Just a few years ago, the antique cushion cut diamond was not a stone on many people’s minds. Cut to Taylor Swift’s engagement announcement, however, and everyone began asking their jewelers to source them this vintage, old mine diamond for their own proposals. “They’re stones with history, individuality, and a kind of timeless beauty,” says jeweler Stephanie Gottlieb, who has designed pieces for Swift in the past. “Their recent rise in popularity shows where engagement ring trends are headed: toward charm and one-of-a-kind stones that separate someone’s personal expression and style from the trends of recent years.”
Curious about what makes an antique cushion cut so unique and how to best source one for your engagement ring? Read ahead for a full breakdown.
What Is an Antique Cushion Cut Diamond?
“Antique cushions, or old mine diamonds, are essentially the original version of the modern cushion cut,” explains Gottlieb. “Because true antiques were cut by hand, they have a totally different feel to modern cuts—larger, chunkier facets, softer edges, and an open culet.” This style is often popular in an elongated shape that feels like a rounded rectangle with large. “Instead of tiny, glittery sparkles, you get these wide flashes of light, which is especially beautiful in natural light or candlelight,” she shares.
The open culet also appears like a small facet at the center of the stone. “It’s not a flaw, it’s part of the charm,” she adds. “Modern cushions are all about precision and sparkle. Antique cushions are about mood. The light is warmer, more subtle—less ‘disco ball,’ more glow.”
What Makes Antique Cushion Cuts Special?
The antique cushion has become one of the most requested diamond shapes of 2026 for good reason. “People are over perfect. There’s a real shift toward individuality, and antique cushions are the opposite of mass-produced,” offers Gottlieb. “No two are exactly the same, and that’s the appeal. Celebrity influence always plays a role (and thanks to Taylor Swift we’ve seen a huge swing towards elongated, antique cushions), but more than that, clients are craving pieces that feel collected, not manufactured.”
Most old mine stones are rare because they are true vintage pieces cut between the 1700s to the early 1900s. “Antique cushions come with built-in character, history, and a slightly imperfect charm that feels very appealing to the modern bride,” adds Gottlieb. Most old mine engagement rings are rare because they have an actual vintage piece. However, some producers are making lab-grown diamonds in elongated cushion shapes now to catch up with the trend.
How to Evaluate an Antique Cushion Cut for the 4Cs
Since antique cushion cut diamonds are vintage, hand-cut styles, they actually aren’t graded with the 4Cs (cut, clarity, color, and carat) by GIA—which often determines a diamond’s value. “This is where sourcing matters,” says Gottlieb. She advises couples on the search for an old mine engagement ring to work with a skilled jeweler to find the right stone: “You want someone who knows how to hunt, not just pull from a list. The difference between a good antique cushion and a great one is everything.”
When looking through possible antique cushion cuts, the jeweler advises you to think about how the stone makes you feel rather than particular specs. “These stones are all about personality, so you want one that speaks to you visually,” she shares. “Look at the facet pattern, the shape, the way it catches light. Do you like a more elongated silhouette? Something softer and pillowy? There’s no ‘perfect’—just preference.”
Proportions are everything when it comes to an old mine diamond, so it’s best to see a stone in person before purchasing to see how it reflects light. “Bottom line: you can’t buy antiques based on the paperwork alone. Always, always see it in motion. Antique stones come alive when they catch the light,” she adds. “Also, those larger facets don’t hide inclusions as easily, so you want to make sure anything inside the stone is eye-clean and not distracting.”
How to Choose Style and Setting
Choosing a diamond is just the first step when designing an engagement ring. Next, you need to consider how it will appear in a setting. Some may gravitate towards an actual antique ring to carry their old mine stone, but many will reset them for longevity. “Antique cushions have so much personality and natural character, so the setting should enhance those qualities,” recommends Gottlieb. “For someone with more fashion-forward taste, a chunky gold setting offers modern juxtaposition and interest to a vintage stone. For someone who gravitates towards the classics, a clean, minimal solitaire setting allows the stone to really shine.”
Other Tips and Considerations
When searching for an antique cushion to purchase, it’s important to have patience. Unlike machine-cut diamonds, they are not mass-produced. “They’re definitely harder to find than modern cushions, especially the really good ones,” says Gottlieb. “Demand is up and supply is fixed, so the best stones move quickly.”
Our Favorite Antique Cushion Cut Engagement Rings
Photo: Courtesy of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce
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