Old Mine-Cut Diamonds

One of the most popular diamond cuts in estate jewelry is the old mine, or cushion, cut. Lovely hand-crafted rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets featured this finished gemstone style, many of which are on the market today. The old mine incorporated a curved, not angled, girdle, resulting in a gently squared oval appearance. It contained a variety of facet patterns, a relatively wide table on top and an open culet at the bottom.

Contemporary estate jewelry buyers prize this diamond cut for its romantic look and unique, hand-cut character. It is often found in vintage estate rings and earrings. A large-carat diamond is commonly set as a solitaire or with smaller gemstones of the same cut. These may be diamonds, rubies, sapphires or emeralds, meant to contrast with the larger, high-quality stone.

Diamond Finishes in Vintage Estate Jewelry

This cushion cut, developed in the 18th century, persisted in popularity into the 19th century and throughout the Victorian era. Today, This estate jewelry is highly sought after by brides. Buyers can find unusual cluster arrangements of diamonds and other stones in antique earrings and pendants from that period. Prior to the many-faceted European and modern brilliant cuts, these stone combinations took full advantage of reflected light. While diamonds were the gem of choice, the strategic use of colored gemstones, either singly or in geometric placements, resulted in a stunning finished piece.

For those looking for sentimental wedding or heirloom jewelry, antique diamonds are a natural draw. Because these delicate pieces should not be disturbed for certification, a reputable dealer is a must. Single Stone offers the highest-quality estate jewelry at its Los Angeles and San Marino showrooms.