Old Mine Cut
old·mine cut | ˈōld-mīn kət
noun
An antique diamond cut featuring a cushion or round shape and a chunkier look
Popular in the late 19th century and early 20th century, the Old Mine Cut was a direct predecessor to the Old European cut of diamond. It had a higher crown and smaller table, which resulted in a deeper pavilion and larger culet for the gem. While it was the direct predecessor of the OEC, it is considered the origin of the brilliant-cut, which remains the most popular cut of diamond currently used. Old Mine Cut is no longer used but is commonly found in antique and vintage jewelry pieces from the 19th and early 20th centuries. It has a rounder shape and an overall chunkier look than modern cuts, or even those that followed in the early 20th century.