A Complete Guide to Cushion Old Mine Cut & Round Old European Cut Lab-Grown Diamonds
October 01, 2025In an era of mass-produced perfection, the hand-cut character of antique-style synthetic diamond offers a refreshing return to romance and individuality.
When Taylor Swift unveiled her cushion-shaped Old Mine Cut lab-grown diamond engagement ring, she did more than share a personal milestone—she ignited a global fascination with the romantic allure of antique diamond cuts. Within days, searches for these storied styles surged, highlighting a growing thirst for jewelry with unique character over standardized sparkle.
This "Taylor Swift effect" underscores a fascinating shift in the diamond world, where the distinct personality of antique cuts is experiencing a major renaissance. And with the rise of synthetic diamonds, accessing these historically significant styles has become more achievable than ever.
But the spotlight isn't on just one cut. While the cushion Old Mine Cut lab-grown diamond is having a moment, the round Old European Cut lab-grown diamond has long been a cherished classic in its own right. Each possesses a unique charm and history, offering a distinct alternative to modern brilliant synthetic diamonds.
Not sure which antique cut is the perfect fit for your story—the romantic cushion Old Mine Cut lab-grown diamond or the timeless round Old European Cut lab-grown diamond? Read on to discover their secrets and decide which one speaks to you.
Understanding Antique Diamond Cuts: A Journey Through History
Antique diamond cuts refer to styles popularized before the advent of modern precision cutting technology. These diamonds were cut by hand, with artisans relying on their eyes and expertise rather than computer-generated models. The most common and sought-after antique cuts are the Old Mine Cut and the Old European Cut lab diamond, both precursors to today's brilliant cuts, as detailed in the GIA's comprehensive guide to diamond cut types .
These historical cuts were designed to perform optimally under candlelight and gas lamps , the primary illumination sources when they were first developed. This explains why they emit a softer, more reflective sparkle compared to the brilliant white light returned by modern cuts engineered for electric lighting.
The appeal of antique cuts lies in their unique characteristics —broader facets, irregular shapes, and visible culets—that give each stone a distinct personality. As one jeweler notes, "They're perfectly imperfect, which is part of their charm". In an age of mass production, these diamonds offer a connection to craftsmanship and history that many modern stones cannot replicate.
Old Mine Cut Lab-Grown Diamonds: Historic Charm Meets Modern Innovation
Old Mine Cut lab-grown diamonds carry forward a legacy that originated in the 18th century, reaching peak popularity during the Georgian and Victorian eras. These laboratory-created gems faithfully replicate diamonds that were originally cut from rough originating in the literal "old mines" of Brazil and India, before the discovery of African diamond deposits.
Identifying Characteristics of Old Mine Cut Lab-Grown Diamonds
Old Mine Cut lab-grown diamonds preserve several distinctive historical features:
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Shape : A softly square outline with rounded corners, maintaining the classic "cushion" shape of the original cut
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Facets : 58 broad, chunky facets arranged in the characteristic geometric pattern of historical cuts
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Proportions : Traditional high crown, small table, and deep pavilion proportions
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Culet : A visible, often larger open culet authentic to the historical cutting style
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Symmetry : Subtle asymmetry reflecting the hand-cut appearance of original stones
Today's master artisans at DovEggs combine historical understanding with modern technology, carefully crafting each Old Mine Cut lab-grown diamond to maintain authentic historical character while achieving exceptional optical performance. These lab-grown diamonds capture the same soft, romantic glow that made the original cuts famous in candlelit settings, now enhanced by precise modern cutting techniques.
The creation process of Old Mine Cut lab-grown diamonds represents a perfect marriage of tradition and innovation. While maintaining all the visual characteristics that define this historical cut, these laboratory-grown diamonds offer superior quality control and consistent beauty that would have been impossible to achieve in the 18th century.
Experience the perfect blend of historical charm and modern craftsmanship. Click here to explore DovEggs' Old Mine Cut Lab-Grown Diamond Collection and discover how these laboratory-grown diamonds bring timeless beauty to contemporary jewelry.
These Old Mine Cut lab-grown diamonds represent more than just beautiful gems—they embody the continuation of centuries-old cutting traditions through cutting-edge laboratory technology, making historical beauty accessible to modern collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.
Round Old European Cut Lab-Grown Diamonds: Where Classic Meets Contemporary
The Round Old European Cut lab-grown diamond represents an important evolution in diamond cutting art, preserving the unique charm of antique diamonds while paving the way for the modern round brilliant cut. These lab-grown gems accurately replicate the classic cutting techniques from the late 19th to early 20th century, continuing the romantic characteristics of hand-cutting while incorporating the precision of modern technology.
Identifying Features of Round Old European Cut Lab-Grown Diamonds
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Circular silhouette : Maintains classic round shape with soft texture characteristic of hand-cutting
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Distinctive faceting : 58 carefully arranged facets, more elongated than Old Mine Cut
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Optimized proportions : Classic combination of higher crown and smaller table with improved light performance
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Refined culet : Visible but smaller culet compared to Old Mine Cut
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Balanced symmetry : Improved symmetry while retaining appropriate hand-cut character
DovEggs has made the Round Old European Cut lab-grown diamond one of its key synthetic diamond collections, recognizing this cut's perfect balance between classical aesthetics and modern taste. Each carefully cut diamond maintains historical charm while meeting contemporary wearers' style needs.
