Rough Diamonds

Uncut Gemstone

Fancy Vivid Yellow Gia

Rough Sapphire

Fancy Yellow Pear Shaped Diamond Ring

Rough Cut Gold Ring

Canadian Jewellery

Yellow Diamond Engagement Rings In Platinum

Gold Moon Charm

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (0.8 CT, Diamond Slab, KA+DIA)

$1,342 / item

Stud Earring (0.6 CT, Diamond Slab, KA+DIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in PARIS, FR

Stud earring in oxydized sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. This slab is removed from a

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (0.6 CT, Diamond Slab, KA+DIA)

$1,080 / item

Stud Earring (0.4 CT, Diamond Slab, KA+DIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in PARIS, FR

Stud earring in oxydized sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. This slab is removed from a

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (0.4 CT, Diamond Slab, KA+DIA)

$653 / item

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, YGA+DIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in PARIS, FR

rough diamond. These slabs are removed from a larger chunk of diamond. This item is made with a

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, YGA+DIA)

$570 / item

Sistema Bracelet v2 (2.2 CT, 3 Diamond Slabs, 17mm, KA+DIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in PARIS, FR

Sistema bracelet in sterling silver and slabs of rough diamond. These slabs are removed from a

Category

2010s Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Sistema Bracelet v2 (2.2 CT, 3 Diamond Slabs, 17mm, KA+DIA)

$5,344 / item

Sistema Bracelet v2 (1.6 CT, 4 Diamond Slabs, 17mm, MA+DIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in PARIS, FR

Sistema bracelet in sterling silver and slabs of rough diamond. These slabs are removed from a

Category

2010s Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Sistema Bracelet v2 (1.6 CT, 4 Diamond Slabs, 17mm, MA+DIA)

$3,800 / item

Stud Earring (0.6 CT, Diamond Slab, YGA+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Stud earring in sterling bright gold and rough diamond. Sterling silver is substrate, polished and

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (0.6 CT, Diamond Slab, YGA+DIA)

$1,163 / item

Tiny Stud Earring (0.1 CT, Black Diamond Fragment, AGA+KFRDIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Tiny Stud earring in sterling silver, electroplated with 18k gold and slabs of rough diamond. These

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Black Diamond, Sterling Silver

Tiny Stud Earring (0.1 CT, Black Diamond Fragment, AGA+KFRDIA)

$534 / item

Tiny Stud Earring (0.1 CT, Black Diamond Fragment, YGA+KFRDIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Tiny Stud earring in sterling silver, electroplated with 18k gold and slabs of rough diamond. These

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Black Diamond, Sterling Silver

Tiny Stud Earring (0.1 CT, Black Diamond Fragment, YGA+KFRDIA)

$534 / item

Plate Earring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, 34mm, MA+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Earring in the shape of plate in sterling silver and slab of rough diamond. This item are cuts of

Category

2010s Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Plate Earring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, 34mm, MA+DIA)

$439 / item

Stack Ring (Romans, 0.4 CT, 2 Diamond Slabs, MA+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Ring in matte sterling silver and slabs of rough diamond. This piece is 100% hand fabricated from

Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Stack Ring (Romans, 0.4 CT, 2 Diamond Slabs, MA+DIA)

$2,102 / item

Tall Roman Ring (0.4 CT, 2 Diamond Slabs, MA+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Ring in matte sterling silver and slabs of rough diamond. This piece is 100% hand fabricated from

Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Tall Roman Ring (0.4 CT, 2 Diamond Slabs, MA+DIA)

$890 / item

Tiny Stud Earring (0.1 CT, Diamond Slab, YGA+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Tiny stud earring in sterling silver polished and electroplated with 18k gold and slab of rough

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Tiny Stud Earring (0.1 CT, Diamond Slab, YGA+DIA)

$285 / item

Tiny Stud Earring (0.1 CT, Black Diamond Fragment, YGA+KFRDIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in PARIS, FR

