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Old Mine Diamond Alternatives
Old mine cut diamonds have surged in popularity since Taylor Swift revealed her engagement ring was a stunning old mine cut diamond. She was proposed to by Travis Kelce in August 2025. The antique cut was at its most popular from the 1700s to the late Victorian era, before being replaced by the Old European Cut and later the modern (round) Brilliant Cut in the 1920s-30s.
Our guide explains everything you need to know about the Old Mine Diamond Cut and our recommended alternatives to this antique style.
What is an old mine cut diamond?
An old mine cut diamond is one of the earliest styles of diamond cutting. The name refers to the old diamond mines in India and Brazil, where diamonds were measured by the eye and cut by hand. Skilled craftsmen would cut the diamond by candlelight, making this cut known for its soft, romantic glow, which would sparkle beautifully when held close to a flame, these diamonds were known to be a squarish brilliant cut with rounded corners.
The old-mine cut was then compared to many other squarish brilliant cuts, such as the modern cushion cut or to an elongated shape the radiant cut.
The diamond has a tall profile, with a high crown, giving it a chunky three-dimensional appearance. Although it features 58 facets, its hand-cut nature means the overall effect is less precise and symmetrical than modern diamond cuts, which adds to its vintage charm.
Instead of finishing in a point at the bottom, the diamond has a flat facet. This facet is known as a culet and if you look at the diamond directly over the top, it appears as a small circle.
Elongated Cushion Cut Engagement Rings
Elongated Cushion Cut Engagement Rings
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring
Taylor Swift’s engagement ring is an elongated old mine cut set in a bezel setting with an additional 4 talon claws to hold the diamond in place. Set in a yellow gold band with gold filigree details, the ring oozes old school romance.
If you’re looking for a similar engagement ring to Taylor Swift, our cushion cut diamond engagement rings can be customised with an elongated cushion cut for a similar look - but with more sparkle. Simply speak to a member of our team in-store or via the live chat to create a ring in this chosen style.
Modern old mine cut diamonds
Today, choosing an old mine cut diamond for your engagement ring can not only be costly, but can also be restrictive, as you may need to choose either an antique ring or commission a new setting.
We recommend a cushion cut diamond as a modern alternative to an old mine cut. Similarly, the diamond is a square, or rectangular shape with soft, round edges. Instead of a hand cut, the modern cushion cut is machine cut with precision, it has smaller facets which give a crushed-ice sparkle effect, that sparkle brighter than an old mine cut under modern lights.
A cushion cut has a flatter profile on top, whereas an old mine diamond has a more domed, three-dimensional look. While this contributes to the antique charm of an old mine diamond, a modern cushion cut often appears larger in carat weight due to its greater visible surface area.
Are old mine diamonds valuable?
Yes. Because old mine diamonds were hand-cut before the days of precision technology, each diamond is unique. They generally hold more value than modern diamonds, especially when set in antique heirloom jewellery.
True antique old mine diamonds are rare, as many of them were re-cut to maximise fire and brilliance once the technology became available. Rising demand and narrow availability have driven up their value.
Shoulder Set Elongated Cushion Cut Engagement Ring
How can Diamond Heaven help?
We’re here to help you find the perfect engagement ring. Whether you’ve been inspired by Taylor Swift or are just a fan of a vintage style engagement ring, we can help. With customisable designs and excellent craftsmanship, we can make your dream proposal a reality.
Book an appointment at one of our many showrooms across the UK, including shops in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, Belfast, Newcastle, Norwich, Dublin, Southampton, Maidstone, Brighton, Chelmsford and Guildford.