This cutting style is particularly suitable for consumers who prefer the classic round appearance while wanting to express unique personality. Compared to modern standard round cuts, Round Old European Cut lab-grown diamonds emit a softer, more romantic glow—less sharp and dazzling, more gentle and elegant.
[Explore DovEggs' Round Old European Cut Lab-Grown Diamond Collection] to experience this artistic creation that blends classic and modern elements. These synthetic diamonds not only recreate historical classics but also offer modern jewelry enthusiasts an uniquely charming choice.
Choosing Between Cushion Old Mine Cut and Round Old European Cut Lab-Grown Diamonds
The hand-cut nature of antique-style lab-grown diamonds gives them their distinctive charm and appeal. Unlike modern precision-cut gems, each antique cut synthetic diamond possesses unique variations that make it truly special. When selecting between Doveggs' two most popular antique cuts—both crafted as lab-grown diamonds—understanding their individual characteristics will help you appreciate how both represent excellent choices for different preferences.
Cut Characteristics
Modern diamond cutting technology creates standardized angles and proportions designed to maximize brilliance, but antique cuts follow a different philosophy. The Cushion Old Mine Cut lab-grown diamond typically features a soft square shape with rounded corners, 58 chunky facets, and a distinctive high crown with small table. Meanwhile, the Round Old European Cut synthetic diamond maintains a circular silhouette with a similar facet count but more elongated facet pattern. Both of these lab-created diamonds in Doveggs' collection carry historical charm that many find more appealing than contemporary cuts.
Color Considerations
When evaluating these synthetic diamonds, color perception differs significantly from modern stones. Both the Cushion Old Mine Cut and Round Old European Cut lab-grown diamonds often display warmer color tones that actually enhance their vintage appeal. Doveggs' master cutters understand how to work with each lab-created diamond's natural color characteristics, ensuring that both cuts face up brighter than their technical color grade might suggest. The warm tones in these synthetic diamonds can complement various metal settings, particularly adding warmth to yellow gold and creating beautiful contrast in white gold or platinum. For a deeper understanding of how color affects diamond quality, refer to the GIA's diamond color grading scale .
Light Performance
The lighting environment dramatically affects how these antique cut lab-grown diamonds reveal their beauty. Originally designed to perform optimally in candlelight, both the Cushion Old Mine Cut and Round Old European Cut synthetic diamonds display a softer, more reflective sparkle compared to modern brilliant cuts. Doveggs carefully crafts each lab-created diamond to maintain this historical light performance while ensuring consistent quality across their collection. These synthetic diamonds exhibit what many describe as a "living sparkle"—constantly changing and reacting to different light sources throughout the day.
Making Your Choice
Ultimately, selecting between Cushion Old Mine Cut and Round Old European Cut lab-grown diamonds comes down to personal preference and style. The cushion shape offers a distinctive vintage look with its soft square silhouette and chunky facet pattern, while the round version provides a more familiar shape with antique character. For those seeking even more distinctive options, Doveggs also offers both cuts in stunning colored lab-grown diamonds, including fancy yellow, green, and pink hues that beautifully complement the vintage aesthetic. These colored synthetic diamonds present a unique opportunity to own a truly exceptional piece that combines historical cutting artistry with contemporary color possibilities.
We invite you to explore Doveggs' complete collection featuring both classic white and captivating colored Cushion Old Mine Cut and Round Old European Cut lab-grown diamonds. Discover how these beautiful synthetic diamonds—available in a spectrum of stunning colors—can elevate your jewelry collection with their perfect blend of historical charm and modern sophistication.
Create Your Custom Antique Cut Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry
At DovEggs, we believe the most meaningful jewelry is that which perfectly expresses the wearer's unique personality and story. That's why we're excited to announce that our signature Cushion Old Mine Cut lab-grown diamonds and Round Old European Cut synthetic diamonds are now available through our comprehensive custom design service. This allows you to not only own a piece of history but to actively participate in creating your own eternal symbol.
Explore Unlimited Metal Options
To give your design a true starting point, we offer an extensive selection of precious metals to suit different styles and budgets:
Timeless Classics : Choose platinum for its exceptional durability and pure luster to protect your most important commitment.
Warm Vintage Appeal : Whether yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold, each complements the warm glow of antique cut diamonds, particularly enhancing their vintage character.
Fashion-Forward Innovation : This year, we're proud to introduce sterling silver jewelry customization, offering a more trend-conscious entry point that makes luxury accessible.
Design Your Dream Setting
The diamond may be the star, but the setting is its custom-designed stage. You can choose from various classic and popular setting styles, or work with our designers to create something entirely new:
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Bezel Setting : Highly favored for its clean lines and excellent protection, offering a sleek, modern look for your Round Old European Cut lab-grown diamond.
