OMC V. OEC: Heirloom Cuts

If you're on an adventure for the perfect vintage jewelry, search for the old mine & old European cut.

Even though both cuts may seem similar, they still vary based on history, cutting technique, and brilliance. If you're confused between the two, let us help you dig deeper to find one you'd rock most.

(Above, are the FAB Heirloom OMC & OEC)

The old mine cut is the grandfather of all cut types; born in the early 18th century and cut approximately 300 years ago.

Since it was handcrafted, the old mine cut was all the rage during Victorian times until the diamond cutting technology advanced, which led to the ultimate creation of the old European cut. (Elongated OMC seen as center stone below. Click any videos for more details.)

During the 1890-1930s, cutters started to cut and polish gemstones for maximum sparkle under natural light. Thus, the size of the stone and facets increased in size. 

The old mine cut symbolizes an era when people loved to accessorize and play up their jewelry collection. If you thought we only began being extra now, think again.

Since hand-crafting gemstones were difficult, cutters focused on the light performance and visual elements to create a very original design. They shaped the gemstone to a cushion to better feature the high crown, the large pavilion, and its given range of 58 facets, making the gem thicker than others.

Just like a snowflake, there are no truly vintage old mine cut stones that appear the same since the faceting arrangements were cut by hand and, as a result, have a distinctive way of sparkling. 

Unlike modern cuts, the old European cut has a unique trait that is desired by all vintage collectors: an inner fire.

Cutters started to create stones with a circular girdle and a range of 58 facets resulting in a more refined shape than the old mine cut. Instead of using a cushion (or other square shapes) like the old mine, they shaped the stone into a round.

They then noticed the inner fire within old European cuts because the facet arrangements created a pattern of light & dark patches that other modern facet angles do not have.

Nevertheless, the vintage cut paved the road for the modern round brilliant cut and revolutionized the diamond cutting industry.

The significant difference between the two cuts is the timeline between the techniques used. The old European cut signifies a more distinctive cut of the gemstones that uses a precise method to cut the stone and create gleaming sparkles. So you'll also be able to tell which is the old European cut by the larger facets and the natural fire that emits from it.

If you're Clueless on which cut you love, Gabrielle Union shared her engagement ring in 2013 from Miami Heat player, Dwyane Wade for your inspiration. (Photo Courtesy Unknown)

What better way to highlight the old mine cut 8.5-carat stone than putting it on a 4-prong platinum solitaire band? It's the sure way to feature just the stone alone and stop traffic with bling that blinds.

We should also talk about Mary-Kate Olsen's vintage engagement ring from Olivier Sarkozy.

Her e-ring is a stunning 4-carat, old European cut diamond surrounded with 16 sapphires on a single-cut diamond setting. 

It also has a history; it's a vintage Cartier from 1953, bought for $81,000 from a Soetheby's auction. Just like a bottle of wine, Olsen's ring just gets more beautiful with age. Drink up, sis. (Photo Courtesy Sothebys and StyleCaster)

Since gemstones are not cut by hand anymore, these traditional made modern cuts are valued high within the market for its unique brilliant way to sparkle in any light and fascinating history.

You came for the inspo, but you can leave with knowing that there are diamonds and diamond-alternatives alike that can be cut in a similar fashion! The look can be yours and be passed down to generations to come, beit natural, lab-grown, or lab-created.