cut diamonds were hand cut, meaning that each stone was individually shaped and polished rather than produced to precise modern cutting standards. They typically have a high crown, small table, deep pavilion and rounded or slightly irregular outline, giving them a distinctive appearance.

One of the most appealing characteristics of an old mine cut is its soft, warm and lively appearance. The facets are larger and less symmetrical than those of a modern brilliant cut, producing flashes of light that can appear broader and more subtle. Because the stones were hand cut, no two old mine cut diamonds are necessarily identical.

Old mine cuts evolved as diamond-cutting techniques developed and were particularly popular before the widespread adoption of the Old European Cut in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They are frequently encountered in Georgian, Victorian and early twentieth-century jewellery.

The individuality of old mine cut diamonds is an important part of their appeal. Slight variations in symmetry, facet arrangement and outline are characteristic of their handmade origins rather than imperfections to be corrected.

At Weldons, old mine cut diamonds are valued for their historical character, individuality and distinctive antique appearance, and are assessed as part of the overall craftsmanship and condition of each piece.

Period: Primarily 18th–19th centuries
Typical features: High crown, small table, deep pavilion, large facets and rounded or irregular outline
Characteristic appearance: Soft, broad flashes of light and distinctive handmade character