Old Mine Cut Diamond Stud Earrings Value Guide

These antique stud earrings feature hand-faceted Old Mine cut diamonds originating from the United Kingdom during the late Victorian era. They are highly collectible due to their unique squarish shape and historical significance as stones designed to shimmer specifically under candlelight.

What affects the value of Old Mine Cut Diamond Stud Earrings?

• Carat weight and clarity of the natural diamonds, with values typically ranging from $1,850 to $2,000.
• The preservation of the original Victorian-era basket settings and metal integrity.
• The presence of the characteristic 'inner fire' and light dispersion unique to the Old Mine cut.
• Provenance and origin, specifically pieces verified from the United Kingdom between 1880 and 1900.

How to Identify Old Mine Cut Diamond Stud Earrings?

• Look for a distinctive squarish or 'cushion' shape with a notably high crown and deep pavilion.
• Identify a large, flat culet visible through the top of the diamond, a hallmark of hand-faceting.
• Check for period-correct silver or 14k white gold basket settings consistent with 1880-1900 craftsmanship.
• Observe the irregular, non-symmetrical facet patterns that indicate the stones were cut by hand rather than modern machinery.

History of Old Mine Cut Diamond Stud Earrings

Old Mine cut diamonds date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, primarily during the Georgian and Victorian eras. Unlike modern machine-cut diamonds, these were faceted by hand, resulting in a unique, squarish shape with a high crown and a large culet. They were designed to sparkle under the warm glow of candlelight, long before the invention of electric lighting.