Old Mine Cut Diamond

[Piper1]

Is it possible to have an Old Mine Cut diamond from the 1860''s? I have an approximately one carat diamond that has been passed down through the generations, and I was wondering if it could date that far back. Or would a diamond from that time period be another cut altogether?

Thirty years ago, my grandmother put the diamond into a ring, so I know that the current setting isn''t very old.

Thank you!

 

[ericad]

From oldworlddiamonds.com -

Old Mine Diamonds

Old mine cut diamonds date back to the 1830''s and were common up until the turn of the century. They are the earliest form of the modern brilliant cut. Old mine diamonds were faceted by hand in an almost round shape with a high crown, small table and open culet. Old mine diamonds were cut for candlelight which makes them sparkle in even dim light.

 

[Ellen]

Hi Piper,

As erica''s article quote states, that is when these were cut. There are many old stone lovers on here, and I know we''d love to see a picture (or 10) of the ring!

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 8/28/2007 7:36:19 AM
Author: Ellen
Hi Piper,


As erica''s article quote states, that is when these were cut. There are many old stone lovers on here, and I know we''d love to see a picture (or 10) of the ring!

That’s when these were FIRST cut. They’re still being cut today. There''s no scientific test to date diamonds. It''s all based on the history of the stone and similar non-gemological clues.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/28/2007 8:24:24 AM
Author: denverappraiser

Date: 8/28/2007 7:36:19 AM
Author: Ellen
Hi Piper,


As erica''s article quote states, that is when these were cut. There are many old stone lovers on here, and I know we''d love to see a picture (or 10) of the ring!

That’s when these were FIRST cut. They’re still being cut today. There''s no scientific test to date diamonds. It''s all based on the history of the stone and similar non-gemological clues.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

True enough.

 

[ericad]

Yes, my understanding is that you can try to authenticate an antique stone by looking for clues to its age such as small chips in the girdle, etc. This is what my appraiser told me. But it's true that there are "new" old cuts being produced today. An appraiser who has specific expertise in antique stones would be helpful here.

If a stone is already set, the age of the setting may provide clues as well, though no way to know anything for sure.

But since your stone has been in your family for a few generations, and these have been cut since the early 1800's, I think you can assume that it's a very old stone and quite possibly dates back to the 1860's That's so cool!

 

[Pandora II]

Neil,

Could you tell us more about the ''new'' OMC''s?

Who is producing them and how good are the cuts? What makes a good new OMC - can you do numbers or do you have to see them in person?

Thanks