The precursor to the popular modified brilliant-cut today were antique cushion cuts. The “Miner’s Cut” or “Old Mine” are rare antique cushion cuts that date back to the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Vintage cuts offer an attractive option for those looking for something classic, soft, and romantic.
What’s an Antique Cushion Cut
Because antique cushion cuts are more difficult to cut than modified bright cushion cut diamonds, they are extremely rare. This cut also requires the manufacturer to cut more rough diamonds than any shape.
History of Antique Cushion Cut Diamonds
Although Old Mine Cuts date back to the 1700s, they were not popularized until the Victorian and Edwardian eras (approx. 1830-1914). This was the only way to make this shape at that time. After the Indian mines stopped producing new diamonds, these cuts became common in Brazil.
Old Mine Cuts were the most sought-after and widely used diamond shape before brilliant round diamonds. Pillow Cut, Candlelight Cut, and Candlelight Cut are popular names for this type of cut.
Famous Antique Cushion Cut Diamonds
Many famous diamonds from history are Old Mine cuts. The Hope Diamond, Tiffany Yellow Diamond and Regent Diamond are just a few examples.
The Hope Diamond came from the Kollur Mine, India, in 1701. Boron was introduced into the diamond’s formation to give it its rich blue colour.
This stunning 45ct diamond was previously part of a 112ct larger stone, the Tavernier Blue. The extravagant, uncut stone was later recut into the Blue Diamond of the Crown or the French Blue. The stolen stone was then recut into the Hope Diamond.
Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a French gem merchant who bought the Hope Diamond in 1666, was the first known owner. Tavernier sold it in 1668 to King Louis XIV, France, who made it into the French Blue. It was first published in 1839 under the Hope name in a gem catalogue after it was stolen. Famous owners have been Evalyn Walsh McLoughlin and Harry Winston. The Smithsonian currently has the stone on permanent display.
Tiffany Yellow Diamond
The Tiffany Yellow Diamond sounds exactly like it does. It is a Fancy Yellow Diamond that Tiffany & Co. owns. This stunning diamond was found in South Africa’s Kimberley diamond mines. It weighed in at a staggering 287.42ct when it was discovered. Charles Lewis Tiffany, the co-founder of Tiffany & Co., purchased it for $18,000. Tiffany took it to Charles Lewis, Tiffany’s chief gemologist, for cutting into the Tiffany Yellow Diamond.
The Regent Diamond, originally part of the French Crown Jewels, was discovered by an Indian enslaved man at the Kollur Mine in India in 1608. According to legend, it was first found in the French Crown Jewels. The origins of the famous diamond are unknown. It weighed more than 400 carats when it was discovered.
Thomas Pitt bought the diamond and brought it to London in 1704-1706. He had it cut into 140ct, renaming it “Le Regent”. It was later sold to King Louis XV, who set it into his coronation crown. All French royalty wore the stone, which was passed on to them later.
The Regent Diamond, the largest colourless diamond in the world, is on display at the Louvre in Paris.
Antique vs Modified Brilliant Cushion Cuts
In the beginning, antique cushion cuts were all needed to create this diamond shape. Cushion-shaped diamonds have become more common as technology has improved over the years. The most common cut is the modified brilliant. What is the difference between them?
Brilliant Modified
Modified brilliant cushion diamonds are very similar to their rarer counterparts, the cushion brilliants. This particular cut is the most popular cushion cut. This classic option has exceptional brilliance and consists of an additional row of facets below the girdle.
This faceting style is best used with a square-cut cushion. Extended modified bright cushion cuts are equally beautiful and popular. These diamonds are designed to increase refraction and shine, while antique cushion cuts do not maximize brilliance.
Antique or “Old Mine”
Antique cushion cuts have 58 facets, just like brilliant modern cushions. These facets are larger and more “chunkier” than brilliant modern cushions’. They also have an open culet at their bottom and a steeper crown, which is something that modern brilliant cushion designs do not. These stunning cushion cuts are available in various shapes, including square and elongated.
These unicorn stones can be used in various settings, including yellow gold solitaires, three-stones, and halos. Don’t you believe me? It’s easy to see why!
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