Old Mine-cut diamonds have so much personality! I always feel sad when someone wants them recut to modern brilliant-cuts. These diamond predate the invention of the rotary saw, and are almost always at least 100 years old.
This cut came into existence in the late seventeenth century. The old miner was the first diamond cut that had all the facets of the present round brilliant cut: the bezel, the star, pavilion mains, etc. However, the facet alignment and sizes were in a different manner as compared to the current round brilliant. The old miner was also more of a square or cushion cut, rather than being round. In fact, today's cushion cut is an improved old mine cut.
This cut of diamond is characterized by a high crown, small table, deep pavilion and large culet. Other names for this cut are: old miner, Peruzzi cut, and triple-cut brilliant.
These cuts follow the original shape of the rough, and are therefore usually heavy and deep and may have poor symmetry. I call it character, however.
While being cut with less than exacting proportions, these diamonds have a beauty and magic of their own which give them a desirable, distinct beauty just as the bygone era in which they were fashioned. To properly show off this charm, they must be set in a customer mounting.
Here, Miss Nora from NOLA was seeking a home for her seven mine-cuts as well as single-cuts, which were put into the halo.
