There’s a quiet revolution happening in the world of engagement rings — one that speaks to both heritage and innovation. The once-forgotten Old Mine cut, a precursor to the modern cushion shape, is having a full-fledged renaissance. Its hand-hewn charm and distinctive sparkle are captivating a new generation of romantics who crave meaning, history and individuality in their jewelry.

And no one is championing this revival quite like VRAI, the fine jewelry house known for blending timeless craftsmanship with cutting-edge sustainability. With its VRAI-created diamonds, grown in a zero-emission foundry in the Pacific Northwest, and its game-changing Cut for You offering, VRAI is helping couples rediscover the beauty of the Old Mine cut, but with a thoroughly modern twist.

Before modern cutting technology, diamonds were shaped by hand and heart. The Old Mine cut, which dates back to the 18th century, was the result of artisans working by candlelight to create stones that glittered with warmth and romance. Characterized by a squarish shape with gently rounded corners, a high crown, a small table and a deep pavilion, the Old Mine cut has a soft, domed look that’s both organic and architectural.

A sharp contrast from the sharp precision of contemporary cuts, Old Mine cut diamonds reflect light in a gentler, more romantic way. They flicker with fire rather than flash with brilliance, evoking the glow of candlelight and the intimacy of a bygone era.

What sets VRAI apart in the diamond world is far beyond its aesthetics; it’s the brand’s values. Each VRAI-created diamond is grown in the United States using a proprietary process that crystallizes greenhouse gases into diamond, powered entirely by renewable energy from the Columbia River. It’s a breathtaking fusion of science and sustainability, resulting in stones that are not only physically flawless but also ethically impeccable.

Now, through VRAI’s Cut for You experience, you can take that commitment a step further by crafting an Old Mine cut diamond that is uniquely yours. Within just two weeks, VRAI will transform their exceptional American-grown rough into a bespoke shape and size that reflects your personal love story.

The Old Mine cut may have vintage roots, but it’s endlessly versatile — especially when paired with VRAI’s refined, modern settings. Whether your aesthetic leans minimalist or maximalist, there’s a perfect frame to show off the diamond’s distinctive silhouette and depth.

For those drawn to a bold, architectural look, the Flat Edge Bezel setting offers a sleek, modern take that still honors tradition. The clean lines and structured band evoke a modernist sensibility, while the bezel and cathedral bridge let the light flow effortlessly through the stone. It’s the perfect match for an Old Mine cut, lending a grounded elegance to the diamond’s soft curves.

If you’re hoping to channel celebrity style (think: historic meets Hollywood), the Signature Elongated Cushion is your ring. Designed to cradle your VRAI-created diamond in a timeless yet contemporary prong setting, this silhouette brings out the vintage spirit of an Old Mine cut while maximizing light and drama.

For lovers of romantic detail, the Side Cluster Cathedral setting is nothing short of breathtaking. Handset side stones add a burst of brilliance, while graceful arches elevate your center stone like a piece of art. It’s a natural pairing for the Old Mine cut, enhancing its fire and heritage appeal.

Those with a love for historical jewelry will appreciate the nod to Georgian and Victorian design in the Floating Split Band. The open, airy setting gives the Old Mine cut room to breathe, elevating its vintage lines with a refined, contemporary structure. It’s both a throwback and a fashion-forward statement.

Of course, VRAI’s commitment to personalization doesn’t end with settings. Through its Design Your Own Ring experience, you can hand-select every detail — from your exact diamond shape and carat size to your band metal and setting style. With more than 30 available diamond shapes and a growing library of settings, your ring becomes a canvas for your imagination.

And if your vision includes a unique Old Mine cut, Cut for You brings it to life. This innovative service (that was honored in Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards, BTW) ensures that your ring isn’t just sustainably crafted and conflict-free, but also truly one-of-a-kind.

Nowadays, many diamonds still come with environmental or ethical questions; VRAI offers a clear and conscious alternative. Every VRAI-created diamond is born from innovation, not excavation. Its zero-emission foundry not only eliminates the human and ecological costs of traditional mining but sets a new gold standard (literally and figuratively) for the industry.

And yet, despite this modern foundation, VRAI remains rooted in old-world ideals: exceptional craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail and heirloom-worthy design. In every facet, their jewelry speaks to permanence — not only of material, but of meaning.

The Old Mine cut is more than a trend. Truly, it’s a return to storytelling in jewelry. It reminds us that beauty can be imperfect, that love can be deeply personal, and that history can be reimagined through modern eyes.

With VRAI-created diamonds and the remarkable Cut for You process, VRAI makes it possible to wear a piece of the past, made precisely for your future. Whether you choose a sleek bezel, a romantic cluster or a design all your own, your ring will be as distinctive as your love story.

Because when it comes to choosing forever, nothing compares to a cut — and a company — that’s truly one of a kind.

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