An old mine cut diamond is a type of diamond shape that dates all the way back to the 18th century, when diamonds were cut to sensually shimmer in candlelight. Which, coincidentally is also where they were cut.

An old mine cut diamond has a visible circle in the middle of its table. This is because its culet, aka the pointed facet at the bottom of a diamond, is very large and open, allowing some light to escape from the bottom of the diamond. But don't let a little light escape sway you from this stunning stone. Their larger facets and soft yet squarish shape create a mesmerizing, glittering look. And if you're a love of history, you're in luck as natural, old mine cut diamonds are known to have been around the block, making storied appearance in Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras. So when you rock an old mine cut diamond you're not just wearing a sparkly stone, you're actually wearing history.

The old mine cut diamonds, darlings of the antique jewelry era, are indeed something of an enigma in the value stakes. Known for their chunky and deeper shapes, soft rounded corners, and eye-catching large facets, these stones hark back to a time when diamonds were cut by hand, giving each gem a unique, unrepeatable character. Because of their rich history and distinct aesthetic, they often carry a premium, particularly with collectors or anyone with a taste for vintage flair.

However, there's the twist in our tale: the market for diamonds is as varied as the cuts themselves. Old mine cut diamonds, while rich in history and personality, may not always fetch the same high price as, say, the modern brilliant round cut, which is renowned for its unmatched fire and brilliance. The apparent value can fluctuate based on factors like current fashion, the specific diamond's properties, and the old “eye of the beholder” effect. Just remember, it's better to buy a diamond for its sentimental value and beauty over any purported resale value.

Old mine cut diamonds are undeniably valuable when it comes to sentimentality and historical charm. They’re like little time capsules, each one hand-cut in the 18th and 19th centuries with tools far less precise than modern machinery. That imperfect craftsmanship is exactly what gives them their allure—a slightly wonky shape, a soft sparkle under candlelight (better known as “romantic fire”), and a personality that’s utterly unique. For the romantics and vintage lovers out there, these diamonds can be priceless.

Now, as for monetary value, the waters are a bit murkier. Sure, some old mine cuts can command a premium—especially if they’re large, well-preserved, or mounted in a period setting from an iconic era. But don’t let the nostalgia fool you: the value of an old mine cut varies widely, and the market for them is more niche compared to modern diamonds. This is why we don’t recommend purchasing them as a resale or investment strategy—you’re buying history and charm, not guaranteed returns.

In short, old mine cut diamonds are treasures of the past, perfect for wearing and cherishing, but not ideal for flipping or stockpiling. Their true value lies in their story—and the story you add to it.