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Natural Pearl and 4.84 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Pendant / Brooch Circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
grades) H Clarity (average grades) P1 Cut Old European/Mine Content 4.84 carats Number of Diamonds 65
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold

Victorian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Pendant
Located in London, GB
. Surrounding this principal stone is an array of claw set old mine-cut diamonds, each exuding a crisp white
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique 4.27 Carat Diamond and 15k Yellow Gold Pendant /Brooch Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
diamonds, in a combination of Old European, mine and Dutch cuts. The articulating terminal to the nadir of
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

ART NOUVEAU necklace with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with a bicolor gold centerpiece set with old mine-cut diamonds up to 1.50
Category

Vintage 1910s Dutch Art Nouveau Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Halo Pendant Emerald Diamond solid 14K Gold / 2.25gr
Located in SE
Emeralds and Diamonds, old Pendant set in solid 14 ct Greenish Yellow Gold. Ca. early XX cent
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Silver

Art Nouveau Diamond Platinum Pearl Flower Necklace Belle Époque Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Cut and Old Mine Cut Diamonds in Platinum and 18 Karat Gold with a Pearl pendant. The jewel with a
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold

Georgian Aquamarine and Diamond ANGEL Silver on Gold Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Georgian 3 Carat Shield Aquamarine and .95tcw Old Mine Diamond
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Georgian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond

Antique Victorian Silver and 14K Gold Old Mine Diamond Pin and Pendant
Located in Great Neck, NY
features chunky old mine cut diamonds set throughout the pendant in a gorgeous floral design. The pendant
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Antique Natural Pearl 1.42 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant, circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
. Diamond Quality Color (average grades) I Clarity (average grades) P1 Cut Old European/Mine/Dutch Content
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold, Silver, White Gold

Art Nouveau Gold Diamond Locket Circa 1905
Located in Los Angeles, CA
with an Old Mine cut diamond. Something to love and cherish. SPECIFICATIONS: METAL: Tested as 12k
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Victorian Diamond, Yellow and Rose Gold Pedant
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This crescent pendant holds three old mine cut diamonds, the largest in the middle measures 45pts
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Antique Edwardian Platinum 14k Gold 1.98tcw Diamond Lavalier Necklace
Located in New York, NY
intricate design that reflects the elegance and refinement of the early 1900s. Its diamonds—chunky old mine
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 7.75 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
, bezel set in platinum and surrounded by a single row of old mine cut Diamonds, suspended from a single
Category

Mid-20th Century Colombian Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Victorian Diamond and Ruby Beggars Heart Silver and Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in London, GB
outer heart is set with old mine cut diamonds in silver, which is typical for the Victorian period
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique 14K Yellow Gold Heart Opal Heart Halo Diamond Pendant
Located in beverly hills, CA
old mine cut diamonds weighing around 0.30 carat. The opal exhibits vibrant flashes of colors
Category

Early 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 18k/14k/Sterling Silver Sapphire Diamond Crescent Pendant Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
weight of 2.5ctw. The diamonds, which vary between old mine and rose cuts, have an approximate total
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Sterling Silver

OSTERTAG Paris 1930 Deco Pendant Brooch Platinum 20.24 Ctw Diamonds Emeralds
By Ostertag
Located in Miami, FL
parts in white gold. It is embellished with a magnificent selections of natural earth mined diamonds and
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold

Antique Belle Epoque Platinum European Diamond Flared Pendant 18k Gold Chain
Located in Montclair, NJ
work and is completely drenched in fine quality, old cut, diamonds throughout. Two of the old European
Category

Vintage 1920s Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

French Antique Gold and Old Mine Diamond Cross Pendant with Enamel Accents
Located in New York, NY
An antique mid-19th century gold and diamond cross pendant, the openwork cross set with old mine
Category

Antique 1860s French Victorian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Edwardian Diamond Lavalier Platinum Pendant Necklace
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Color: I Clarity: I2 Accent Diamonds: 1 Old Mine cuts 0.15 Carats G SI 40 Rose Cuts 0.25 Carats total
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Certified Natural Jade 39mmx 25mm Cupid / Angel Drop Pendant Necklace. XXL
Located in Hong Kong, HK
authentic old mine cut diamond that was likely cut over 100 years ago. The untreated / un-enhanced natural
Category

