A Tradition Reimagined: Lab-Grown Antique Cuts
There’s a certain poetry in old-world diamonds. Born in an era before precision, their imperfect symmetry holds an elegance that feels deeply human. We’re so excited for this cherished cut to find its place in our engagement ring collection — an addition that feels both inevitable and long awaited.
A Cut with History Long before diamonds were shaped by lasers and machines, cutters relied solely on intuition and artistry. The Old Mine Cut, sometimes called the Antique Cushion or Old Cut, first appeared in the 18th century and quickly became a hallmark of Georgian and Victorian-era jewellery. The European Cut Round, which emerged in the late 19th century and flourished during the Edwardian and early Art Deco periods, is a precursor to today’s modern round brilliant. It features a round outline with a slightly higher crown, smaller table, and broader facets than contemporary rounds, creating a softer, romantic sparkle ideal for vintage-inspired designs. Each stone was hand-cut, its proportions guided by the shape of the rough diamond rather than mathematical symmetry. The result? Facets that were deep, broad, and full of character. They had a glow that danced softly under candlelight rather than the bright, sharp sparkle we know today. These diamonds were imperfectly perfect — each one a small reflection of human craftsmanship in an era before precision.
What Makes Antique Cuts So Special
Old Mine Cuts are instantly recognisable by their slightly square, pillow-like shape, high crown, and open culet. Their facets are fewer but larger, giving them a gentle, fiery brilliance often described as “vintage sparkle.” Because they were cut by hand, no two stones are ever exactly alike — each carries its own quirks, depth, and charm.
For centuries, these diamonds adorned heirloom rings, ornate pendants, and romantic tokens passed through generations. By the early 1900s, however, the Old Mine Cut gave way to the modern round brilliant, and antique cuts slowly disappeared from production.
Until now.
The Revival of a Classic
At Eliette, we believe the past deserves to shine again — but in a way that reflects our values today. Our new collection of antique cuts brings back the romance of heritage diamond cuts through sustainable innovation. Each lab-grown Old Mine diamond is carefully faceted to preserve the organic beauty of its antique predecessors, yet crafted with the precision and ethics of modern technology. They are identical to mined diamonds in brilliance and composition — only created in a lab rather than extracted from the earth.
Why Lab-Grown Antique Cuts?
This collection represents more than a return to vintage beauty — it’s a continuation of craftsmanship in a conscious era.
- Sustainably Created — Each diamond is grown in a controlled environment, free from the environmental toll of traditional mining.
- Accessible Luxury — By making antique-style diamonds more attainable, we invite more people to experience their timeless elegance.
- Ethically Sourced — Every stone is conflict-free, made with full transparency and care.
An Heirloom for the Future
Eliette’s lab-grown antique cuts capture the warmth, history, and intimacy of old-world diamonds — without compromise. They’re an homage to the artisans of centuries past and a testament to how beauty evolves when tradition meets innovation. Because some stories never fade — they’re simply reborn
