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【Lustre Arc】Lunar Arc Aurora Tahitian Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
luminous 11–12mm Tahitian pearls embraced by twin arcs of pave-set diamonds. Crafted in 18K gold, the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold

Gold diamond 51 carats emerald ruby earrings, long carved emerald ruby earrings
Located in Yorba Linda, CA
Gold diamond 51 carats emerald ruby earrings, long carved emerald ruby earrings, flower ruby
Category

2010s Indian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】V-Loop Aurora Baby Akoya Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
that embodies timeless beauty and grace. The dainty design, enhanced with sparkling diamonds, evokes a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Noir Bloom Aurora Tahitian Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
feature radiant Tahitian pearls suspended beneath a luminous floral motif. The diamond petals bloom in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold

【Jādora】Type A Jadeite Inkstone Earrings with Tahitian Keshi Pearl Diamond Acc
Located in New York, NY
of 0.33ct natural diamonds and mounted in 18k white gold, the earrings combine painterly elegance
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Pearl, Platinum

【Crown Radiance】Empress Veil Turquoise Diamond Tassel Earrings
Located in New York, NY
are designed to dazzle. Oval turquoise cabochons are set within a diamond crown, from which cascades a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Turquoise, White Gold

【Jādora】Five-Strand Akoya Pearl Bracelet with Diamonds Emeralds
Located in New York, NY
vivid green emeralds and 1.25 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds, creating a striking contrast against the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Emerald, White Gold

【Lustre Arc】Cluster Aurora Baby Akoya Pearl Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Material Akoya Pearls, 18k White Gold, and Natural Diamond Dimensions Earrings Length 4.0cm Pearl Shaped
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Garland Aurora Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
, the elegant band is adorned with brilliant diamonds, arranged in an intricate and luxurious floral
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】PSL Phoenix Certified 15mm South Sea Pearl Diamond Halo Pendant
Located in New York, NY
pearl is a meticulously arranged crown of diamonds, each petal-shaped stone contributing to a halo of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

【Crown Radiance】Panther Convertible Tahitian Pearl Diamond Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
panther’s form is adorned with 2.38 carats of brilliant diamonds, while onyx inlays create the distinctive
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold

【Conchéa】Conch Pearl Platinum Multicolor Sapphire Diamond Halo Ring — 0.57ct
Located in New York, NY
of brilliant diamonds, set in a sophisticated platinum band accented with a spectrum of princess-cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Platinum

【Crown Radiance】Double Akoya Pearl Ring with Diamonds in 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
double-pearl design is accented by 0.50ct SI quality natural diamonds, set delicately along the 18K gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Aurora Akoya Pearl and Diamond Necklace and Earrings Set
Located in New York, NY
timeless elegance. Featuring clusters of luminous Akoya pearls framed by sparkling diamond accents, the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

18k Gold White Jade and Black Onyx Diamond Swan Pin
Located in Hong Kong, HK
smooth white jade, prized for centuries in Asia for attracting peace and prosperity. Diamonds shimmer
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Onyx, 18k Gold

【Jādora】Type A Yellow Jadeite Akoya Pearl Drop Earrings with Diamond Accents
Located in New York, NY
teardrop emerald cabochon accented with 0.20ct natural diamonds, the design balances vintage allure with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Pearl, Platinum

【Crown Radiance】Akoya Pearl Statement Ring in 18K Gold with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
sparkling SI-quality diamonds. Crafted in a substantial 14.5 g of 18K gold, this piece radiates power and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

【Lustre Arc】Eternal Loop Aurora Tahitian Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
with brilliant-cut diamonds, symbolizing timeless sophistication and grace. This exquisite pair
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Diamond Arc Aurora Akoya Pearl Everyday Hoop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Origin Japan Material Akoya Pearls, 18k White Gold, and Natural Diamonds Dimensions Earrings Diameter
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Cluster Rose Akoya Pearl Diamond 18k White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
piece is further elevated with 0.32 ct of natural SI-quality diamonds, adding brilliance and depth to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Lustre Arc】Double Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace with Sapphire Diamond Clasp
Located in New York, NY
sapphires (0.40 ct) and diamonds (0.42 ct). The clasp, shaped like a floral motif, adds a touch of romantic
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, White Gold