2010s Hong Kong Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Jade, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural pearl and diamond necklace, French, circa 1915.
Located in London, GB
old mine diamonds in open back rubover settings with a combined approximate weight of 0.20 carats, and
Category

Vintage 1910s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

14k Gold Onyx Victorian in Memorium Locket Pendant
Located in Montreal, QC
14k yellow gold and one piece onyx mourning locket pendant with 10 rosette cut diamonds on the back
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Canadian Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Necklace with old mine cut diamonds up to 2.50ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with a gold and silver pendant set with old mine-cut diamonds up to 2.50 ct
Category

Antique 1880s Dutch Early Victorian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Art Nouveau Cross with Diamonds
Located in Bethesda, MD
beautifully intricate twisted flower motif. At its heart, a remarkable Old Mine cut diamond weighing
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18kt Gold Art Nouveau Brooch/Pendant Beautiful Old Mine Diamond Natural Pearl
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 kt. Gold Art Nouveau Brooch / Pendant with Beautiful Centre old mine Diamond and pending Natural
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Five Diamond Bezel Set Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14 yellow gold Diamond: 5 old mine cut = 0.60cttw Color: I / J Clarity
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

6.50ct Sapphire 0.50ct Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This is a charming 18k yellow gold pendant necklace. The pendant is set with lovely oval cut
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Edwardian Antique 0.69 ctw Old Mine Cut Diamond Brooch, 14K Rose Gold Pin
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
set with antique old mine cut diamonds. Diamonds from this era are beautiful, hand-cut masterpieces
Category

Vintage 1910s Dutch Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Edwardian Natural Pearl and Diamond Negligee Necklace
Located in London, GB
old cut diamond set chains elegantly descend from a trio of larger matching stones above. One chain
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Victorian rare 18 KT Split Pearl Necklace and Brooch Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
Hallmarks: none/worn Gems: 1 old mine cut diamond of approx .10 Ct – natural salt water pearls ranging in
Category

Antique 1840s European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

Child Child Opal Heart Diamond and Enamel Pendant
By Child Child
Located in London, GB
complete by a single round faceted old mine cut diamond which sits atop in a silver clawed setting
Category

Antique Early 1900s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Moonstone Flower Pendant Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Pearl Heart
Located in Torrance, CA
: Weight: 7.6 grams Stones: Moonstones measure 5mm x 6mm. One estimated 0.15 carat old mine cut diamond
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Moonstone, Pearl, Rainbow Moonstone, Gold, 14k G...

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
round faceted old mine-cut diamonds. The intricate setting has been crafted from 14ct white gold
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Natural Peridot Diamond Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in Napoli, IT
Ct (9.09 mm. in diameter) – 8 old mine cut diamonds totalling approx 1.20 Ct – 28 old mine and 16
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Gold Platinum Star Pave Diamond Grooved Basket Weave Swivel Locket
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Mine Cut - Star Pave Set - Nice Brilliant White
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum

Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 5.0 Carat Diamond Turquoise Star of David Pendant
Located in New York, NY
-19th Century 5.0 carats Old Mine Cut Diamonds and Persian Turquoise Star of David Pendant. Between
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European High Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, Silver

Large Edwardian Diamond and Garnet Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in Denver, CO
natural diamonds -- a mix of Old Mine cut, Old European cut, and rose cut diamonds totaling approximately
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Victorian Holbeinesque Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Pendant, circa 1870
Located in London, GB
emerald in the center with an estimated weight of 3.60 carats, embellished with two old mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1870s English Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Belle Epoque Antique Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
four chunky old mine cut diamonds: approximately 0.60 ct, 0.51 ct, 0.48 ct and 0.47 ct (H-I-J color, VS
Category

Vintage 1910s Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Enamel

Art Deco Filigree Diamond Necklace in 14k
Located in Bloomington, MN
. The Old Mine Cut diamond weighs 0.03ct, near colorless with I clarity. The necklace measures
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 1915 Platinum Necklace with Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Aventura, FL
epitomize Jazz Age luxury. The centerpiece showcases two old mine-cut diamonds weighing 0.30 carats in J-K
Category

