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Edwardian 1905 Antique French Earrings 18Kt Gold With 3.54 Ctw Diamonds Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
, such; European old cuts diamonds and cushion cut rubies. These earrings are completely genuine from the
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Platinum Diamond Sautoir Pendant Necklace, circa 1910
Located in New York, NY
with 44 old mine and old European Cut diamonds weighing about 3.30 carats total. The center stone
Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 1930 Convertible Pendant In Platinum 57.31 Ctw Aquamarine And Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
settings, with 94 European round cut, with a combined weight of 4.86 carats. The diamonds are gem quality
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Lacy Art Deco Diamond Platinum Filigree Bracelet
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
: Platinum over 14 Karat White Gold Diamonds: (5) Carat Weight: 0.66 Total Cut: Old European & Old Mine
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Antique Victorian Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Double Jockey Brooch Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
. Diamond Quality Color (average grades) J Clarity (average grades) P1 Cut Old European/Mine Content (total
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Dated 1967 Gold British Hallmarked Vintage Five Stone Rose Cut Antique Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Details: Shape: Old Mine Cut Carat: 0.159Ct Color: White S-T Clarity: I1 Accent Diamonds: Shape
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
diamond weighing 1 ct H color VS clarity, framed by 0.15 carat of old cut diamonds. Circa 1930 CONDITION
Category

Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

ART DECO 1930 Octagonal Ring In Platinum With 3.86 Ctw In Diamonds Sapphires
Located in Miami, FL
center in a bezel setting, with 1 European round cut diamond of 2.04 carats, white colorless F/G color
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

1.30Ct Diamond 15k Yellow Gold, Silver Set Dress Ring - Antique Victorian
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Clarity (average grades) VS2 - SI2 Cut Old mine Content (total) 0.88 carat Total Diamond Content
Category

Antique 1860s Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond Gold Cluster Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The ideal accessory for everyday use. Featuring a 0.85 carat old mine cut diamond that is
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Original 7.58ct Authentic Antique Victorian Turquoise Diamond Cluster Cocktail
Located in New York, NY
Yellow Gold, CIRCA 1890. A bright Turquoise oval cabochon centers a glittering halo of 15 OLD MINE Cut
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sapphire Diamond Gold Bracelet
Located in Napoli, NA
18k white and yellow gold bracelet featuring 14 old mine cut Diamonds weighing approximately 5 cts
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
old mine cut diamond H color Vs clarity, framed by .20ct of old mine cut diamonds. Entirely hand
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Georgian 1800 Antique Dangle Earrings In 15Kt Gold With 8.46 Ctw In Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
gemstone rings. Popular cuts for diamonds included 'rose cut', 'old mine cut' and 'table cut. Millegrain
Category

Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Art Deco Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
brilliant diamond weighing 1.39 carats, further set with (2) two square cut diamonds and (36) thirty six old
Category

Vintage 1930s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian 3.63Ct No Heat GIA Certified Olive Green Sapphire w/Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Addison, TX
) Accent Diamonds: Total: 12 Shape: Old Mine Cut Carat: 1.50 CTTW Color: I-J Clarity: SI2 - I2 *More
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Green Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Peridot Diamond Rose Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A 3.75 carat faceted round peridot is framed by a symmetrically-assembled border of old mine- and
Category

Antique 1880s Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, 15k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian 1870s Starburst Diamonds Gold Brooch Pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
radiating curls of diamond light is set throughout with one hundred fifteen old mine-cut diamonds totaling
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold

Retro 18K Yellow and White Gold 16 Whimsical Charms Bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, Approx. 0.02 Carats, Single and Old Mine Cuts, G, SI Charm 12: Ballerina Accent Stone: 15 Diamonds
Category

20th Century Charm Bracelets

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Blue Diamond, Kunzite, Morganite, Ruby, Sapphire, T...

