Choo Yilin’s First Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring

This article was first published on 4 October 2024.

 

At Choo Yilin, diamonds have primarily been used as accent stones, usually to play a supporting role in our jade pieces. Today, we unveil The Old Cut Diamond Ring No. IX, where an old mine cut diamond is the main stone in a piece inspired by antique botanicals. It is our 21st Century interpretation of two spectacular Victorian botanical pieces from our private collection.

 
 

These pieces featured over six carats of old mine cut diamonds. They were breathtaking in their detail - from the juiciest old mine cut diamonds that were not quite round or cushion, glowing beautifully in candlelight, to how each petal curved just like they do in real life, with an organic look of the diamond studded stamens.  

While they were exceptional as brooches and statement rings, they were not practical as a ring for daily wear, especially not in the 21st Century. With these two stunning pieces in mind, we created a ring suitable for everyday wear in the 21st Century, befitting a significant milestone like an engagement or an anniversary. 

 
 

CRAFTSMANSHIP 

The result - a centre 0.25 carat old mine cut claw-set diamond, just like how it was with the antique beauties, and delicate bezel-set diamonds of varying sizes. They were inspired by unfurled petals just before bloom, reflecting a state of being preceding its antique counterparts’ petals in full bloom. 

The piece is done up in 18KT textured yellow gold, reminiscent of the Renaissance era, a matte contrast to the halo of diamonds dipped in white rhodium. 

 
 

THE NAME 

This piece is called The Old Cut Diamond Ring No. IX because it took 9 tries before we were finally satisfied with it. The first eight versions simply did not capture what we were hoping for. 

Coincidentally, this piece also features nine diamonds: a centre old mine cut diamond, flanked by eight melee diamonds of varying sizes. 

 
 

AVAILABILITY 

The Old Cut Diamond Ring No. IX will be available exclusively at chooyilin.com during the #ILYSM Mama digital trunk show from 2nd to 4th May 2025. Old mine cut diamonds are incredibly difficult to source for and cut, and we have these in extremely limited quantities. 

 

Differences between Brilliant Cut Diamonds and Old Cut Diamonds 

Diamond Comparison Table
Attribute Modern Brilliant Cut Diamond Old Cut Diamond
history When was it first created?
1950s Early 1700s
palette Desired colours
D - H colour (white facing) Lower colours below H are also desirable
diamond Cutting
58 facets, cut by machine Usually 59 facets, but cut by hand
wb_sunny How it refracts light
Aimed to maximise sparkle in daylight Aimed to glow especially in candlelight (yellow light in 21st Century)