Choo Yilin’s Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring: Vintage-Inspired Fine Jewellery
This article was first published on 4 October 2024.
In a world rediscovering vintage romance — from the resurgence of antique rings to the way modern icons like Taylor Swift celebrate nostalgia and storytelling through their style — the Old Cut Diamond Ring No. IX stands as our ode to that same timeless beauty.
At Choo Yilin, diamonds have primarily been used as accent stones, usually to play a supporting role in our jade pieces. This time, we unveil The Old Cut Diamond Ring No. IX, where an old mine cut diamond is the main stone in a piece inspired by antique botanicals. It is our 21st Century interpretation of two spectacular Victorian botanical pieces from our private collection.
Inspired by Victorian Botanical Jewels
The original antique pieces featured over six carats of old mine cut diamonds. They were breathtaking in their detail - from the juiciest old mine cut diamonds that were not quite round or cushion, glowing beautifully in candlelight, to how each petal curved just like they do in real life, with an organic look of the diamond studded stamens.
While they were exceptional as brooches and statement rings, they were not practical as a ring for daily wear, especially not in the 21st Century. With these two stunning pieces in mind, we created a ring suitable for everyday wear in the 21st Century, befitting significant milestones like engagements or anniversaries.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
At its heart lies an old mine cut claw-set diamond, surrounded by delicate bezel-set diamonds of varying sizes. They were inspired by unfurled petals just before bloom, reflecting a state of being preceding its antique counterparts’ petals in full bloom.
The ring is crafted in 18KT textured yellow gold, reminiscent of the Renaissance era, a matte contrast to the halo of diamonds dipped in white rhodium.
THE Story behind its name
This piece is called The Old Cut Diamond Ring No. IX because it took nine iterations to perfect it.
Coincidentally, this ring also features nine diamonds: a centre old mine cut diamond, flanked by eight melee diamonds of varying sizes.
AVAILABILITY
Old mine cut diamonds are rare, hand-cut, and painstaking to source — each one a treasure of history and love.
The ring will be available in limited qualities at chooyilin.com during the The Influencers Before Us digital trunk show from 5th to 7th December 2025.
Differences between Brilliant Cut Diamonds and Old Cut Diamonds
| Attribute | Modern Brilliant Cut Diamond | Old Cut Diamond |
|---|---|---|
|
history
When was it first created?
|
1950s | Early 1700s |
|
palette
Desired colours
|
D - H colour (white facing) | Lower colours below H are also desirable |
|
diamond
Cutting
|
58 facets, cut by machine | Usually 59 facets, but cut by hand |
|
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How it refracts light
|
Aimed to maximise sparkle in daylight | Aimed to glow especially in candlelight (yellow light in 21st Century) |
