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David Yurman Prasiolite Diamond and Silver Cable Band Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
diamonds. Ring Size: J 1/2 or 5.5 Cluster Diameter: 11.5mm Weight: 5.6g
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Silver

Antiquel Art Deco Platinum 7ct Carved Emerald Diamond Ring Brazil F1 GIA
Located in Winter Springs, FL
baguette diamonds totaling approximately .66 carat, arranged in a distinctly Art Deco geometric form that
Category

Early 20th Century Brazilian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

【Crown Radiance】Royal Garden Golden South Sea Pearl, Diamond Emerald Pendant
Located in New York, NY
luster. Surrounding it, 0.65ct of natural diamonds sparkle like dew upon petals, while 0.27ct of emeralds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

【Crown Radiance】Royal Garden Golden South Sea Pearl, Diamond Emerald Earrings
Located in New York, NY
, 1.38ct of natural diamonds shimmer like morning dew, while 0.50ct of emeralds bring the lush green of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, 18k Gold

Watermelon Tourmaline and Diamond 18 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
Watermelon Tourmaline slice and 0.12 carat accent white diamonds in 18k yellow gold cocktail ring
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Yurman Diamond Mother of Pearl Silver Cable Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
surrounded by diamonds. Ring Size: I 1/2 or 5 Cluster Dimensions: 14mm Weight: 7.5g
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Silver

【Vine Symphony】Blossom Radiance 12–13mm South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Dimensions Earring Length 2.8 cm Pearl Shaped: Round Size: 12-13 mm Quality: AAAA Nacre: Very
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Diamond Leaf Spray South Sea Pearl Sculptural Ring
Located in New York, NY
baby pearls (approx. 4-5mm). The flowing leaf-like setting is accented with SI quality natural diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

Art-Deco Victorian Style Polki Diamond Necklace and Earrings Set
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
Art-Deco Victorian Style Polki Diamond Necklace and Earrings Set This Victorian period art-deco
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Australian Opal (Approx. 0.5-Carats) with Diamond Halo, 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
a shimmering halo of brilliant-cut diamonds, adding approximately 0.1-carats of additional sparkle
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold

Natural Pave Diamond Designer Earrings In 925 Sterling Silver Dangle Earring
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural Pave Diamond Designer Earrings In 925 Sterling Silver Dangle Earring Style Drop/Dangle
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver

Fancy Shape Aquamarine and White Diamond Pendant Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful fancy shaped aquamarine that weighs 8.50 ct. with 0.30 ct. good quality white diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, White Diamond, Yellow Gold

Blue Star Sapphire with Diamond Ring set in 14K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Star Sapphire 2.70 carats with Diamond 0.34 carat Ring set in 14K Gold Settings Width: 1.7
Category

2010s Thai Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, 14k Gold

2.07ctw Ruby Cabochon and 0.63ctw Diamond Unique Chevron Stacking Band Ring
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 2.07ctw Ruby Cabochon and 0.63ctw Diamond Unique Chevron Stacking Band Ring Platinum PT900 9g
Category

2010s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

French, Cigar Shaped Onyx Desk Seal with Diamond Collar Morocco Leather Case
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
features a diamond set collar to one end and a monogram intaglio 'seal' to the other, all circa 1915. The
Category

Early 20th Century French Edwardian Desk Accessories

Materials

Diamond, Onyx

Natural Diamond Earring Handmade Dangle Earring 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry Gift
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural Diamond Earring Handmade Dangle Earring 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry Gift Total Carat
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver

A sheep-head jade bangle in 22K gold rubies diamond Jewels from Mughal India
Located in Bangkok,, TH
bangle rim has been decorated with natural rubies and diamond polkis seated with kundan technique with
Category

2010s Indian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 22k Gold

Black Opal, Diamond Pendant, Lightning Ridge, Australia, Vivid Red Flash
Located in Northampton, MA
this is a solid black opal- and featuring a bail set with a .03ct VS brilliant round diamond. A 20
Category

2010s American Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, 18k Gold

【Vine Symphony】Golden Petal Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Leaf Earrings
Located in New York, NY
elevated by 1.58 carats of dazzling white diamonds, meticulously arranged in delicate petal-shaped settings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Golden South Sea Pearl Diamond Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
meticulously sculpted in a blend of 18K yellow and white gold, with pavé-set natural diamonds adorning each
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Brooches

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Fountain Line Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
diamonds totaling 1.65 carats. The round-cut diamonds are meticulously arranged to form an elegant and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

1.90 Carat Diamond Polki Handcrafted Antique Style Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
1.90 Carat Diamond Polki Handcrafted Antique Style Ring This Victorian period art-deco atypical
Category

2010s Indian Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

GIA Certified Omphacite Jadeite Jade Diamond Palladium Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1940's Natural certified rich green translucent Omphacite Jadeite Jade and diamond cocktail ring
Category

Early 20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Palladium

【Lustre Arc】Modernist Bar Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Statement Earrings
Located in New York, NY
glow, embodying the beauty of the ocean. The 1.2-carat baguette diamond setting enhances the design
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

Meteorite with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Meteorite 16.28 carats with Diamond 0.09 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width
Category

2010s Thai Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Infinity Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Gala Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
dazzling diamonds set in a luxurious, intricate infinity-shaped design. The pearls radiate a luminous
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