【Conchéa】Flamingo Pink Conch Pearl Diamond Calla Lily Ring in Platinum — 1.47ct
Located in New York, NY
fully pavé-set with 0.45ct natural diamonds, creating a luminous backdrop that highlights the pearl’s
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

【Sculpted Geometry】Majestic 15 mm South Sea Pearl Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
-like luster and exceptional roundness. A pavé-set diamond cap in 18k white gold (0.68 ct) crowns the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

Fancy Slice Diamond 18 Karat Gold Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A stunning fancy natural diamond necklace is handmade in 18K gold and 10.8 carats of diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Slice Diamond 18 Karat Gold Eternity Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 18-karat gold and set with 1.97 carats of diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Sapphire and Diamond Ribbed Ring 18K Gold R6726
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Sapphire and Diamond Ribbed Ring 18K Gold ♥ The face of the ring measures 14mm in width (East
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

【Vine Symphony】Blooming Aurora Akoya Pearl Ruby Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
deep magenta rubies, soft pink sapphires, and dazzling white diamonds creates a stunning contrast
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, White Gold

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Rondelle Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 36.0 Grams Stone: Pearl (7.8 - 8.4 mm), Accent Diamond Clasp Measurements: 387.35 x 8.4 x
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18k Yellow Gold Black Onyx and Diamond Bird Pin
Located in Hong Kong, HK
eye sparkles with a 0.01 ct diamond, adding a touch of brilliance. The gold shines warmly, giving
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold

【Crown Radiance】Aurora Midnight Panther Aurora Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
beauty. A luminous 14–15mm Aurora Tahitian pearl rests within the diamond-encrusted embrace of a sculpted
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold

【Jādora】Jade Blossom Convertible Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
jadeite flower framed in sparkling diamonds—lightweight and elegant as a stud, or paired with detachable
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

Fancy Diamond 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These stud earrings features a fancy natural diamond in center and surrounded with sparkling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Rondelle Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 34.6 Grams Stone: Pearl (8.1 - 8.3 mm), Accent Diamond Clasp Measurements: 361.95 x 8.3 x
Category

20th Century Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Wide Band 18K Gold 7.9g V1119
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ This is a gorgeous wide band featuring a row of diamonds bezel set diagonally across the middle
Category

2010s American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

【Crown Radiance】Starlight Twin Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
-like arrangement of sparkling diamonds surrounds each pearl, exuding a sense of ethereal beauty. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Clamper Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

Fancy Slice Diamond 18 Karat Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These stunning natural fancy diamond earrings are handmade in 18-karat gold and set with 15.27
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

【Conchéa】Flaming Grace Vintage Conch Pearl Diamond Ring — 1.65ct
Located in New York, NY
glows from within, exuding timeless femininity. The pavé diamond scrollwork surrounding the center pearl
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Fancy Slice Diamond 18 Karat Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These fancy slice diamond earrings are handmade in 18-karat gold and set with 7.17 carats of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Fancy Slice Diamond 18 Karat Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These natural fancy slice diamond earrings are handmade in 18-karat gold and set with 10.44 carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

【Caelmare】Azure Halo Akoya Pearl Turquoise Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
in delicate diamonds — a serene centerpiece reminiscent of ocean skies at dawn. The pendant is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, White Gold

【Conchéa】Empress Flame Vines Conch Pearl Diamond Ring — 4.42ct
Located in New York, NY
natural Flamingo Pink conch pearl nestled within a flowing vine-like structure of diamonds. The pearl’s
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Fancy Slice Diamond 18 Karat Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These natural slice diamond earrings are handmade in 18-karat gold and encrusted with 10.70 carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

