Old Mine Cut vs Cushion Cut: The Difference, Cost, and Value of Choosing Lab Grown

At a glance, most wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between an old mine cut and a cushion cut diamond. They share a similar silhouette, a shape that sits somewhere between round and square. But the difference is in the details.  

Old mine diamonds can be considered the ancestors of the cushion cut, but the old mine has recently reemerged as a shape to consider when shopping for engagement rings. Some may credit that to Taylor Swift's engagement, but the cut has always been considered a timeless choice among those who appreciate antique diamonds. Its modern counterpart, the cushion cut, has never left the radar of popular engagement rings as it has become a staple on most popular engagement rings lists. 

Both cuts have earned their place as stunning engagement ring options, but understanding the difference is where you find which is best for you. This guide breaks down their difference, cost, and why both versions are better when lab grown. 

The Difference Between Old Mine and Cushion Cut Diamonds

The technical difference between an old mine cut and a cushion cut comes down to facet structure, culet size, crown height, and table proportions. Those details translate into two diamonds that look and perform very differently from one another. Here is a more digestible way to understand the difference between the two, starting with their history. 

What is an old mine diamond? 

The history of these cuts matters because that is where their difference really shows. Old mine cuts are unironically one of the oldest diamond shapes that dates back to the 1700s. Shaped entirely by hand by craftsmen working under candlelight. That distinct history is the reason the cut looks the way it does. Without the benefit of modern machinery, craftsmen were crafting rings that would sparkle beautifully in spaces lit by candlelight or gas lamps. The result was a diamond with unique and larger facets, a high crown, a small table, and a flat, open culet at the base of the stone. 

Those larger facets are what give old mine cut diamonds their signature chunky sparkle and soft glow. 

What is a cushion cut diamond? 

Centuries later, after cutting technology advanced, the cushion cut emerged as a more modern version of the old mine. It kept the rounded corners and soft silhouette, but it introduced smaller facets and more of them that interact with light differently. Where the old mine cut produces a soft glow ideal under candlelight, the cushion cut delivers a sharper, more brilliant glow that sparkles well in any lighting.

The Real Difference Between The Two

While both cuts share the same soft, rounded silhouette, what happens when light hits them is where the size of their facets makes a difference. The old mine cut’s larger facets and flat culet produce a chunky, antique-like sparkle that comes off warm. The cushion cut’s smaller facets maximize its brilliance, which produces a more distinct sparkle that can catch your eye from across a room. Which is better comes down to your personal preference. 

Are Old Mine Diamonds Just A Trend? 

Taylor Swift's engagement ring has put the old mine cut on the radar of a lot of people, but the cut has held its own since its creation in the 1700s. It was one of the most coveted cuts of the Georgian and Victorian eras and remained a favorite among antique jewelry fans long before its celebrity endorsement. 

Whether or not an engagement ring style is just a trend comes up often in the industry. With that in mind, it’s important to understand that choosing a cut because it is having a moment is very different from choosing it because it genuinely speaks to your personal style. What’s good about the old mine cut is that it has already proved it has staying power, which is a testament to the timelessness of good design.

The Value of Choosing Lab Grown Old Mine or Cushion Cut Diamonds

Trends list or no trends list. Old mine or cushion cut. You’ll get the most out of your engagement ring when it’s lab grown. Lab grown diamonds are physically and chemically the same as natural diamonds, but cost nearly half the price. For fans of the old mine cut, that means getting its beloved chunky sparkle and antique character without the headache that comes with finding such a rare cut. For cushion cut, it means getting access to larger, higher quality stones at a price point that leaves room for the setting and wedding band you want. 

There’s also the sustainability factor. At Plum Diamonds, we believe you can have both a luxe and eco-conscious diamond. Every old mine and cushion cut diamond in our lab grown engagement ring collection is produced without adding damage to the environment that comes with traditional diamonds. That way, your choice, beyond the trends, beyond the aesthetics, is one you can always feel good about. Browse our collection of lab grown diamond engagement rings to find the cut that feels right for you.