The History of Cushion Cut Diamonds
During the 1700s, most diamonds were coming from Brazil. Stonecutters didn't have the same technology we use today, like software or lasers, and the global economy was different. Diamonds were mined, sorted and cut right there at the diamond mine, all by hand. Stones were cut to retain the most carat weight possible.- Once diamonds were discovered in South Africa, in 1867, the Brazilian mines became the "old mines," and the stones became "old mine cut diamonds."