What Is an Old Mine Cushion Diamond? Look, Price and Settings
By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio, Toronto · Updated October 11, 2026
Short answer: An old mine cushion is an antique style cushion cut with a small table, a tall crown and large, chunky facets. The big facets give big, slow flashes of light instead of glitter, which is why it is also called a candlelight diamond. In our live listings in October 2026, old mine cushion champagne diamonds of 3.04 and 4.00 carats are $3,750 and $4,250 CAD.
Old mine cuts get a lot of attention online, and for good reason: they look nothing like a modern cushion once you see them move. Here is what to know before you pick one.
What makes an old mine cut different?
Three things: a small table on top, a tall crown, and large facets through the middle of the stone. A modern brilliant cushion has many small facets that break light into glitter. An old mine has fewer, bigger facets, so you see larger windows and slower, bolder flashes. It is an antique cut brought back with modern precision.
Old mine vs other cushion cuts
| Cut | Facets | Sparkle |
|---|---|---|
| Old mine | Large, chunky | Big, slow pops of light |
| Crushed ice | Many tiny, no set pattern | Glittery, strongest in sunlight |
| Regular brilliant | Brilliant, change in the middle | Classic flashes |
| Portuguese | Extra rows of triangles | Floral, kaleidoscope |
We compare all four on video in old mine vs crushed ice vs Portuguese cushion.
How much does an old mine cushion diamond cost?
Real listings from our collection on October 11, 2026:
| Stone | Colour | Clarity | Price (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.04ct old mine cushion, champagne | O to P | VS1 | $3,750 |
| 4.00ct old mine cushion, champagne | O to P | VS2 | $4,250 |
When we cut or source an old mine for a custom ring, the cut adds to the price over a standard cushion of the same size, and we quote it with your design. Antique cuts are less common, and a well cut one takes more work. Lab grown old mines have made them far more accessible.
Does an old mine cushion look good in champagne?
Very. Large facets show body colour clearly, so a warm stone glows rather than glitters. Both stones in the table above are champagne. More on colour in champagne diamond prices and our champagne diamond guide.
What setting suits an old mine cushion?
Settings that keep the top clean let the facets do the work. A tulip basket is a natural fit because the flower sits underneath. One of our favourite builds put claw prongs only on the north and south and left the sides open, so a split shank could flow into the petals: an old mine cushion with the sides left open. Vintage designs with hand engraving suit the antique look too, see vintage style engagement rings.
Square or elongated?
Either. A square old mine looks the most antique. An elongated one looks bigger for its carat and slims the finger. Measurements are on every stone's page, so you can check the ratio before you decide.
Want to see an old mine cushion move on video?
A free 20 minute video call with Clint or Karina. Bring a photo, a budget, or nothing at all.
Book a free callSee our processQuestions we get about this
What is an old mine cut diamond?
An antique style cut with a small table, tall crown and large facets. It gives big flashes of light instead of glitter.
Is an old mine the same as an old European cut?
No. An old mine has a cushion outline. An old European cut is round. Both share the tall crown and large facets.
Are old mine diamonds lab grown or natural?
Both exist. We will tell you plainly which a stone is before you buy.
Are old mine cut diamonds more expensive?
A little. When we source one for a custom ring, the cut adds to the price over a standard cushion of the same size. We quote it with your design.
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