Old Mine Cut Lab Grown Diamonds
The romantic antique cushion cut — hand-cut facets, a large open culet, and a soft candlelit glow.
What is an old mine cut diamond?
The old mine cut (also called an antique cut) is the forerunner of the modern cushion and round brilliant, hand-cut by candlelight in the 1700s and 1800s. It has a soft, rounded-square outline, a high crown, a small table, a deep pavilion, and a large open culet — the little window you can see at the bottom of the stone. Each one is a little irregular, which is exactly its charm.
Candlelight, not floodlight
Old mine cuts were designed for candlelit rooms, not modern lighting. Their broad, chunky facets return light in soft, romantic flashes rather than the bright, machine-cut sparkle of a contemporary diamond. The result is a warm, glowing, antique character that collectors and vintage lovers seek out — now available lab grown, without the price or wear of a true antique.
What to look for in an old mine cut
- Culet — the open culet is part of the look; how large you want it is personal taste.
- Outline — old mine cuts are softly square; pick the proportions you love.
- Character over perfection — slight hand-cut irregularity is authentic, not a flaw.
Use the filters above to set carat, colour, and clarity.
Old mine cut engagement rings
The antique character pairs perfectly with vintage-inspired settings — bezels, milgrain detailing, and ornate or East-meets-West designs. For a true period feel, an old mine cut centre stone is hard to beat. Choose your loose stone here, or explore our old mine engagement rings.
Why buy an old mine cut from Stienhardt
Authentic old mine cuts are rare and pricey; a lab grown old mine cut gives you the same romantic look, fully certified by IGI or GIA, graded for the 4Cs, and conflict-free — all backed by free 30-day returns.
Antique Cut Lab-Grown Diamonds — frequently asked questions
What is an old mine cut diamond?
An antique cut and the forerunner of the modern cushion and brilliant — hand-cut with a soft square outline, high crown, small table, and a large open culet, for a warm candlelit glow.
Is an old mine cut the same as an antique cut?
Old mine cut is one of the classic antique cuts. Stienhardt's antique cut collection features old mine cut lab grown diamonds.
What's the difference between an old mine cut and an old European cut?
An old mine cut has a soft squarish (cushion-like) outline; an old European cut is its round cousin. Both are antique, candlelight-era cuts.
Why does an old mine cut have a large culet?
The open culet is a hallmark of the period's hand cutting; it shows as a small window at the bottom of the stone and is part of the antique look.
Are old mine cut lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes — they're real diamonds, chemically and optically identical to mined stones, and recognized as diamonds by the FTC.
Are old mine cut lab grown diamonds certified?
Yes. Every Stienhardt old mine cut is independently certified by IGI or GIA and graded for the full 4Cs.
Do old mine cuts sparkle like modern diamonds?
Not quite — their broad, chunky facets give soft, romantic flashes (a candlelit glow) rather than bright, modern brilliance. That's the appeal.
What setting suits an old mine cut?
Vintage-inspired settings — bezels, milgrain, and ornate designs — complement its antique character beautifully.
Are lab grown old mine cuts cheaper than antique diamonds?
Yes — a lab grown old mine cut gives the antique look without the rarity premium or wear of a genuine period stone, and far below mined prices.
What is your return policy?
Free 30-day returns on diamonds and jewelry.