Diamond Shape Guide
Old mine cut and old European cut diamonds were hand-crafted before modern precision — producing warm, candlelit light.
Old cut diamonds encompass two historical cuts: the Old Mine Cut (cushion-shaped, pre-1890) and the Old European Cut (round, 1890-1930). Both were cut entirely by hand, long before modern laser and computer-guided cutting technology. They feature high crowns, small tables, large culets (the flat facet at the very bottom of the diamond), and chunky, asymmetric facets that produce a distinctive warm, romantic light — broad flashes rather than the pinpoint scintillation of modern cuts. Each old cut diamond is one-of-a-kind, bearing the mark of its individual cutter. They are increasingly sought after by collectors and those who appreciate the beauty of imperfection.
Old cut dimensions vary widely as each stone was hand-cut. Carat weight alone is not a reliable predictor of face-up size. We recommend viewing old cuts in person or via video to assess their unique character.
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