Old Mine Cut Diamond
The old mine cut is the predecessor to the modern cushion brilliant, cut by hand before electric tools existed. It features a high crown, small table, large culet, and chunky facets that produce a warm, romantic light pattern entirely different from modern precision cuts.
Is a old mine cut diamond a good choice?
Old Mine Cut diamonds are known for moderate brilliance with 58 facets. They're popular for vintage-style engagement rings and antique restoration. Here are the trade-offs.
Why people love it
- +Every stone is one-of-a-kind with unique character
- +Warm, romantic light pattern that comes alive in candlelight
- +Sustainable choice. Recycled antique stones, no new mining.
- +Often more affordable than modern equivalents at the same carat weight
- +Broad, chunky fire that modern precision cuts cannot replicate
Things to know
- −Faces up smaller than modern cuts of the same weight (more depth, less spread)
- −No standardized grading. You need experience or a specialist to evaluate.
- −Condition varies. Some stones have chips or abrasion from age.
- −Limited supply. Finding specific sizes takes patience.
How big is a old mine cut diamond? (MM to carat)
A 1-carat old mine cut diamond measures approximately 6.2 x 6.2 mm. Here are the most common sizes from 0.25 ct to 5 ct.
| Carat Weight | Size (mm) |
|---|---|
| 0.25 ct | 4 x 4 mm |
| 0.33 ct | 4.3 x 4.3 mm |
| 0.5 ct | 5 x 5 mm |
| 0.75 ct | 5.6 x 5.6 mm |
| 1 ct | 6.2 x 6.2 mm |
| 1.25 ct | 6.5 x 6.5 mm |
| 1.5 ct | 7 x 7 mm |
| 2 ct | 7.5 x 7.5 mm |
| 2.5 ct | 8 x 8 mm |
| 3 ct | 8.5 x 8.5 mm |
| 4 ct | 9.5 x 9.5 mm |
| 5 ct | 10.5 x 10.5 mm |
View full old mine cut size chart → with all sizes from melee to 5+ carats.
How to buy a old mine cut diamond
- •Buy from dealers who specialize in antique diamonds. General jewelers often undervalue them.
- •Inspect the culet size. A small culet is desirable. An overly large culet dominates the face-up view.
- •Check for chips and abrasion on the girdle and facet edges. Minor wear is expected but heavy damage affects beauty.
- •Evaluate the symmetry of the cushion outline. Slight asymmetry adds charm but major lopsidedness is a flaw.
- •Color below J-K can actually be desirable in old mine cuts: the warmth suits the cut's character in period settings.
- •Request photos in multiple lighting conditions. Old mine cuts look completely different under direct light vs. diffused light.
What makes a old mine cut diamond unique?
How much does a old mine cut diamond cost?
Old Mine Cut diamonds are priced at highly variable. well-cut examples can match or exceed modern cushion prices. average examples are 20-40% below modern equivalents.. Price depends on carat weight, color, clarity, and cut quality. For a personalized estimate, use our diamond price estimator.
Estimate old mine cut diamond price →Technical Specifications
- Facets
- 58
- Brilliance
- moderate
- L:W Ratio
- 1.0:1 to 1.15:1 (squarish cushion, often slightly off-square)
Last updated: 2026-08-12
At a Glance
- Price vs Round
- Highly variable. Well-cut examples can match or exceed modern cushion prices. Average examples are 20-40% below modern equivalents.
- Popularity
- Niche but growing. Sought after by vintage jewelry enthusiasts and sustainability-focused buyers.
- Sparkle
- moderate
Best For
Setting Ideas
- Bezel: protects edges and complements the vintage aesthetic
- Low-profile solitaire: lets the stone's character take center stage
- Yellow or rose gold: warm metal enhances the cut's inherent warmth
- Milgrain or engraved band: pairs the antique stone with period-appropriate metalwork
- Collet setting: historically accurate, simple round bezel used in the original era
Frequently asked questions
Is an old mine cut diamond a good choice?
Yes, for buyers who value history, character, and a warm, romantic light pattern over modern precision sparkle. Every old mine cut is one-of-a-kind with chunky, candlelit fire that modern brilliants cannot replicate. They face up smaller than modern cuts at equal weight and require a specialist to evaluate since there is no standardized grading.
How big is a 1-carat old mine cut diamond?
A 1-carat old mine cut measures approximately 6.2 x 6.2 mm. The high crown and deep proportions mean old mine cuts carry more weight below the girdle and face up smaller than modern cushions of the same carat weight.
How much does an old mine cut diamond cost?
Pricing is highly variable. Well-proportioned old mine cuts in good condition can match or exceed modern cushion prices, while average examples run 20 to 40% below modern equivalents. Condition, proportions, and faceting attractiveness drive the final price more than carat weight alone.
What is the best setting for an old mine cut diamond?
A bezel setting protects the soft edges and complements the vintage aesthetic beautifully. Low-profile solitaires in yellow or rose gold enhance the cut's inherent warmth, and milgrain or engraved bands pair the antique stone with period-appropriate metalwork.
What is the difference between old mine cut and cushion cut?
The old mine cut is the hand-cut predecessor to the modern cushion brilliant, with a high crown, small table (40 to 55% of width), large culet, and chunky facets. Modern cushion cuts use precision cutting with updated proportions for stronger light performance. Old mine cuts produce broad, warm flashes rather than the pinpoint scintillation of a modern cushion.