When Taylor Swift announced her engagement, the spotlight immediately turned to her vintage-inspired diamond ring. Jewelry experts noted its cushion-shaped design and antique feel, drawing comparisons to the historic Old Mine Cut diamond. This has sparked renewed interest in antique and vintage diamonds — and with that comes the important question: how are they valued in a jewelry appraisal?

Old Mine Cut diamonds are antique stones, hand-cut in the 18th and 19th centuries with cushion-like shapes, high crowns, and chunky facets designed to sparkle in candlelight. Unlike modern round brilliants, no two are exactly alike, which makes them both charming and complex to evaluate.

When it comes to jewelry appraisal, Old Mine Cuts require a specialized approach. They don’t fit modern cut grading standards, so appraisers consider craftsmanship relative to their era, overall quality, and how the diamond compares to similar stones in today’s market. Market demand also plays a role — for example, Taylor Swift’s engagement ring has sparked fresh interest in vintage-inspired diamonds, which may influence short-term values.

For insurance purposes, replacement value may be based on sourcing a comparable Old Mine Cut diamond from the estate or preowned market rather than a newly cut stone. Because of these nuances, working with a qualified expert is essential.