Art Deco Diamond an Sapphire Necklace, circa 1930s
Located in Wailea, HI
Weighing 1.20 Carats Approximately One Old Mine Cut Diamond Weighing .10 Carats Approximately Fourteen
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Victorian Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Stone Carat: Approximately .75 carats total weight Shape: oval Accent Stone: Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Andrew Clunn Diamond White Gold Dangle Earrings
By Andrew Clunn
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
karat white gold and set with approximately 15 carats of old mine cut and single cut diamonds. The
Category

Vintage 1980s American Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Pearl Diamond White Gold Cross Pendant Pin
Located in New York, NY
" deep. Materials: 14K White Gold, 15 gm Stones: 85 old mine cut round diamonds totaling approximately
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique 19th Century Garnet Diamond Heart Locket Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
densely set bright white old mine cut diamonds. The diamonds are set in silver over gold. The back is
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet

Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Pearl Gold Bracelet
Located in Napoli, NA
Charming 18k white gold bracelet set with old mine cut diamonds totaling approx. 1.50 cts., natural
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco More Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique English Diamond Silver Top Gold Star Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An English Antique silver top 15 karat gold brooch with diamonds. The brooch has 45 old mine-cut
Category

Antique 1880s English Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Silver

French 1890 Art Nouveau Swan Arp Brooch 18Kt Gold With 5.05 Ctw Rubies Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
between 1880 and 1890. Diamonds: Mounted in flush prongs settings, with 30 old European rose cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Peridot Diamond 14K Gold Silver Antique Whiplash Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
with old mine and rose cut diamonds Weighing approximately 1.50 carats total I/J color with VS2 to SI1
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Gold and Enamel Flower Brooch with Diamond by Tiffany Co.
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
-cut diamond with an approximate total weight of .15 carat. Attributed to Paulding Farnum Circa 1900.
Category

Antique Early 1900s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Colombian Emerald Diamond Engagement Cluster Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
sparkling old European and old mine cut diamonds. The shoulders of the ring are accented with two old rose
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Victorian Diamond and Turquoise Snake Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
drop-shaped cabochon of turquoise framed by twelve old mine-cut diamonds that have approximate total
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 15k Gold

Custom Made Diamond Encrusted Gold Twisted Snake Pendant
Located in Cape May, NJ
round but but the 8 diamonds in the snakes tail or rattle are old mine cut diamonds. The snake is
Category

Late 20th Century American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond Gold Platinum Cross Pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco diamond gold and platinum cross pendant circa 1930. DETAILS: DIAMONDS: one old mine-cut
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

English Antique Diamond and Silver Top Gold Star Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An English Antique silver top 15 karat gold brooch with diamonds. The brooch has 45 old mine-cut
Category

Antique 1880s English Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Silver

Antique Gold, Diamond and Gem-Set Acrostic Sweetheart Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
carats, framed by old European and old mine-cut diamonds, approximate total weight 1.03 carats, within
Category

Antique 1880s Link Bracelets

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, 15k Gold, Silver

Victorian Diamond Sapphire Seed Pearl 14 Karat Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 0.15 carats, eye-clean and white Accented
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

Victorian Diamond gold Cluster Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Old Mine-Cut Diamond Victorian Diamond Cluster Ring A graceful Victorian round cluster ring set
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cluster Rings

Victorian Enamel Diamond Gold Starburst Foxtail Locket/Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
center. Lining the rays of the starburst are 15 old Mine Cut diamonds, and an additional diamond stone
Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold

Antique Set of 3 Diamond Silver Top Gold Star Brooches
Located in New York, NY
are composed of 92 old mine-cut diamonds with rose diamond accents. The approximate total weight of
Category

Antique 1880s English Brooches

Materials

White Diamond, 15k Gold, Silver

Retro Emerald Cabochon and Diamond Necklace in 18K Rose Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
European and Old Mine cut Diamonds, all individually prong set, in 18K Rose Gold. This vintage retro
Category

Vintage 1940s North American Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Late Victorian Amethyst and Diamond Convertible Necklace in Silver and Gold
Located in London, England
collet set old mine cut diamonds. Hanging from the centre of the necklace is a perfectly matched amethyst
Category

Antique 1880s British Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, Silver

Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond and Opal Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Dimensions: 8.67mm X 6.45mm Carat Weight: Aprox 0.72Ct Accent Diamonds: Shape: Old Mine Cuts Carat
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, White Gold

Lacloche Frères Paris 1950 Retro Bracelet 18Kt Gold 40.17 Cts Sapphires Diamonds
By Lacloche Freres
Located in Miami, FL
sapphires, with a combined weight of 33.75 Carats. Bezel set, with 14 European round cut diamonds, 1.06
Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco Burma No Heat Red Spinel with GIA White Gold Diamond Ring, Looks Ruby
Located in Addison, TX
Diamond Details: Shape: Old Mine; Single Cut Count: 2; 6 Weight: aprox 0.24cttw This ring can be size up
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Spinel, 14k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian Platinum and 14K Yellow Gold Antique Lavalier Necklace W/Original Box
Located in Addison, TX
0.50Ct Color: White Clarity: VS2 Accent Diamonds: Shape: Old Mine/ European Cut Carat: Aprox 1.03
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian Two Tone 14k Rose Gold and Platinum .50 Ct Vintage Bypass Engagement
Located in Addison, TX
1.85mm at shank Finger to Top of Ring: 5.10mm Center Diamond Details: Shape: Old Mine Cut Carat Weight
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, Platinum

