Journal

The Journal

Articles on antique diamonds, cut, character and the details worth examining.

Face-up photograph of the 7.51 carat D IF Cushion Brilliant on a warm charcoal stone background

5 October 2026

Fair Symmetry in an Old Mine Cut: What to Inspect

Read a Fair symmetry grade alongside the actual stone, with a real Old Mine Brilliant report and a focused checklist for the next inspection.

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4 October 2026

Clarity in Old Mine Cut Diamonds: What to Check Face-Up

Read an Old Mine Cut clarity grade beside its plot, comments and movement video, with a real SI1 example and a practical face-up inspection…

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14 September 2026

Why an Antique Diamond Goes Dark When You Tilt It

A practical distance, tilt and lighting test for separating observer obstruction, table reflection, windowing and a visible open culet in an antique diamond.

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7 September 2026

Two Three-Carat Old Mine Cushions: A Side-by-Side Comparison

A 3.01 ct G VS2 and a 3.09 ct F SI2 compared through their GIA reports, outlines and videos.

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1 September 2026

High Crowns in Old Mine Cut Diamonds: How to Read the Profile

How to read crown height, table, depth and side profile in an Old Mine Cut diamond without turning one measurement into a quality grade.

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30 August 2026

Asymmetry in Old Mine Cut Diamonds: Flaw or Character?

When asymmetry in an Old Mine Cut reflects hand-cut character, and when outline, facets, condition or setting need closer inspection.

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24 August 2026

Should You Recut an Old Mine Cut Diamond or Preserve It?

A direct framework for deciding whether to preserve, repolish or recut an Old Mine Cut diamond.

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17 August 2026

Old Mine Cut Face-Up Size vs Carat Weight: What Actually Looks Larger?

Why equal-carat Old Mine Cut diamonds can look different in size, with verified dimensions and a direct comparison method.

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8.01 carat H VVS2 old mine cushion showing its open culet and broad antique facets

14 August 2026

What Does an Open Culet Mean in an Antique Diamond?

What an open culet is, how to distinguish it from damage and how to judge it inside the complete antique facet pattern.

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12.78 ct Y-Z VS2 Old Mine cushion diamond, face-up view

11 August 2026

Why Antique Diamonds Return Light Differently

Why broad facets, open culets, lighting and movement make old mine cushion diamonds return light at a different pace.

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6 October 2024

Antique Gemstones: Provenance, Condition and Documentation

How to assess an antique gemstone by identity, treatment, condition, origin opinion, setting and documented history.

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6 October 2024

The Prestige of Golconda Diamonds

The Prestige of Golconda Diamonds When it comes to the pinnacle of luxury, few gems can compete with the allure of Golconda diamonds.…

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6 October 2024

Antique Diamonds and Gemstones: What to Inspect

What to check in an antique jewel: stone identity, treatment, condition, age, provenance and laboratory documentation.

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8.01 ct H VVS2 Old Mine Cushion diamond face-up view

6 October 2024

Old Mine Cushion Diamonds: Shape, Facets and Face-Up Character

How to judge an old mine cushion by outline, facet pattern, spread, condition and movement.

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16 May 2018

The Old Mine Divine – Part 1 – Introduction

PART 1 THE MAGNIFICENT COLOURLESS CUSHION DIAMONDS – THE “OLD MINE” CUT ” … The most perfect diamonds are crystalline, and resemble a drop of clear springwater,…

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26 February 2017

The Old Mine Cut: A Short Technical History

How older tools, rough shape and hand cutting produced the high crowns, small tables, open culets and broad flashes associated with old mine diamonds.

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