Vintage engagement rings and old cut diamonds
Hand-cut character, in a new setting or an old one.
By the CTJ Jewellery team, led by founder Greg Ward · Updated September 2026 · Editorial policy
Key facts
- Antique: 100 years or more
- Vintage: 20 years or more
- Old mine and old European cuts were cut by hand
- Old cuts are natural diamonds
- Warmer colour is typical
- New settings can be made in period styles
What is an old mine cut diamond?
An old mine cut has a cushion-shaped outline, a high crown, a small table and a visible culet. Cut by hand from the 1700s into the late 1800s, it gives broad flashes of light rather than fine sparkle.
What is an old European cut?
The old European cut followed in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It is round, with a small table, a tall crown and a round culet. It is the forerunner of the modern round brilliant, with a softer, chunkier sparkle.
| Cut | Outline | Era | Look |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old mine | Cushion | 1700s to late 1800s | Broad flashes |
| Old European | Round | Late 1800s to 1930s | Chunky sparkle |
| Rose cut | Round or pear, flat base | 1500s onwards | Soft glow |
| Early Asscher | Square step cut | 1902 onwards | Hall of mirrors |
What should I check in a vintage ring?
- Claws: worn tips may need re-tipping
- Band: a thin shank may need rebuilding
- Stone: chips around the girdle or an open culet
- Report: old cuts can be graded by GIA, without a modern cut grade
Can CTJ make a vintage-style ring?
Yes. We can source old cut diamonds and design a new setting in a period style, with milgrain, filigree or engraving, made to modern standards. See custom design, or remodelling to reset a stone you already own.