"Genuine Burmese Jadeite Phoenix" Baikalla Jewelry Signature Neck-Piece
Located in Portland, OR
good luck. 15 total masterfully cut genuine old mine Burmese cabochon imperial green jadeite. With 5
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Circa 1910 Edwardian Platinum Hand Made Vintage Mount with Large Cultured Pearl
Located in Addison, TX
: Round Dimensions: 12.30mm Color: Creamy Pure White Accent Diamonds: Shape: Old Mine Cut Carat
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Platinum

1.2 Carat Victorian Old Mine Cushion Cut and Turquoise Ring, circa 1880s
Located in Addison, TX
Victorian era diamond engagement ring features an amazing 1.2 carat chunky old mine cushion cut diamond set
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Old Mine Cut Cluster Ring 18k ~1.60ctw
Located in Orlando, FL
prong-set diamond cluster Diamonds – 15 old mine-cut diamonds (including shoulders) totaling
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Bar Brooch Pin Antique Art Deco Edwardian
Located in New York, NY
brooch is characterized by the 15 sparkling Old Mine Cut Diamonds, and the beautiful scroll foliate open
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian Opal Diamond Ring Old Mine Cut .15ct Antique Original 1840-1870
Located in Dearborn, MI
Natural Diamonds (NOT Created or Man-Made) 100% Natural 0.05 Carat Diamond Weight Shape: Old Mine Cut
Category

Antique 1850s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Edwardian 2 Carat Old Mine Diamond Platinum Pendant Necklace, 1900
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
magnificent Old Mine Cut Tiffany Diamonds set in Platinum in an open work drop dangle checkerboard motif with
Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Ring Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
set with 15 old mine cut diamonds in an elegant horizontal diamond motif. Due to the design the
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Victorian Single Diamond Stud Earring .15ct Old Mine Mined Original 1890 s 14K
Located in Dearborn, MI
) .15 Carat Diamond Weight Shape: Old Mine Cut Color: G-H (Near Colorless) Clarity: VS (No Visible
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian .64 ct Old Mine Cushion Cut Diamond Buttercup Solitaire Rose Gold Ring
Located in Addison, TX
the shank Finger to Top of Ring: 5.7 mm Center Diamond Details: Shape: Old Mine Cut Carat Weight
Category

Early 20th Century Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Old Mine Diamond Sapphire Platinum Ring Wedding Engagement Target Ring
Located in New York, NY
clean Diamond Weight: approximately .40 Carats 15 Old Mine and Old European Cut Color: H-I Clarity
Category

20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

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15 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 15 carat old mine cut diamond you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of gold, yellow gold and 14k gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 254 vintage or 2 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. If you’re looking for a 15 carat old mine cut diamond from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing 15 carat old mine cut diamond — no matter the origin — is easy, but Estate Jewelry, Tiffany Co. and Andrew Clunn each produced a popular version that is worth a look. See these pages for an old mine cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also old european cut cut and round cut cut versions available here, too. If you’re browsing our inventory for a 15 carat old mine cut diamond, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a 15 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond?

The price for a 15 carat old mine cut diamond starts at $400 and tops out at $495,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $4,871.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Questions About 15 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mine cut diamonds are up to 300 years ago. Mine cut diamonds were popular around the 18th century during Victorian times and are still in high demand today. You’ll find a wide selection of mine cut diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Because the old mine cut is no longer used on diamonds, diamonds with this cut are rare and so you can often get quite a lot of money for them. Nevertheless, it is still dependent on the quality of the individual diamonds and on the color, clarity, cut and carat number.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Old mine cut diamonds are usually worth less than old european cut diamonds. Because they are generally 10-15% less expensive, they are often larger than other cut diamonds for engagement rings.
  • Like any other diamond, an old mine cut diamond's worth depends on a variety of factors. These factors include the 4C's (color, clarity, cut, carat), the overall beauty and "make" of the stone, the demand, supply, etc. On average however, old mine cuts are typically priced slightly lower (around 5-10%) than modern cut diamonds.