Skip to main content

Uncut Diamond

to
320
2,601
954
1,107
610
361
3,091
1,333
620
216
179
20
40
314
2,769
9
8
9
2
1
13
5
18
12
22
4
2,222
903
24
2857
87
37
26
15
to
3
82
78
76
49
33
378
185
182
148
66
47
41
29
7
5
4
4
2
1
2,593
556
1,926
214
Sort By
【Caelmare】Tear of Capri Aurora Akoya Pearl Turquoise Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
a blooming arrangement of diamonds and luminous Akoya pearls. Graceful, lyrical, and radiant — a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, White Gold

Art-Deco Style 1.51 Carat Diamond Eternity Band Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
Art-Deco Style Diamond Eternity Band Ring This Victorian period art-deco style atypical Polki
Category

2010s Indian Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

【Crown Radiance】White South Sea Pearl Dual Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
and presence. Surrounding the pearl, a dual halo of natural diamonds — 0.72 ct in white and 0.72 ct in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

GIA Certified 1.40 Ct Fancy Brownish Yellow Diamond Colombia Emerald Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Exclusive design in 18k gold with GIA certified fancy brownish yellow diamond ct 1,40 and Colombia
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

White Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, 14k Round Brilliant Cut .50ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information: Natural Diamond Carat: .50ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: I Clarity: I2
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Diamond cocktail ring handcrafted in 18K Gold with enamel
By Jay Rawat
Located in Jaipur, IN
A beautifully handcrafted ring in 18K gold with a uncut round diamond in the centre. You will
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

3.21ct Heirloom Sapphire with Diamond Halo 14K Gold Engagement Ring R6779
Located in Osprey, FL
diamond. ♥ The setting is intentionally designed to sit higher on the finger to allow stacking rings. You
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

【Crown Radiance】Aurora 12–13mm South Sea Pearl Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
motif, meticulously set with 0.43ct of natural diamonds for a refined brilliance. Crafted in 18k white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

Meteorite with Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Meteorite 16.66 carats with Diamond 0.17 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width
Category

2010s Thai Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Faye Kim Platinum Hoop Earrings with Platinum Milky Purple Diamond Bar Drops
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's Platinum Lavender Diamond Bar Drops LxW 1" x 3.6 MM  Pictured on Platinum Signature
Category

2010s American Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

【Crown Radiance】Azure Clover Baby Akoya Pearl Turquoise Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
vibrant turquoise and delicate pavé diamond petals, all set in 18K yellow gold. The floral motif evokes
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold

【Jādora】 — Type A Jadeite Diamond South Sea Pearl Convertible Earrings
Located in New York, NY
: refined jadeite studs for everyday grace, or full pearl-and-jadeite drops for radiant evenings. Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Jade, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. Lock Diamond Pendant 18K Yellow Gold Medium Model Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Banbury, GB
Excl. Taxes Model Lock Serial Number 213005 Metal 18k Yellow Gold Stones Diamond Total Diamond Weight
Category

2010s American Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18k Yellow Gold Ring with Eight Pearls Three Diamond Accents
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This 18k Yellow Gold Ring with Eight Pearls Three Diamond Accents perfectly fits the popular
Category

Late 20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Sandblasted Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
soft matte finish. Below each pearl, two round white diamond accent the design with subtle sparkle. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

【Conchéa】Conch Pearl Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Platinum Pendant — 1.87ct
Located in New York, NY
(1.87ct) with partial flame pattern and natural calcium inclusions, set amidst a pavé diamond motif in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

【Conchéa】Conch Pearl 11mm Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings — 2.34ct
Located in New York, NY
is gracefully accented by pavé-set diamonds in 18k white gold, flowing into luminous 11mm South Sea
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

【Crown Radiance】Majestic Panther South Sea Pearl Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
pendant features a sculpted panther in 18k white gold, pavé-set with over 2.25 carats of diamonds and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

Pair of natural Diamond emerald sterling silver hinge bracelet Yellow Gold plate
Located in Delhi, DL
A pair of beautiful diamond emerald bangle consists of: Diamond- 10.40cts Diamond type: uncut
Category

2010s Indian Art Nouveau Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver

Louis Vuitton 18K Malachite Diamond Blossom 18K Rose Gold Pendant Necklace
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Banbury, GB
Rose Gold Stones Diamond, Malachite Weight Approximately 4.48 g Length Approximately 42 cm Width
Category

2010s French Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Coral Black Jade and Diamond Cts 0.15 Engagement Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
At the heart of this Coral and Black Jade Diamond Engagement Ring lies a rich, red coral
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Jade, Black Jade

14k Yellow Gold Approximately 1.7ctw of Natural Diamond Bracelet
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This stunning 14k Gold Diamond Bracelet is in excellent condition and is ready to ship! Material
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Estate 18k Diamond, Ruby, and Pearl Heron Pin
Located in Narberth, PA
A wonderful diamond, ruby, and pearl heron pin! This lovely piece is crafted in 18k yellow gold and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

【Crown Radiance】Ocean Akoya Pearl Double-Strand Necklace w/ Aquamarine Diamond
Located in New York, NY
of the ocean. Surrounding the aquamarine are 0.85 carats of brilliant diamonds, arranged in delicate
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Aquamarine, White Gold

Fresh Water Pearl with Diamond 0.08 carat Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Fresh Water Pearl with Diamond 0.08 carat Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings set in 18K Gold
Category

2010s Thai Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

.10ct Natural Diamonds Bangle Bracelet 14kt Gold Floating Pyramid
Located in New York, NY
Floating Pyramid Diamond Bangle. .10ct. Natural diamonds bracelet. G-color Vs-2 Clarity 14kt
Category

