Old Mine Cut Diamonds: The Vintage Sparkle Making a Modern Comeback
Old Mine Cut Diamonds: The Vintage Sparkle Making a Modern Comeback
4 min read
In the world of fine jewellery, few things feel as romantic or soulful as an Old Mine Cut diamond. Once considered “antique,” these stones are now one of the most desired diamond styles for brides and collectors who crave individuality and character. Just ask Taylor Swift.
At Morgan & Co Jewellery in Buderim, we’ve watched a remarkable resurgence of Old Mine Cuts and even more exciting, they’re now available as lab grown diamonds, making the vintage look more accessible, ethical, and sustainable than ever before.

What Exactly Is an Old Mine Cut Diamond?
The Old Mine Cut dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when diamonds were cut by hand long before lasers and precision machinery shaped today’s modern brilliants.
The name comes from the “old mines” of Brazil and India, the earliest diamond sources before Africa became the world’s leading supplier. These diamonds reflect the artistry and imperfection of their time, each one uniquely shaped by its cutter’s eye rather than mathematical precision.
Key identifying features include:
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A squarish cushion shape with soft, rounded corners
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A high crown and small table that add depth and dimension
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Chunky facets that sparkle beautifully in candlelight
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A visible culet (a flat facet on the bottom) that adds a charming vintage touch
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A warmer, softer brilliance than modern cuts a glow that feels timeless and alive
These stones were created for a different world, one lit by candlelight and their glow under softer lighting remains breathtaking today.
The Beauty of Imperfection
Old Mine Cuts are beloved because they’re not perfect and that’s exactly their appeal. Unlike modern machine cut diamonds, these stones bear the fingerprints of the craftspeople who cut them by hand over a century ago.
Each diamond has a slightly different facet pattern, depth, and shape giving it personality and soul. For many of our clients, this sense of history and individuality is what makes them fall in love.
At Morgan & Co, we often say: “These are diamonds with a heartbeat.” Their glow, their warmth, and their tiny quirks make them feel alive, a perfect metaphor for love itself.
Lab Grown Old Mine Cuts: A Sustainable Revival
Until recently, the only way to own an Old Mine Cut diamond was to find a genuine antique or re-cut an old stone, often limiting size or clarity options.
Now, with modern technology, it’s possible to have the best of both worlds. Lab grown Old Mine Cut diamonds replicate the antique faceting style with modern precision, allowing clients to enjoy this vintage look in a fully ethical, sustainable, and accessible way.

Benefits of Lab-Grown Old Mine Cut Diamonds
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Sustainable and ethical no mining required
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True diamond composition identical to mined diamonds
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Better value typically 40–60% less than natural counterparts
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Cut to order customise proportions and carat size
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Perfect for modern vintage settings — clean, ethical, and nostalgic
These stones have made it possible for Morgan & Co clients to choose vintage romance with a modern conscience preserving the character of the past while embracing the innovation of today.
The Vintage Trend: Why Modern Brides Are Looking Back
The modern engagement ring landscape is shifting. Couples are moving away from standard solitaire designs and embracing rings that tell a story.
At Morgan & Co, we’ve noticed a growing desire for vintage-inspired engagement rings that combine nostalgia, craftsmanship, and artistry. These rings are not just beautiful, they feel meaningful.
Popular Vintage Eras Making a Comeback
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Art Deco (1920s–30s): Think geometric symmetry, step-cut diamonds, and bold, architectural shapes.
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Edwardian (1900s): Intricate filigree, lace-like metalwork, and delicate milgrain edges.
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Victorian (1800s): Romantic floral motifs, yellow gold settings, and gemstone accents like sapphires or rubies.
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Retro (1940s): Sculptural gold settings with confident, expressive curves.
Each of these eras pairs beautifully with Old Mine Cut diamonds. Their warmth and unique light performance suit detailed, handcrafted settings often in yellow or rose gold, or platinum for that crisp Art Deco elegance.
Designing Your Own Vintage-Inspired Ring at Morgan & Co
At Morgan & Co Jewellery Buderim, we don’t believe in cookie cutter designs. Every piece begins with your story.
Our custom process gives you complete creative freedom whether you dream of an Art Deco statement ring or a romantic Victorian-inspired heirloom.
Our Custom Design Process
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Consultation: We start with your vision era, stone shape, and style inspiration.
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Stone Selection: Choose from natural or lab-grown Old Mine Cut diamonds, each carefully sourced for quality and beauty.
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Design & Visualisation: We create sketches and 3D renders so you can see your design before it’s made.
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Handcrafted Creation: Our master jewellers bring your design to life, using only precious metals and ethically sourced gems.
Every piece we create is designed to become a future heirloom, something that will be loved for generations.

A Sunshine Coast Love Story
Our Buderim studio has become a destination for couples across the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane who want engagement rings that break from the ordinary.
We understand that jewellery is emotional; it carries memory, meaning, and a piece of the person who wears it. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of a natural antique diamond or the clean conscience of a lab-grown Old Mine Cut, our goal is the same: to help you create something timeless and deeply personal.
Why Vintage Will Always Be in Vogue
Old Mine Cut diamonds remind us that beauty is not about perfection it’s about authenticity.
Their hand-cut sparkle and history-rich personality resonate with modern couples who want something unique, personal, and enduring.
At Morgan & Co Jewellery Buderim, we honour that philosophy in every custom piece we make blending old world craftsmanship with contemporary ethics and design.
Visit Morgan & Co Jewellery Buderim
Come and experience the world of vintage-inspired design and explore our collection of lab-grown Old Mine Cut diamonds.
Book your private consultation at our Buderim studio and let our expert jewellers help you design an engagement ring that captures your love story beautifully, ethically, and forever.
With Love,
Laura xo
