Assess clarity in an Old Mine Cut by matching the report’s characteristics to the stone in a face-up view. Look at it at a comfortable viewing distance, follow the broad central facets through a slow tilt, then ask for an oriented magnified view of any feature you want to understand.
GIA describes Old Mine Cuts as having larger, chunkier facets. Those facets, their junctions and the open culet give you useful landmarks when comparing photographs with the report. GIA’s Old Mine Cut guide explains the cutting style.
Read the grade, plot and comments together
GIA assigns clarity using what a trained grader sees at 10x magnification. The five factors are size, number, location, relief and nature. Relief means how strongly a characteristic contrasts with the diamond around it. A characteristic near the centre of the table or with strong contrast can carry more weight in the grade. GIA explains the grading factors here.
The plot maps approximate positions in crown and pavilion views. Read its key and the comments as well: faint, widespread or additional characteristics may be recorded in words. GIA’s plotting guide explains how the diagram is prepared.
For a practical comparison, ask the dealer to orient the stone to the plot and point out the listed characteristics. Then view the clean diamond face-up at your usual viewing distance. Record the distance and lighting whenever someone describes it as eye-clean.
A real SI1 example
Our 1.52 ct D SI1 Old Mine Cushion, IC-05732, has GIA report 6481147907. The report records Old Mine Brilliant as its cutting style. Its key lists crystal, indented natural, feather and needle, and the comments add “Pinpoints are not shown.” Read that comment alongside the plot before matching the report to the stone.
Compare those moments to track the central pattern through the clip. Request a sharper, oriented close-up and a current examination to assess the listed inclusions and their visibility at normal distance.
Ask for the view that answers your question
| Question | Useful evidence |
|---|---|
| Can I see a characteristic in normal wear? | A clean, face-up stone at a stated distance in diffuse light, followed by a slow tilt. |
| Which mark belongs to the report? | An oriented 10x view that identifies the characteristic and its position on the plot. |
| Does a feature need attention before setting? | A current specialist examination of any surface-reaching feature, with the intended setting in mind. |
If a dark area changes strongly with the camera or tilt, use our distance and lighting test to study the reflection. Follow that with magnification to identify a persistent feature. For setting decisions, the condition guide covers the girdle and surface checks.
The IF grade on IC-01706 gives a different laboratory starting point: GIA defines Internally Flawless as having no inclusions and only blemishes visible at 10x. Its dossier lets you review the photograph and movement alongside that grade. Your preference for a higher clarity grade can be discussed together with the outline, facet pattern and intended jewel.
For help with the document itself, use our antique diamond report guide. To compare available material, browse the diamond collection or request a private selection. Ask for the report, an oriented inclusion view and a private inspection of the stone you are considering.