2010s American Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Belle Epoque natural saltwater pearl ring with diamonds in 18k and platinum
Located in PARIS, FR
cream-colored button pearl. The shoulders of the ring are set with ten single-cut diamonds. Belle Époque
Category

Antique 1890s French Belle Époque Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

14k White Gold 11mm Gray/Green Pearl Earrings with Abstract Diamond Setting
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
8.83g 11mm pearls 4x 1.5mm ~0.02ct/ea SI1/G 36x 1mm ~0.01ct/ea SI1/H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Royal Tassel Akoya Freshwater Pearl Diamond Statement Earrings
Located in New York, NY
crafted in 18K white gold and adorned with 1.50 carats of dazzling diamonds, adding a sophisticated
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, White Gold

18K Gold Dual Tone Textured Huggie Earrings with Diamonds R3214
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 18K Gold Dual Tone Textured Huggie Earrings with Diamonds ♥ Each earring measures 13.5mm in
Category

2010s American Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1.33ct Sapphire with Wide Diamond Pave Band Platinum 11g+ V1163
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 1.33ct Royal Blue Sapphire with Wide Diamond Pave Band Platinum 11g+ September Birthstone
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

2.05ct Natural Unheated Tanzanite 14K White Gold Engagement Ring with Diamond
Located in Osprey, FL
-shaped natural diamonds ♥ The item measures 7.8mm in length (North South direction), 7.9mm in width
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, White Gold

18k Yellow Gold South Sea Pearl Drop Diamond Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
pristine waters of the Myanmar, suspended beneath a delicate 0.46 ct diamond accent. All set in warm 18K
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Yellow Gold

18k Gold Ruby Emerald Sapphire and Diamond Pearl Bird Pin
Located in Hong Kong, HK
sapphire, plus 0.94 cts of brilliant diamonds. The rubies from India evoke passion, Colombian emeralds
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

10.25 Carat Fancy Diamond 18 Karat Gold Icicle Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
fancy & white glittering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

【Vine Symphony】Botanical Crown Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
diamond-accented bow-shaped bail adds a final flourish of sparkle, enhancing the pendant’s refined
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

【Vine Symphony】Petal Scroll South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
natural SI-quality diamonds, this piece is as substantial as it is poetic. Worn alone or paired with the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Celestial Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
diamonds are meticulously pavé-set in a cascading crown formation, enhancing the pearl’s regal presence
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Lustre Arc】Aurora Baby Akoya Pearl Diamond Garden Cascade Earrings
Located in New York, NY
silhouette is accentuated with twinkling natural diamonds, delicately pavé-set along the golden stems like
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold

【Crown Radiance】Celestial Cluster Aurora Baby Akoya Pearl Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
roundness. This ring embodies luxury and refinement. Encircled by dazzling diamonds that sparkle like
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Hearts-Line Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
diamond chain is adorned with round-cut diamonds arranged in a graceful gradient, transitioning from
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

18k Yellow Gold Ring with a Yellow Pearl Channel Set Diamond Accents - 6.25
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Here is a nice classic style 18k yellow gold ring with diamond accents flanking a central yellow
Category

Vintage 1980s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

【Vine Symphony】Olive Branch Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
by wheat motif diamond embellishments in 18K gold, symbolizing prosperity, abundance, and good
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cuff Bracelets

Materials

South Sea Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold

Hermès Filet d Or bracelet 18K Rose Gold Diamond Small Model SH
By Hermès
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301544 Comes With Box Only RRP €4,300 Incl. Taxes Metal 18k Rose Gold Stones Diamond Total
Category

2010s French Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Cyma Ladies Gold Diamond Watch 18 Karat
Located in New York, NY
diamonds g color vs2 clarity 49.3 grams 18 karat yellow gold 24 mm wide case 13 mm wide, band
Category

Early 2000s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Dancing Flame Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
white gold setting is adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds, enhancing the pearl’s celestial glow. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

Carved Malachite Cameo Pendant with 1.09ct Diamonds in Gold and Silver
Located in Aventura, FL
-cut diamonds totaling 1.09 carats, adding a refined sparkle to the deep green stone. The ornate
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, Gold, Silver

【Vine Symphony】Petal-Set Diamond Aurora South Sea Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
floral motifs crafted from marquise-cut diamonds. The shimmering diamonds, arranged in a graceful petal
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Imperial Petal Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Sea pearls embraced by sculptural petal-like diamond caps. Each pearl glows with natural luster and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

22K gold Indian wedding earring with diamond, ruby and enamel Jhumkis
Located in Bangkok,, TH
small jhumkas which are inlaid with natural diamond polkis and decorated with blue and golden enamel
Category

Early 2000s Indian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold, Enamel

【Sculpted Geometry】Orbital Grace Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Bangle
Located in New York, NY
, contemporary silhouette is accentuated with brilliant diamonds, adding a touch of radiance and sophistication
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Clamper Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

22K Gold Mughal Peacock enamel kundan meena ring studded with diamond polkis
Located in Bangkok,, TH
A beautiful ring in the form of Peacock with natural top quality diamond slices (polkis) enamelled
Category

2010s Indian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold, Enamel

【Crown Radiance】Orchid Lace AAAA South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
1.02 carats of brilliant diamonds in a delicate floral-inspired setting. The intricate pavé diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Feather Crest Diamond Aurora South Sea Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
breathtaking 1.18-carat diamond setting. The design features elongated brilliant-cut diamonds and intricate
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】13–14mm South Sea Pearl 1.19ct Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
-cut natural diamonds, creating a regal, tiered effect that frames the pearl with exceptional sparkle
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Angelic Ascent Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
diamond formation — shaped like wings mid-beat, full of motion, light, and freedom. The marquise and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Golden Wreath Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
exceptional luster, encircled by layers of diamond pavé that fan outward like a wreath in full bloom. Crafted
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Uncut Diamond", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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.