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Knowledge
The old mine cut, a precursor to the modern-day round brilliant, is a historic diamond cut that originated in the 18th century. The term ‘old mine’ comes from the fact that most diamonds with this cut had originated from the old mines of India or Brazil. Following the discovery of diamonds in Brazil in the 1720s and the rise of the Industrial Revolution, advances in cutting techniques allowed stones to sparkle like never before.
Stone Cuts
What is an Old Mine Cut?
Hand-cut and polished by skilled diamond cutters, old mine diamonds are characterised by their cushion-like shape with curved sides and rounded corners. Old mine diamonds were faceted following the natural crystal form as close as possible and feature 58 facets, a small table, high crown and large culet. In this era, diamonds were cut under natural daylight and candlelight and no two old mine cut diamonds are exactly alike. Their handcrafted nature often results in slight asymmetry, giving each stone its own unique charm that sets them apart from the uniformity of today’s laser-cut diamonds.
£4,800
£5,850
£19,700
£24,500
With the introduction of 58 facets, old mine cut diamonds displayed much greater light return, brilliance and fire than previous cuts and rapidly surpassed rose cuts in popularity in the second half of the 18th century. The allure of old mine diamonds reached its peak during the Georgian era and remained extremely fashionable during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, signifying wealth and status during a period of fervent admiration for hand-crafted artistry.
It was not until the early 20th century that the old mine cut gave way to the round old cut due to the development of mechanical cutting methods. During this time, many old mine cut diamonds were subsequently re-cut. Thus, to own an old mine cut diamond is to own a rare piece of history that tells its own centuries-old story.
Why Choose an Old Mine Cut?
The old mine cut boasts a distinctive charm and unique appeal. The tiny differences in every facet's proportions and shapes give each one an individual personality, something that modern stones lack. The unrefined beauty and timeless elegance of old mine cuts make them a wonderful accent to any piece of jewellery.
Berganza’s Old Mine Cuts
At Berganza, we offer a beautiful array of pieces with old mine cuts in our collection. Particularly beautiful when featured in engagement rings, this cut can also be seen in cocktail rings, earrings, necklaces and more! Make an appointment in our showroom today and one of our specialists would be delighted to take you through the collection.
Rose Cut
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Old Cut
Brilliant Cut
Drop Shape