Tiny Stud earring in sterling silver, electroplated with 18k gold and slabs of rough diamond. These

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Black Diamond, Sterling Silver

Tiny Stud Earring (0.1 CT, Black Diamond Fragment, YGA+KFRDIA)

$534 / item

Tiny Stud Earring (0.1 CT, Black Diamond Fragment, AGA+KFRDIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in PARIS, FR

Tiny Stud earring in sterling silver, electroplated with 18k gold and slabs of rough diamond. These

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Black Diamond, Sterling Silver

Tiny Stud Earring (0.1 CT, Black Diamond Fragment, AGA+KFRDIA)

$534 / item

Plate Earring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, 34mm, KA+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Earring in the shape of plate in oxidized surface of sterling silver and slabs of rough diamond

Category

2010s Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Plate Earring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, 34mm, KA+DIA)

$439 / item

Sistema Bracelet v2 (0.4 CT, Blue Diamond Slab, 9mm, PA+BDIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Sistema bracelet in sterling silver and slabs of rough diamond. These slabs are removed from a

Category

2010s Bangles

Materials

Blue Diamond, Sterling Silver

Sistema Bracelet v2 (0.4 CT, Blue Diamond Slab, 9mm, PA+BDIA)

$2,316 / item

Tiny Stud Earring (Fuse, 0.1 CT, Diamond Slab, DA18K+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Tiny stud earring in sterling silver, fused layer of 18k yellow gold, and slab of rough diamond

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Tiny Stud Earring (Fuse, 0.1 CT, Diamond Slab, DA18K+DIA)

$415 / item

Tall Roman Ring ("The Eye", 0.1 CT, Diamond Slab, MA+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Ring in matte sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. This piece is 100% hand fabricated from

Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Tall Roman Ring ("The Eye", 0.1 CT, Diamond Slab, MA+DIA)

$641 / item

Tiny Stud Earring (Fuse, 0.1 CT, Diamond Slab, KA10KW+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Tiny stud earring in sterling silver, fused layer of 10k white gold and slabs of rough diamond

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Tiny Stud Earring (Fuse, 0.1 CT, Diamond Slab, KA10KW+DIA)

$320 / item

Sistema Ring (Fuse, 0.2 CT, Tiny Faceted Diamond Slab, 9mm, KA18K+FCDIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Ring in black oxydized sterling silver with fused layer of 18k yellow gold and a slab of rough

Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Sistema Ring (Fuse, 0.2 CT, Tiny Faceted Diamond Slab, 9mm, KA18K+FCDIA)

$1,520 / item

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Yellow Diamond Slab, KA+YDIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Stud earring in oxydized sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. This slab is removed from a

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Yellow Diamond Slab, KA+YDIA)

$534 / item

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Blue Diamond Slabs, KA+BDIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Stud earring in oxydized sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. This slab is removed from a

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Blue Diamond, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Blue Diamond Slabs, KA+BDIA)

$605 / item

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Yellow Diamond Slab, KA+YDIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Stud earring in oxydized sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. This slab is removed from a

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Yellow Diamond Slab, KA+YDIA)

$410 / item

Sistema Ring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, 17mm, PA+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Ring in polished sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. The Sistema series is first family

Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Sistema Ring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, 17mm, PA+DIA)

$1,057 / item

Sistema Ring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, 9mm, MA+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Ring in matte sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. The Sistema series is first family

Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Sistema Ring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, 9mm, MA+DIA)

$795 / item

Sistema Ring (0.1 CT, Diamond Slab, 4mm, PA+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Ring in polished sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. The Sistema series is first family

Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Sistema Ring (0.1 CT, Diamond Slab, 4mm, PA+DIA)

$439 / item

Sistema Ring (0.1 CT, Diamond Slab, 4mm, KA+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Ring in oxidized sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. The Sistema series is first family

Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Sistema Ring (0.1 CT, Diamond Slab, 4mm, KA+DIA)

$439 / item

Deco Earring (Extra Small, 0.4 CT, 8 Diamond Slabs, KA+DIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Hoop earring in oxydized sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. This slab is removed from a

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Deco Earring (Extra Small, 0.4 CT, 8 Diamond Slabs, KA+DIA)

$712 / item

Sistema Ring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, 17mm, MA+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Ring in matte sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. The Sistema series is first family

Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Sistema Ring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, 17mm, MA+DIA)

$1,057 / item

Sistema Ring (0.4 CT, Diamond Slab, 9mm, KA+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Ring in oxidized sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. The Sistema series is first family

Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Sistema Ring (0.4 CT, Diamond Slab, 9mm, KA+DIA)

$1,057 / item

Sistema Ring (0.4 CT, Diamond Slab, 12mm, PA+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Ring in polished sterling and a slab of rough diamond. The Sistema series is first family within

Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Sistema Ring (0.4 CT, Diamond Slab, 12mm, PA+DIA)

$1,092 / item

Sistema Ring (0.4 CT, Diamond Slab, 12mm, DA+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Ring in acid treated sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. The Sistema series is first

Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Sistema Ring (0.4 CT, Diamond Slab, 12mm, DA+DIA)

$1,092 / item

Sistema Ring (0.1 CT, Diamond Slab, 4mm, MA+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Ring in matte sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. The Sistema series is first family

Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Sistema Ring (0.1 CT, Diamond Slab, 4mm, MA+DIA)

$439 / item

Sistema Ring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, 9mm, DA+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Ring in acid treated sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. The Sistema series is first

Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Sistema Ring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, 9mm, DA+DIA)

$795 / item

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Yellow Diamond Slab, KA+YDIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in PARIS, FR

Stud earring in oxydized sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. This slab is removed from a

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Yellow Diamond Slab, KA+YDIA)

$534 / item

Sistema Ring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, 9mm, PA+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Ring in polished sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. The Sistema series is first family

Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Sistema Ring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, 9mm, PA+DIA)

$795 / item

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Blue Diamond Slabs, KA+BDIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in PARIS, FR

Stud earring in oxydized sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. This slab is removed from a

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Blue Diamond, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Blue Diamond Slabs, KA+BDIA)

$605 / item

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Yellow Diamond Slab, KA+YDIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in PARIS, FR

Stud earring in oxydized sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. This slab is removed from a

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Yellow Diamond Slab, KA+YDIA)

$410 / item

Deco Earring (Extra Small, 0.4 CT, 8 Diamond Slabs, KA+DIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in PARIS, FR

Hoop earring in oxydized sterling silver and a slab of rough diamond. This slab is removed from a

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Deco Earring (Extra Small, 0.4 CT, 8 Diamond Slabs, KA+DIA)

$712 / item

1.76 Carat Diamond Slice 14K Gold Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

striations of the rough diamonds and see how they sparkle.

Category

2010s American Modern Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

1.76 Carat Diamond Slice 14K Gold Bracelet

$574

1.52 Carat Diamond Slice 14K Gold Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

striations of the rough diamonds and see how they sparkle.

Category

2010s American Modern Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

1.52 Carat Diamond Slice 14K Gold Bracelet

$656

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, AGA+DIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

rough diamond. These slabs are removed from a larger chunk of diamond. This item is made with a

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, AGA+DIA)

$570 / item

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, AMA+DIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Stud earring in sterling silver, 18k solid rose gold layer fused on the surface and slabs of rough

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, AMA+DIA)

$617 / item

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, AMA+DIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in PARIS, FR

Stud earring in sterling silver, 18k solid rose gold layer fused on the surface and slabs of rough

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, AMA+DIA)

$617 / item

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, AGA+DIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in PARIS, FR

rough diamond. These slabs are removed from a larger chunk of diamond. This item is made with a