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Pavé Halo : Surrounding the center stone with a circle of smaller lab-grown diamonds significantly enhances the visual impact, making the center stone appear larger and more brilliant.
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Hidden Halo : Artfully placing a circle of micro-set diamonds beneath the main stone creates an exquisite, subtle detail that adds a surprising sparkle from the side, bringing a touch of private romance to your ring.
Need inspiration? Browse DovEggs' diverse collection of vintage to contemporary styles.
[Explore DovEggs' Design Gallery] to find your perfect setting.
Your Custom Journey
Our customization process is designed to inspire and ensure an enjoyable experience:
Inspiration Gathering : Browse our online portfolio or use platforms like Pinterest to create your inspiration board. Unsure about your preferred style? This comprehensive Custom Jewelry Guide is the perfect starting point.
Professional Collaboration : Work one-on-one with DovEggs' expert team to bring your ideas to life. We'll listen to your story and provide professional recommendations.
Visualization : Before finalizing production, you'll see a computer-generated 3D design of your unique ring, ensuring every detail matches your vision.
Begin Your Creation
Whether you envision a unique Cushion Old Mine Cut synthetic diamond as the centerpiece or prefer the classic silhouette of a Round Old European Cut lab-grown diamond, DovEggs' custom service can make your vision a reality.
Click here to customize your own synthetic diamond
If you're looking for the perfect setting, click here for semi-mount customization service
Let your DovEggs antique cut synthetic diamond be more than just jewelry—let it become a living work of art that carries your personal history.
Conclusion: Your Story, Perfectly Cut
The journey through antique cut lab-grown diamonds reveals that true beauty lies in character, not perfection. The Taylor Swift phenomenon has indeed spotlighted these historic cuts, but their lasting appeal comes from their unique ability to blend centuries of craftsmanship with modern accessibility.
What makes this moment remarkable is how synthetic diamond technology has transformed these historically significant styles from museum pieces into wearable art. The cushion Old Mine Cut lab-grown diamond captures Georgian romance, while the round Old European Cut synthetic diamond bridges historical charm with modern wearability.
At DovEggs, we've witnessed how these cuts resonate with those seeking jewelry with soul. Each antique cut synthetic diamond in our collection represents living history—preserving traditional craftsmanship through cutting-edge innovation.
The real magic happens when you find the cut that speaks to your personal story. Whether drawn to the candlelit glow of historic diamonds or the unique character of hand-cut stones, these lab-grown gems offer a way to own meaningful beauty that reflects your individual style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are antique cut lab diamonds "out of style" compared to modern brilliant cuts?
Actually, antique cuts are experiencing a major revival. The unique character and historical charm of cuts like Old Mine and Old European are increasingly preferred by those wanting something beyond standardized perfection. As one Reddit user noted, "I chose an Old European Cut because I wanted a diamond with personality, not just maximum sparkle."
Q2: Do antique cuts sparkle less than modern diamonds?
They sparkle differently. While modern brilliant cuts maximize white light return, antique cuts offer a softer, more reflective sparkle often described as "chunky" or "romantic." As one jewelry enthusiast shared, "My Old Mine Cut doesn't shout—it whispers beautifully in candlelight."
Q3: Are the visible inclusions and warmer colors in antique cuts considered flaws?
In the antique cut community, these are often celebrated as "character marks" rather than flaws. Many collectors specifically seek out these characteristics. As one Reddit discussion highlighted, "The slight warmth and tiny inclusions in my Old European Cut make it feel like it has a story to tell."
Q4: Is it true that antique cut diamonds face up whiter than their color grade suggests?
Yes, this is a well-documented phenomenon. The cutting style and facet pattern of antique cuts can make them appear whiter face-up than their technical color grade. Many diamond cutters historically optimized cuts to enhance this effect.
Q5: Can antique cut lab diamonds be customized in modern settings?
Absolutely. Many choose to set antique cuts in contemporary designs for a unique blend of old-world charm and modern aesthetics. At DovEggs, we frequently help clients create these personalized combinations.
Q6: Are there ethical concerns with lab-grown antique cut diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds address many ethical concerns associated with mining. As one industry expert notes, "Synthetic diamonds offer the beauty of historic cuts without the environmental and ethical concerns of new mining."
Q7: How do I choose between Old Mine Cut and Old European Cut?
Consider your style preferences:
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Choose Old Mine Cut for distinctive cushion shape and pronounced vintage character
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Choose Old European Cut for classic round shape with antique charm
Many find that seeing both in person makes the decision clear.
Q8: Do these cuts work well for engagement rings?
Increasingly yes. Many couples are choosing antique cuts for their unique character and historical significance. As one recent bride shared, "My Old Mine Cut engagement ring gets more compliments than any modern diamond I've seen."
Ready to find your perfect antique cut? [Explore DovEggs' complete collection] of lab-grown diamonds or [start your custom design] today. For personalized guidance, our diamond specialists are always available to help you choose the cut that speaks to your story.