Cushion cut diamonds are a popular choice for engagement rings today but they are also one of the oldest cutting styles. They are a modern interpretation of the “old mine cut” which dates back to the 1700s. The Napoleon Diamond Necklace is one of the most famous jewellery examples that displays twenty eight cushion shaped old mine cut diamonds. Napoleon Bonaparte gave this necklace to his wife in 1811, Marie-Louise the Empress of France. It is now in the Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C.