14k Yellow Gold Approximately 0.25ctw Natural Diamond Fashion Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This Gold Diamond Fashion Ring is in excellent condition and is ready to ship! Material: 14K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Convertible Y-Line South Sea Pearl Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
a diamond-accented design. The necklace features a precision-engineered adjustable mechanism, with a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Lustre Arc】Heart-Line Embrace South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
exceptionally thick nacre—cradled by 0.78 carats of natural SI-quality diamonds set in 5.5 grams of 18K white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

Cartier Caresse D Orchidees Par Diamond Onyx 18K White Gold Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
18k White Gold Stones Diamond, Onyx Weight Approximately 22.39 g Length Approximately 82 cm Width
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Blossom Crown Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
luster and perfectly round shape. The pearls are elegantly paired with three teardrop-shaped diamonds on
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

Pave Diamond Beads 925 Sterling Silver Ball Shape Beads Jewelry Findings
Located in Chicago, IL
Pave Diamond Beads 925 Sterling Silver Ball Shape Beads Jewelry Findings Shape Round Gross weight
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Charm Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver

【Crown Radiance】Dual Glow Golden South Sea Pearl Diamond Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Sea pearls facing each other in a quietly powerful silhouette. A band of pavé diamonds glimmers
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

【Vine Symphony】Aurora South Sea Pearl Earrings with Diamond Bow Top
Located in New York, NY
pearls topped with delicate diamond bows. The sculpted silhouette adds a playful touch to the refined
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Lumière Y-Drop Convertible South Sea Pearl Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
, adorned with 1.5 carats of dazzling diamonds in a delicate leaf-inspired design. Whether worn as a full
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Modern South Sea Pearl Baguette Diamond Open Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
arrangement, 1.27 carats of diamonds are meticulously set in two pear-shaped and one square-shaped formations
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Starlace Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Open Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
delicate openwork lattice design is adorned with 1.22 carats of brilliant diamonds, adding a radiant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Lustre Arc】Flowing Pavé Diamond South Sea Pearl Formal Elegance Earrings
Located in New York, NY
adorned with 0.90 carats of sparkling white diamonds. The flowing curves of the design highlight the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Diamond AAAA Golden South Sea Pearl Open Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
. Opposite the pearl is a crown-shaped 18K gold cap delicately set with brilliant-cut diamonds, adding a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Turquosie Two Butterfly Diamond Pendant
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
, Diamond Total Diamond Weight 0.2ct approx Length 47 cm Condition Excellent Other Info Diamond: 2 stones
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Star Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Star Ruby 10.05 carats with Diamond 0.77 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm
Category

2010s Thai Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 18k Gold

【Crown Radiance】Aurora Radiance 14mm South Sea Pearl Diamond Pavé Earrings
Located in New York, NY
dazzling white diamonds. The lustrous pearls are complemented by a unique diamond-encrusted connector
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Golden Orchid Aurora Tahitian Pearl Diamond Brushed Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
diamond-accented floral petals, meticulously crafted with a brushed matte finish to enhance texture and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold

Star Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Star Ruby 7.95 carats with Diamond 0.34 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length
Category

2010s Thai Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 18k Gold

【Crown Radiance】Frost Branch Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
-cut and pavé diamonds, meticulously set in 18K white gold. The delicate arrangement of blossoms and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Aurora Regal 16-17mm South Sea Pearl Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
. Framing the pearl is an intricate design adorned with 0.83 carats of baguette-cut diamonds, adding
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Solar Radiance Aurora Golden South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
2.0 carats of diamonds, meticulously set in an intricate design to create a stunning interplay of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

Australian Black Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring PT900 Heavy 14g+ V1149
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ This is a gorgeous cluster ring set with five unique Australian opals and sparkly diamond accents
Category

2010s American Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

14k Yellow gold Bird Antique Polki Diamond Brooch/Pendant handcrafted
Located in Chicago, IL
14k Yellow gold Bird Antique Polki Diamond Brooch/Pendant handcrafted Antique Multiple use brooch
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

【Crown Radiance】Radiant Bloom Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Evening Earrings
Located in New York, NY
dazzling arrangement of 1.23 carats of meticulously set diamonds. The intricate halo design emphasizes the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Lustre Arc】Graceful Bow-Tied Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Sea pearls paired with delicately crafted diamond-studded bow designs. The bows, adorned with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Butterfly Bloom Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Evening Earrings
Located in New York, NY
natural radiance. Complemented by 1.02 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds, the design is inspired by the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Celestial Drop South Sea Pearl Diamond Y Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
-like luster. The pearl is elegantly suspended from a gracefully tapered diamond-encrusted setting
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Fleurline Grace Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
embellishments, featuring a total of 1.15 carats of sparkling white pear-shaped diamonds. The intricate
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Diamond Blossom White South Sea Pearl Pendant in 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
. Three diamond-paved petals unfurl above a glowing 12–13 mm White South Sea pearl, AAAA graded for its
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Golden Bloom Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Gala Earrings
Located in New York, NY
brilliant diamonds, adding a touch of radiance to the soft, matte gold finish. Dangling beneath, the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

【Vine Symphony】Blooming Grace South Sea Pearl Diamond Pavé Floral Earrings
Located in New York, NY
luminous pearls of exceptional quality, they are paired with delicately crafted diamond-studded rose motifs
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea 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.