Old Mine Diamond
Old mine diamond jewellery brings together hand-cut stones and precious metals across Victorian, Edwardian and early twentieth-century designs.
Old Mine Diamond
An old mine diamond brings together hand-faceted stones set within Victorian, Edwardian and early twentieth-century jewellery.
Buyers seeking an old mine diamond encounter rings, drop earrings, bangles, bracelets, brooches and necklaces fashioned in these earlier periods.
Cluster rings, solitaire rings, five-stone rings and drop earrings represent the most common forms found across these listings.
How they were made
Goldsmiths shaped these pieces using 18ct yellow gold, 18ct white gold, platinum and silver, often combining metals to mount the stones securely.
The stones themselves received hand-cut facets designed by candlelight, resulting in cushion, pear or rounded outlines that differ from modern brilliant cuts.
Old Mine Diamond Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for old mine diamond among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
A Victorian snake ring wraps its golden coils around an old mine diamond head, watching every room it enters.
What varies in quality
Proportion and symmetry in the hand-cut facets determine the brilliance and visual depth of each stone.
The weight of the gold or platinum mounts, alongside the precision of claw or rubover settings, defines the standard of construction.
The Old Mine Diamond Glossary
- Old mine cut
- A vintage diamond cut featuring a roughly square or cushion outline with a high crown and small table facet. These stones were shaped by hand before modern machinery existed.
- Rubover setting
- A method of securing a gemstone where a thin collar of metal is pushed over the outer edge of the stone. This technique holds the gem firmly while creating a smooth border.
- Cluster ring
- A ring design featuring a central gemstone surrounded by a group of smaller stones. This arrangement maximises visual impact and combines diamonds with sapphires or rubies.
- Carved half hoop
- A ring band decorated with carved scrollwork or chasing across the upper portion, often interspersed with flush-set stones. This style appears frequently in Victorian jewellery.
Old Mine Diamond: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an old mine diamond?
An old mine diamond is a hand-cut gemstone originating from nineteenth and early twentieth-century periods. These stones possess deep pavilions and distinct cushion shapes.
They catch candlelight differently than modern brilliant cuts due to their broader facets and smaller tables.
How do I care for antique diamond jewellery?
Antique jewellery requires gentle handling because older settings and softer gold alloys can wear down over time. Clean pieces using warm soapy water and a soft brush.
Avoid harsh ultrasonic cleaners which can loosen stones set in ancient claws.
Can I wear an old mine diamond daily?
Diamonds remain the hardest natural material, making them durable enough for regular wear. However, antique rings benefit from mindful removal during heavy physical tasks.
Checking the prongs and rubover settings periodically prevents stone loss.
How do I identify a Victorian setting?
Victorian settings frequently incorporate yellow gold, silver-topped gold, and heavier hand-carved bands. Motifs often include star bursts, snakes, floral sprays and cluster arrangements.
Assay marks and hallmarks stamped inside the band can also confirm the English working period.