Old mine cut, old European cut and modern brilliant diamonds each create a different relationship with light. The right choice depends on whether you value antique character, a rounded historic outline or modern brightness and symmetry.
Old mine cut diamonds
Old mine cuts are often cushion-shaped, with high crowns and small tables shaped by hand. Their broad flashes and individual proportions are part of their historic appeal.
Old European cuts
Old European cuts are generally rounder, with a larger table and a different facet arrangement. Like old mine cuts, they were made before modern cutting standards became dominant.
Modern brilliant cuts
Modern brilliants are designed around consistent proportions and face-up brightness. They offer a more regular pattern of sparkle than antique cuts, whose charm often lies in variation.
Look closely at the stone, its condition and any certification before you buy. An antique diamond is both a gemstone and a piece of material history.