Choo Yilin’s Guide to Purchasing Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Rings
At Choo Yilin, we’ve long been known as jade specialists. Our journey with jade has always been about storytelling — honouring the rich cultural heritage of this precious stone while showing that jade is for everyone, not just for Chinese grandmothers. We’ve worked to bring jade into the 21st century, demonstrating its timeless beauty and relevance.
Along this journey, diamonds have often played a supporting role in our work. They’ve complemented our jade pieces, adding sparkle and elegance without stealing the spotlight. But something shifted when we discovered Old Mine Cut diamonds. We fell for them in much the same way we fell in love with jade.
The Choo Yilin Old Cut Diamond Ring No. IX
Old Mine Cuts, with their hand-cut facets and history, spoke to us on a deeply emotional level. They carry the romance of the past — the vision of a time when diamonds were cut not for perfection but to reflect each stone’s individual characteristics. Each stone tells a story of another era, just as jade does, and we knew immediately that these diamonds deserved more than just a supporting role.
In fact, we’ve been collecting Old Mine Cut diamonds for years. It’s been a slow, deliberate process because these stones are rare — just as rare as the finest jade that auctions at Sotheby’s and Christie’s for hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Like our jade pieces, Old Mine Cuts take time to create and curate. They’re not for museums or the jewellery boxes of wealthy grandmothers. They’re relevant and filled with stories that we believe should be shared with the world.
In October 2024, we launched our very first Old Mine Cut diamond ring, and it sold out within hours of launch on the first day. But just like our jade pieces, creating and unveiling Old Mine Cut diamond pieces takes time. Some of our pieces take up to 18 months to complete. Every stone is chosen with care. Every design is thoughtfully crafted to preserve its history while making it relevant for today’s collectors. Hence, it’s taken us a while to launch this.
Your Guide to Old Mine Cut Diamonds
When it comes to selecting a diamond, many are familiar with the modern Brilliant Cut — meticulously engineered with advanced cutting technology. However, there is far less awareness around buying Old Cut Diamonds.
To help illuminate this, we’ve created a basic guide that highlights how Old Mine Cut Diamonds stand apart from their modern counterparts.
It is worth mentioning again that diamonds, especially Old Mine Cuts, are deeply personal. The guide is not meant to instruct your choices but rather to allow you to see how choosing Old Mine Cuts diamonds requires a different lens from modern cut diamonds.
As this is the first time we’re creating a guide like this one, we look forward to hearing from our community. We’ll continue to refine and expand this resource based on your feedback, ensuring it addresses what’s most important to you.
Comparison of Modern Brilliant Cut Diamonds vs. Old Mine Cut Diamonds
This guide is best explored with a foundational understanding of modern Brilliant Cut diamonds, and we invite you to contact us at hello@chooyilin.com if you have questions or need further clarity.
| Attribute | Modern Brilliant Cut Diamond | Old Mine Cut Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Cut Style | Symmetrical, machine-cut for precision brilliance | Hand-cut by artisans with larger, bold facets that tell a story of human craftsmanship |
| Sparkle / Brilliance | Intense sparkle designed for bright, white light (perfect for spotlights and artificial lighting) | Soft, romantic glow reminiscent of candlelight — perfect for intimate moments and natural light |
| Shape | Most common - Round and uniform | Cushioned, slightly asymmetrical shapes that evoke individuality and charm |
| Facet Pattern | 57-58 smaller facets for maximum surface brilliance | Larger, fewer facets that create broad flashes of light and deeper fire |
| Table Size (Flat Top) | Large table to reflect surface light | Smaller table, emphasizing depth and drawing the eye into the heart of the diamond |
| Clarity | Every inclusion is scrutinised with modern technology. Any inclusion is considered an imperfection that lowers the value of the diamond. | Slight inclusions are often celebrated as part of the diamond’s journey and character |
| Colour | Typically seeks colourlessness (D-F grades) | Warmer tones (G-J) that add richness and depth — a characteristic many collectors adore |
| Size | Often appears larger due to larger tables and shallower depths | Often appears smaller from above due to deeper cuts but more substantial in depth |
| Carat Weight | Widely available in a broad range of carat sizes, from small accent stones to large statement pieces | Typically smaller, with many stones in the 0.5 to 1.5-carat range; larger sizes are rare and highly prized |
| Symmetry | Engineered for near-perfect symmetry | Slight asymmetry, offering a sense of personality and individuality in each stone |
| Era | 20th century to present day | Pre-20th century, each stone a window to history and the romantic eras of the past |
| Pricing | The influx of high-quality, affordable lab-grown diamonds has significantly driven down prices for natural modern brilliants, especially in the 1-2 carat range. This raises concerns about whether this asset can hold its value going forward. | Due to growing demand and in-built scarcity, OMCs can command a premium in niche markets. High-quality or larger OMCs, especially antique or European sources, are often priced equal to or even higher than modern cuts |
| Availability | Readily available from most jewellers and online retailers | Limited availability due to age and scarcity; often found in estate collections or through specialty dealers |
| Emotional Appeal | Contemporary, polished perfection | A soulful, one-of-a-kind reminder of an era when diamonds were crafted by hand, not machines |
While there is so much knowledge about brilliant cut diamonds, Old Mine Cuts are often shrouded in mystery. We aim to debunk that.
At Choo Yilin, every piece we create is a celebration of story and beauty — whether it’s jade, diamonds, or a blend of both. We’re so excited to share this next chapter of our journey with you. Old Mine Cut diamonds are more than just jewellery to us — they’re a connection to the past, a testament to craftsmanship, and a way to bring timeless elegance into the present day.
Create Your bespoke Choo Yilin Old Cut Diamond piece
At Choo Yilin, we understand that each piece of jewellery tells a story that begins long before it reaches the wearer and will continue to be told for generations to come. Now, for the first time, we are thrilled to bring the same dedication and craftsmanship to Old Cut Diamonds, offering you the opportunity to customise your own Choo Yilin diamond heirloom.
As with our jade pieces, each Old Cut diamond piece will be a celebration of life’s milestones—whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime engagement ring, a cherished anniversary piece, or a family heirloom to pass down through generations.
There are only twelve slots available. If you’d like to explore creating a bespoke piece, you may sign up here.