Vintage 1910s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

An 18k Gold Heart Locket with Diamond and Ruby
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18k gold and platinum heart shaped locket pendant with one compartment pavé set with old-cut
Category

Antique 1890s French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1932 Art Deco Nordic Pendant Onyx Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 2.6gr
Located in SE
Pendant in 18K White Gold with the setting of Black onyx accented with Diamonds. There are ten
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Edwardian 1900s Tiffany Co. 16.00 Carat Diamond Bow Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum and 18k yellow gold with an Old Mine cut Diamond weighing approximately
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond Negligee Necklace
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
total Cut: Old Mine, Rose & Chips Color: J-M Clarity: SI1-SI2 Graded by GIA standards Dimensions
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Silver

Edwardian 14K Gold Platinum 6ctw Old Mine Diamond Snow Flake Pin Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (25) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Chunky Cushion Old Mine Cut - Prong Set - VS2-I2
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Ruby Diamond and Enamel Chain Slider
Located in London, GB
slider has been masterfully crafted into the shape of two opposing old cut diamond set serpents with tiny
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Enamel

Antique Diamond Gold Cross Pendant
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique Large cross in open work style centered with 5 old mine cut diaminds and a natural pearl
Category

Vintage 1910s Pendant Necklaces

Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Talon, circa 1930s
Located in New York, NY
Year: c.1930s Material: 18K Yellow Gold, 0.20cts. Old Mine Cut Diamond Weight: 1.91g Length: 17.91mm
Category

20th Century Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Victorian 7.60 Ct Rhodolite Garnet 2.70 Ct Diamond 18 KT Brooch Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
) – 39 old mine cut diamonds totaling approx 2.70 Ct (G/H-VVS/SI) Measures: 24 x 22 mm(h. x w.) - 34 mm
Category

Antique 1890s European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Rhodolite, 18k Gold

Diamond and Pearl Antique Sterling Silver on Gold Pendant Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
. Hand set with 67 Rose-Cut Diamonds approx. 1.34tcw and 4 Old Mine-Cut Diamonds approx. 0.50tcw. Approx
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Sterling Silver

Victorian 15k Yellow Gold Black Enamel Pearl Old Mine Cut Diamond Pansy Brooch
Located in New York, NY
:  0.77 Old Mine Cut Diamond, N SI2 Seed Pearls Measurements: 35.5 x 37.4 x 9.6mm Hallmark: 14k Metal
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Diamond Emerald Earrings Ring Pendant Set 18K White Gold
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
for the pair). The old mine cut diamonds on the top are .10 carat each, eight single cut diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Russian Diamond Locket Gold Pendant
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique unuswal large locket pendant in 14k gold dangling with 3 old mine cut diamonds centered
Category

Antique 1890s Pendant Necklaces

Georgian Silver 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Brooch Necklace
Located in Seattle, WA
silver overlay. There are 7.26ctw of old mine, single cut and rose cut I-M/VS2-SI2 diamonds throughout
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Art Deco GIA 0.61ct and 0.67ct Diamond 1.45ct Side Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
dazzling old mine and calibre cut diamonds that weigh approximately 1.45ct. The color of these diamonds is
Category

20th Century Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

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Old Mine Cut Diamond Pendant For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the old mine cut diamond pendant you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 14k Gold and 18k Gold — can elevate any look. You can easily find a 67 antique edition and 8 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for an old mine cut diamond pendant may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. For this particular piece, 1.5 Carat and 2 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. Creating an old mine cut diamond pendant has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Mark Broumand, Roman Malakov and Single Stone are consistently popular. An old mine cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also old european cut and square cut versions for sale. If you’re browsing our inventory for an old mine cut diamond pendant, 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 an Old Mine Cut Diamond Pendant?

The price for an old mine cut diamond pendant starts at $550 and tops out at $225,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $4,225.

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 Old Mine Cut Diamond Pendant
  • 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.

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