Antique diamonds

Light from another era.

Hand-cut diamonds prized for generous facets, individual proportion and an unmistakably intimate glow.

The beauty of individuality

Before precision became uniformity, every diamond carried the hand of its cutter.

Old mine and old European cuts were shaped by eye, often in candlelight. Their broader facets and distinctive outlines create a quality of light that modern cutting does not imitate.

The Imperial eye

Character is the rarest quality.

We look beyond a report to the relationship between outline, facet pattern, colour and life. No formula selects a memorable antique diamond; experience does.

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Old diamonds, timeless perfection

A restless mosaic of broad white fire.

Antique diamonds are artistic objects with generous brilliance, magnificent dispersion and a pattern of scintillation that feels less mechanical than many modern cuts. Their flashes arrive with rhythm and depth, giving a beautiful stone the soulful presence collectors remember.

The historic families

Two old cuts, two distinct expressions of light.

Old Mine CushionArchival auction image, Christie's

Old Mine Cushion

Depth, softness and individuality.

Old mine cushions became a defining diamond form during the nineteenth century. Cut by hand into square or rectangular outlines with rounded corners, they are often recognised by a high crown, a small table, a deep pavilion and a visible open culet.

That depth allows the eye to travel into the diamond. In soft light, the broader facets return larger and slower flashes, creating an impression that can feel calmer, warmer and more intimate than the fine scintillation of many modern cuts.

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Old European CutArchival auction image, Christie's

Old European Cut

A round outline with historic fire.

The old European cut is the historic forerunner of the modern round brilliant. Its circular girdle is paired with a small table, a substantial crown, a deep pavilion and, frequently, an open culet.

Its appeal is not modern uniformity. The facet pattern produces broad flashes, strong contrast and the lively fire that makes a well-cut old European diamond immediately recognisable in movement.

Compare the historic cuts

What defines an antique cut