Last seen trending in the Victorian era, the whimsically romantic Old Mine cut diamond is once again having a moment, thanks to the recent engagement of none other than Ms Taylor Swift and her now fiancé Travis Kelce.
On 26th August, Kelce knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring, specifically what’s thought to be an $700,000 8 carat Old Mine cut diamond in a yellow gold bezel setting. In doing so Taylor Swift's now fiancé has propelled what was once considered a niche collector’s favourite back into the public eye.
So whether you're a vintage lover, a Swiftie, or just diamond-curious, here’s everything you need to know about the historic cut that’s stealing hearts (again):
A beautiful example of an Old Mine cut diamond, the shape of the moment.
Old Mine Cut Diamonds: What To Look For
Similar to Taylor Swift's whole brand, Old Mine cut diamonds are a historic and romantic stone that was last popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. The direct predecessors of today’s modern brilliant cuts, these diamonds were once cut entirely by hand and are known for their uniquely romantic sparkle, intended to reflect the flicker and glow of candlelight. Thanks to their hand-cut nature, no two antique Old Mine cut diamonds are exactly the same, which is all part of their charm. Today, you can find a mix of antique and contemporary Old Mine cuts on the market. The newer stones are less likely to be hand-cut, but will still include the same stylistic features.
Signature features:
💎 Rounded-square or a cushion shape
💎 High crown (the top part of the diamond is tall)
💎 Small table (flat top facet)
💎 Large, open culet (flat bottom, rather than sharp)
💎 Hand-cut facets = uniquely soulful sparkle
So How Is A Diamond Cut By Hand?
Old Mine cut diamonds were crafted long before the age of precision lasers and computer-guided tools. Using a rotating wheel called a scaife which is coated in diamond dust, historic cutters shaped each diamond entirely by hand, guided only by their expertise and intuitive feel for the stone. The goal was never mathematical perfection, but rather to preserve as much of the original carat weight as possible while shaping a diamond that sparkled beautifully under the low, romantic candlelight of the time.
This artisanal approach means every Old Mine cut diamond carries its own unique character and subtle imperfections, a feature, not a flaw.
It’s quite rare to find an Old Mine cut diamond that’s clean and doesn’t have a lot of inclusions. You won’t find many of them around, they’ll be very rare. This choice of engagement ring will spark a new and very strong trend.— Tobias Kormind, Co-founder of 77 DiamondsToday, these antique gems hold strong appeal for eco-conscious buyers. Many are reclaimed or recycled, offering a sustainable alternative to newly mined diamonds while preserving history in every facet.
A bespoke ring from our workshops, set with an Old Mine cut diamond.
What’s In A Name?
The name Old Mine refers to diamonds that were originally sourced from the older mines of Brazil and India, which dominated the global diamond supply before the discovery of massive diamond deposits in South Africa in the late 19th century. Once South African mines became the new epicentre of diamond production, stones from Brazil and India were retrospectively named ‘Old Mine’ diamonds, a term that later came to describe the unique cutting style itself.
The ‘new’ Old Mine cuts
Once considered a niche collector’s favourite, we predict this antique cut is poised for a major comeback thanks to its whimsical aesthetic and soulful appeal.While antique Old Mine Cuts are still highly prized today, some modern jewellers have begun recreating this historic cut using modern tools and techniques. These ‘new Old Mines’ still retain the charm of the original style, and are now being rediscovered not as a relic of the past, but as a timeless expression of love and craftsmanship. Their contemporary symmetry and sparkle offers the best of both worlds for clients who want a vintage aesthetic with a touch of modern refinement.
Want To Learn More?
Curious about the world of antique diamond cuts? There’s more information on Old Mine cuts, and antique cuts generally, to read here https://www.77diamonds.com/old-mine-old-european-cut.html
Alternatively, you can learn more about our bespoke services.
