What Is An Old Mine Cut Diamond?

If you are shopping around for different types of diamonds for your engagement ring, you might stumble across a diamond with the name, “old-mine cut”. An old mine-cut diamond is actually an unproportionate cut diamond with a smaller table and a higher crown when compared to modern diamonds. 

What is the history of the old mine-cut diamond?

In order to understand the history of old mine-cut diamonds properly, we must take a trip back to the 1800s. The old mines in the name refers to the original countries where diamonds were first mined, India and Brazil. After diamonds were discovered in South Africa in the 1860s, mines in India and Brazil were then considered old mines. Because new miners in South Africa were trying to cut their diamonds into the traditional miner’s cut as they had been in Brazil and India, the name of the old mine cut stuck to this style. 

How were they cut in the 1800s?

Old mine-cut diamonds were cut by hand. No machinery was used, making each of these stones unique. Because they were each hand-cut and polished, the diamonds are asymmetric and uneven at times, but that is what makes these types of diamonds particularly special. You know that there is not a single diamond out there that looks exactly like yours. 

Why should I buy an old mine-cut diamond?

There are plenty of reasons why someone would want an old mine-cut diamond, besides it being a historical piece of jewelry. 

Unique

Because they are pieces that have been around for hundreds of years, these diamonds carry a particular history. But if that is not enough, the old mine-cut diamonds are also unique. Each shape and cut of the diamonds is different because they were cut by hand. 

Less expensive than other diamonds

Nowadays, people want their diamonds to be perfectly symmetrical and to meet certain requirements. Old mine cut diamonds don’t meet present-day standards, which means that they will be priced at a much lower price point than other diamonds. If you are on a budget, this might be the perfect diamond for you.

Doing your research before buying a diamond is key to finding the right old mine-cut diamond for your engagement ring. After all, you will want to make sure that the stone you intend to keep forever is the perfect one for you.