All About Antique Diamonds

There’s something about antique diamonds that never goes out of style. Maybe it’s their history. Maybe it’s the character. Or maybe it’s that you’ll never find two exactly alike. These old-world stones have a soul all their own—and they’re having a major moment.

What Makes a Diamond Antique?

Antique diamonds aren’t just “old.” Generally, a diamond is considered antique if it was cut over 100 years ago. What really sets them apart is how they were made. These stones were shaped entirely by hand, long before lasers or precision machines existed. Every facet, every angle, every tiny imperfection was designed to catch light in the most flattering way—especially candlelight. That soft, flickering glow gives antique diamonds their signature warmth and romance, making them utterly captivating and unlike anything modern cuts can replicate.

The Antique Cuts:

Old Mine Cut

Dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, Old Mine cuts were crafted entirely by hand. That’s part of their magic—each stone is perfectly imperfect, one-of-a-kind, with a charm you just don’t find in modern cuts. The shape is slightly squarish with rounded corners, giving it a subtle cushion-like appearance. Its facets are deep and chunky, designed to catch light in candlelight for a warm, romantic glow. While modern machines can technically replicate the shape, they can’t reproduce the organic character and depth that comes from hand-cutting over a century ago.

.38ct Old Mine Diamond Sweet Pea Ring

This dainty band features a .38ct old mine cut white diamond bezel-set in yellow gold. She's the perfect piece to start a stack with, or add a touch of vintage sparkle to any jewelry collection! Timeless and unique.

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1.55ct Old Mine Diamond Verona

So much sparkle and shine in this Verona, featuring a tab prong set 1.55ct old mine diamond. The thicker shank design with burnished old cut diamonds adds a modern yet vintage touch to this major statement design.

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1.46ct Old Mine Diamond & 1.52ct Sapphire Chloe

This one-of-a-kind toi et moi ring features a 1.46ct old mine diamond set alongside a 1.52ct natural blue sapphire. The bright white diamond paired with the most mesmerizing blue makes for a beautiful unique engagement ring.

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Old European Cut

The Old European cut emerged in the late 1800s as the natural evolution of the Old Mine. Rounder in shape, with a higher crown and smaller table, it was designed to maximize brilliance in the candlelit rooms of its era. The facets are more refined and symmetrical than an Old Mine, giving the diamond a brighter, livelier sparkle. While it keeps the vintage charm, it reads as slightly more polished and “modern” compared to the squarer, moodier depth of an Old Mine.

2.66ct Old Euro Diamond Camille

This one-of-a-kind Camille is set with a 2.66ct Old Euro Diamond - giving one of our most popular settings a unique story. This round brilliant solitaire makes for a gorgeous engagement ring and is perfect for mixing and matching with so many stacking bands.

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0.80ctw Old European Diamond Noa Petals Engagement Ring

The Noa Petals Ring features a 0.52ct Old European cut diamond (5.23mm) at the center, surrounded by eight vintage Old European cut diamonds totaling 0.80ctw. Set in 14k yellow gold, the design fans out like delicate petals—romantic, dreamy, and full of vintage charm.

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0.90ct Old Euro Diamond Camille

This one-of-a-kind Camille is set with a 0.90ct old Euro diamond - giving one of our most popular settings a unique story. This round brilliant solitaire is low profile (so she won't snag on things!) and is perfect for mixing and matching with so many stacking bands.

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In short: the Old Mine cut feels cozy, intimate, and soulful—chunky facets, soft edges, and that romantic depth. The Old European cut feels brighter, livelier, and more refined—rounder with a glimmer that’s all vintage glamour but a touch more precision.

“Old Mine cuts are making a big comeback—they’ve got the hand-cut charm and a slightly asymmetrical shape that’s so romantic. The soft, pillowy facets and warm, candlelit sparkle make them pop, especially in yellow gold. Old European cuts are also becoming more popular, especially with couples looking for something vintage but with a bit more symmetry. I love the broad, deep facets on them. It’s all about cuts that feel timeless but also a little different, and these vintage shapes definitely tick that box for many of our clients.” – Jillian, Founder & Designer

Rose Cut

Giving a family diamond or gemstone a fresh new setting is one of the best ways to create a truly unique engagement ring. It’s personal, meaningful, and sustainable—all wrapped into one. Our team loves reimagining these stones, blending modern design with the story and character they carry. The result is a one-of-a-kind ring that honors your past while feeling perfectly current… And perfectly your own.

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Why We’re Obsessed

One-of-a-kind appeal: Every antique diamond is unique, thanks to centuries-old hand-cutting.
Perfectly imperfect: Those tiny quirks and asymmetries? That’s character you can feel.
Built-in sustainability: Antique = already recycled. Antique diamonds are the most sustainable option because they’re already in circulation and don’t require any new mining or energy to produce.

Timeless energy: These stones have lived a life, seen history, and carry a little bit of that magic forward.

Mixing Vintage with Modern

What makes antique diamonds so versatile is how beautifully they translate into contemporary jewelry. Pair an Old Mine cut with a sleek bezel for a modern twist. Let an Old European cut shine in a classic solitaire for that heirloom vibe. Or stack them with solid gold bands and layering pieces—the contrast between the old-world stone and a modern setting creates a look that’s entirely your own.

How to Care for Antique Diamonds

They’re durable but delicate. Some facets may be shallower than modern cuts, so regular check-ins with a trusted jeweler keep them secure. Beyond that, treat them like any diamond: clean gently, store carefully, and enjoy the story they carry.

Antique diamonds aren’t just jewelry—they’re history, character, and individuality all wrapped into one perfectly imperfect, timeless gem.