Photo Credit: MyDiamondZone
Antique 0.32 Carat Fancy Colored Old Mine Cut Champagne Diamond
Buy It Now Price: $169 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This is a 0.32 carat fancy colored old mine cut diamond, measuring 4.24 millimeters by 4.37 millimeters.
–Old mine cut diamonds tend to emphasize fire (multi-colored flashes of light) over brilliance (pinpricks of white light). This lends an enticing warmth and charisma to old cut stones that is lacking in modern brilliant cut diamonds.
-The old mine cut was developed in the early 18th century and remained popular until the late 19th century. The quintessential Victorian diamond, old mine cut diamonds look amazing in both candlelight and gas light.
-Fancy brown diamonds are also known as champagne diamonds. This exceptionally attractive stone rates around C3 – a pleasing light chocolate brown – on a scale of C1 (least intense color) to C7 (most intense color).
-This diamond has a relatively round, regular shape which is uncommon for an old mine cut stone. Most old mine cut diamonds are distinctly cushion shaped. Having been hand cut, it also isn’t unusual for old mine cut diamonds to be obviously asymmetrical – a negative trait absent in this specimen.
-Although the inclusions (flaws) look very noticeable in the photo above, in reality they will barely be visible to the naked eye. It is normal for old mine cut stones to be more included than modern cut stones – a factor that should be considered when determining the value of older cut diamonds.
-The buy it now price on this fancy colored champagne diamond is only $169, which works out to a mere $528 per carat. That is remarkably inexpensive, especially for a fancy colored diamond with so much eye appeal and charm.
-I don’t normally do this, but I’m going to reiterate how ridiculously cheap $169 is for an old mine cut champagne diamond of this caliber. Pricing typically trends from $300 to $500 for a stone of this size and quality.
Cons:
-This diamond, at 0.32 carats, is definitely on the small side for an investment grade stone. It is generally not advisable to purchase old mine cut or old European cut diamonds smaller than 0.25 carats for investment purposes.
-The seller claims this stone has a clarity grade of SI2 (better) to I1 (worse). I believe it falls closer to I1 clarity. This is on the edge of the acceptable range for investment grade old mine cut diamonds. However, given the fact that the diamond’s flaws don’t interfere with its optical properties, it is still a desirable stone.
-Some people prefer their diamonds to be as white as possible. If you are that person, a champagne colored diamond – old mine cut or not – isn’t for you.