【Crown Radiance】Aurora Akoya Pearl Cluster Diamond Crown Ring
Located in New York, NY
sparkling row of brilliant-cut diamonds crowns the design, adding a contemporary touch of radiance that
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Slice Diamond 18 Karat Gold Pendant Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
of natural slice diamond & pave diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Artistic Tourmaline Rough Pendant with Paraiba and Diamond Necklace PT900 V1150
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Artistic Tourmaline Rough Pendant with Paraiba and Diamond Necklace PT900 Heavy 32g+ V1150 ♥ The
Category

2010s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Platinum

【Conchéa】Flame Petal Daisy Conch Pearl Diamond Ring — 2.63ct
Located in New York, NY
1.49 carats of SI-quality diamonds in high-polished petals—each one gently rippling with dynamic curves
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Retro 14k Diamond Adjustable Buckle Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
the "prong" feature small bead-set rose cut diamonds and milgrain detailing, which further adds to the
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Vintage Opal Diamond Brooch 34g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage, custom-made opal and diamond brooch in 14k yellow gold setting. The setting tests 57% gold
Category

Late 20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

【Lustre Arc】Curved Aurora Baby Akoya Pearl Diamond Ear Cuff Earrings
Located in New York, NY
sparkling natural diamonds in a graceful curved silhouette. Designed to follow the contour of the ear, they
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Caelmare】Natural Turquoise Mini Pearl Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
halo of mini freshwater pearls and accented with 0.35ct of natural diamonds, creating both softness and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Platinum

【Conchéa】Eternal Bloom Conch Pearl Diamond Flower Ring — 2.35ct
Located in New York, NY
shimmering diamond-pavé petals, evoking a flower at the peak of its natural grace. Crafted in 18K gold with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Conchéa】Flame Petal Bloom Conch Pearl Diamond Ring — 2.8ct
Located in New York, NY
carats of brilliant diamonds, arranged like dew-kissed petals along a refined band. With soft flame
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Jādora】Whisperleaf Jade Diamond South Sea Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
with a single jade leaf embraced by diamonds. The design captures a quiet confidence — timeless, fluid
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

18K Yellow Gold Raw Black Tourmaline and Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Necklace
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
silhouette and emphasizing its sensual curves. Subtle Round Brilliant Cut Diamond accents, totaling 0.40
Category

2010s American Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold

【Vine Symphony】Butterfly Kiss South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
golden South Sea pearls (9–10mm), each crowned with a pavé diamond butterfly mid-landing — as if caught
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

【Caelmare】8.3ct Natural Turquoise, Diamond Baby Akoya Pearl Halo Earrings
Located in New York, NY
pearls and 0.43ct of diamond accents, all set in sculpted 18K white gold. A bold, refined silhouette
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Starlit Trail Aurora Akoya Pearl Diamond Ear Cuff Earrings
Located in New York, NY
. Crafted in 18K white gold and set with natural diamonds and twinkling star motifs, these earrings offer a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

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Uncut Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate uncut diamond for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of Gold, Yellow Gold and 18k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 463 vintage or 312 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Finding the perfect uncut diamond may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 18th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular piece, .5 Carat and 1 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic uncut diamond over the years, but those made by Meghna Jewels, Vishal Jewels and SCALA GIOIELLI are often thought to be among the most beautiful. See these pages for an uncut iteration of this accessory, while there are also oval cut cut and cabochon cut versions available here, too. If you’re browsing our inventory for an uncut diamond, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a Uncut Diamond?

On average, an uncut diamond at 1stDibs sells for $1,200, while they’re typically $144 on the low end and $750,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

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 ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

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

Questions About Uncut Diamond
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    Yes, an uncut diamond is a real diamond. However, it may not look much like the diamonds that you're accustomed to seeing set in jewelry. Uncut means that a diamond is in its raw form. Most jewelry features diamonds that have facets cut into their surfaces, and jewelry makers polish the stones to enhance their appearance. Shop a variety of diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.