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold

Stud Earring (0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, AGA+DIA)

$570 / item

Sistema Ring (Fuse, 0.4 CT, Diamond Slab, 9mm, DA18K+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Ring in acid treated sterling silver with fused layer of 18k yellow gold and a slab of rough

Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Sistema Ring (Fuse, 0.4 CT, Diamond Slab, 9mm, DA18K+DIA)

$2,102 / item

Giant Roman Ring (1.2 CT, Diamond Slab, KU+DA+DIA)

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Ring in black wood, acid treated sterling silver, and a slab of rough diamond. This piece is 100

Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Giant Roman Ring (1.2 CT, Diamond Slab, KU+DA+DIA)

$2,624 / item

Stud Earring (Fuse, 0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, DA18K+DIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

rough diamond. These slabs are removed from a larger chunk of diamond. This item is made with a

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (Fuse, 0.2 CT, Diamond Slab, DA18K+DIA)

$629 / item

Stud Earring (Fuse, 0.6 CT, Diamond Slab, KA10KW+DIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Stud earring in sterling silver, 10k solid white gold layer fused on the surface and slabs of rough

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (Fuse, 0.6 CT, Diamond Slab, KA10KW+DIA)

$1,270 / item

Stud Earring (Fuse, 0.4 CT, Diamond Slab, KA18K+DIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

rough diamond. These slabs are removed from a larger chunk of diamond. This item is made with a

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (Fuse, 0.4 CT, Diamond Slab, KA18K+DIA)

$938 / item

Stud Earring (Fuse, 0.8 CT, Diamond Slab, KA10KW+DIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Stud earring in sterling silver, 10k solid white gold layer fused on the surface and slabs of rough

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (Fuse, 0.8 CT, Diamond Slab, KA10KW+DIA)

$1,437 / item

Stud Earring (Fuse, 0.4 CT, Diamond Slab, DA18K+DIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

rough diamond. These slabs are removed from a larger chunk of diamond. This item is made with a

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (Fuse, 0.4 CT, Diamond Slab, DA18K+DIA)

$938 / item

Stud Earring (Fuse, 1.0 CT, Diamond Slab, KA18K+DIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

rough diamond. These slabs are removed from a larger chunk of diamond. This item is made with a

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (Fuse, 1.0 CT, Diamond Slab, KA18K+DIA)

$2,019 / item

Stud Earring (Fuse, 0.6 CT, Diamond Slab, DA10KW+DIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Stud earring in sterling silver, 10k solid white gold layer fused on the surface and slabs of rough

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (Fuse, 0.6 CT, Diamond Slab, DA10KW+DIA)

$1,270 / item

Stud Earring (Fuse, 0.4 CT, Diamond Slab, KA10KW+DIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

Stud earring in sterling silver, 10k solid white gold layer fused on the surface and slabs of rough

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (Fuse, 0.4 CT, Diamond Slab, KA10KW+DIA)

$783 / item

Stud Earring (Fuse, 0.8 CT, Diamond Slab, DA18K+DIA)

By Parts of Four

Located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

rough diamond. These slabs are removed from a larger chunk of diamond. This item is made with a

Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Stud Earring (Fuse, 0.8 CT, Diamond Slab, DA18K+DIA)

$1,603 / item

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Rough Diamonds For Sale on 1stDibs

Find an expansive variety of rough diamonds available on 1stDibs. These distinct designs — crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold — can elevate any look. Our selection of items includes 68 vintage examples as well as 260 contemporary versions. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 18th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. Our collection of rough diamonds includes designs that are universally popular, but Contemporary and Artisan styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Debra Navarro, Nina Runsdorf and Malpani Jewels are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A selection of rough cut, round cut and brilliant cut can be found today on these pages. Most of our rough diamonds for sale are for women, but there are 101 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much are Rough Diamonds?

Prices for rough diamonds start at $358 and top out at $225,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $5,800.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.