Pear Shape Old Mine Cut Diamonds

It is not often that talk about old mine cut diamonds are the point of discussion in Thailand. The old mine cut pear-shaped diamond would combine, two important historical diamond-cutting styles: the old mine cut and the pear shape. While the old mine cutting style, would have generally delivered oval or cushion cut diamonds - pear shape diamonds cut in this style, have been seen in the case of Golconda diamonds. The Golconda diamond mines were considered to be the most resourceful diamond mines during their time. Important to understand that the Golconda region in India, consisted of a few diamond mines - these were referred to as the Golconda diamond mines. 

diamond old mine cutting style

TYPICAL OLD MINE CUT DIAMONDS 

The old mine cut originated in the 1700s to 1800s. Highly knowledgeable diamond experts often claim that the modern brilliant cut, has been inspired by the old mine cut. Opinions vary but, an expert would be the best person to decide. Typically old mine cuts are characterized by:

  • a cushion-shaped outline (rounded square or rectangular)
  • a high crown and deep pavilion
  • a small table and a large, open culet
  • brilliant facet pattern, but less symmetrical than modern cuts
  • the girdle in old mine cut diamonds, was almost always left unpolished.

The highlight of all diamonds cut with an old mine cut was that they were all hand-cut. This in effect gave a unique character to each old mine diamond. 

OLD MINE CUT PEAR SHAPE

As mentioned above most old mine cut diamonds seem to have been cut with a cushion or oval shape. Interest in historic pear shaped diamonds with an old mine cut, seems to have grown reports of the Seraphim Blue Diamond were published across multiple online sources.  The narrative was that the Seraphim Blue Diamond which was once worn by the first Nizam of Hyderabad (India) in a turban ornament, had been traced to a Russian collection. Asaf Jah 1 who was the first Nizam, ruled Hyderabad and the Deccan region (India) from 1724. 

The Seraphim Blue Diamond which originated in the famed Golconda mines has a pear shape and a weighs, around 6 to 8 carats. The diamond has not been seen for centuries and has never come up for auction. A few diamond collectors who have had the rare opportunity of seeing the blue diamond claim that, it is a Golconda diamond with an old mine cut. It is possible for an expertly trained eye, to recognize a diamond from the Golconda mines. 

An opportunity to see the Seraphim Blue Diamond, still remains distant for most diamond collectors. The suspense is likley to last for a while until, the diamond collector in Russia decides to offer the historic diamond for sale. An auction through Christie's or Sotheby's would obviously be a high profile activity. 

Some essential notes on the characteristics of an old mine cut pear shaped diamond, have been shared by few experts. A pear-shaped outline (not the typical cushion), larger, chunkier facets than modern pear brilliants. Old mine diamonds are often asymmetrical and not perfectly aligned. Cut with basic tools and almost entirely by hand, old mine cut diamonds are likely to have a high crown, deep pavilion, and open culet. An expert would also recognize that the diamond, would be cut with old style handtools. 

Without getting deeper into the story of the Seraphim Blue Diamond, it would be interesting to compare these characteristics of the typical old mine cut pear shaped diamond, with those of the Seraphim Blue Diamond. That when the elusive blue Golconda diamond, comes up for auction or is available for inspection.  

DESIRED BY COLLECTORS

Old mine cut diamonds are rare, they will only become rarer. Generally acquired by diamond connoisseurs with deep budgets, these historic diamonds are rarely put up for sale once added to a collection. Pear shaped shaped diamonds were less common in the old mine era, a few of these have royalty (Moguls or Nizams) in their provenance. When a pear shape appears with old mine-style cutting, it typically comes from the Georgian or early Victorian period (late 1700s to mid-1800s). This report makes mention (above) that the Seraphim Blue Diamond, a pear shaped blue diamond from the Golconda diamond mines, was worn by the first Nizam of Hyderabad - the reign of this Nizam began in 1724.  

Seasoned diamond collectors appreciate the, romantic and antique look of old mind cut diamonds. Since the skill of the artisan and a few basic handtools are used to cut these diamonds, each old mine cut diamond tells a story of its own. Generally owned by the royals, these diamonds would be set in opulent jewels. 

NOTES

The availability of rare and historic diamonds is limited in Thailand. JewelryThailand has no commercial interest in these diamonds. This information is compiled based on various reports and does not claim to be, a handbook for diamond collectors or investors. 

Investing in high-priced diamonds requires professional knowledge and careful evaluation. It's equally important to recognize that, like all forms of investment, diamond investments carry inherent risks. A thorough understanding of the diamond market, provenance, grading standards, and liquidity is essential to make informed decisions and mitigate potential losses.