Prepared by the Imperial Cushions editorial team. Laboratory terminology is retained where a report is cited; historical context and dealer judgment are identified as interpretation.
Old mine and old European diamonds are related historic cuts, but they are not interchangeable.
Outline
Old mine stones often have cushion-like or irregular outlines. Old European cuts are rounder and usually show a more organised circular facet pattern.
Light pattern
Both can have high crowns and open culets, yet the old European pattern tends to read more radially. Old mine stones often have a broader, less uniform rhythm that changes more dramatically across the face.
Collector preference
The decision is aesthetic. A collector seeking a soft rectangular outline may prefer an old mine cushion, while someone wanting a historic round form may favour an old European cut. Condition, recutting and overall make matter more than a category name.