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South Sea Pearl and Diamond Bar Brooch Pin in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
South Sea Pearl and Diamond Bar Brooch Pin in Platinum Triple Pearl and Diamond Pin features three
Category

20th Century North American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

【Vine Symphony】Openwork Rose Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
natural diamonds. The refined silhouette and airy floral geometry create a flattering frame that elongates
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Falling Maple Aurora 16mm South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
surface are beautifully complemented by 0.69 carats of dazzling diamonds, meticulously set in a delicate
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Floral Cluster Diamond Aurora South Sea Pearl Gala Earrings
Located in New York, NY
carats of brilliant diamonds are meticulously set in 18K white gold, creating a dazzling cascade of light
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Aurora Sovereign Tahitian Pearl Diamond Pavé Ring
Located in New York, NY
cradled atop a gleaming pavé-set diamond band. The dual-tone 18k gold—white and yellow—adds contrast and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold

【Crown Radiance】Regal Halo Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
their radiant glow and elegant silvery overtone. Each pearl is framed by a halo of natural diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Aurora Linear Cascade AAAA South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
diamonds—set in an artfully tapered line that elongates the neck and frames the face. At the base, AAAA
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Golden Bloom Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
accents crafted in 18K gold. The intricate flower motifs, enhanced by sparkling diamond centers, add a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

【Crown Radiance】Gilded Snowfall Golden South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
, adorned with 0.79 carats of sparkling diamonds. Each snowflake is crafted to perfection, adding a touch of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

【Vine Symphony】Baroque Frame Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Aurora-grade South Sea pearls framed by sculptural diamond silhouettes. The flowing curves and openwork
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Ribbon Charm Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
, encrusted with a dazzling array of white and natural black diamonds. The intricate craftsmanship highlights
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Celestial Line South Sea Pearl Sapphire Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
South Sea pearl, accented by a sleek trio of natural sapphires framed in brilliant pavé diamonds. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, White Gold

White Gold Sapphire Diamond Halo Engagement Ring, 14k Round 2.07ctw Cathedral
Located in Greensboro, NC
Natural Diamonds Carats: .20ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H Clarity: SI1 - SI2 Total Carats
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Royal Garland Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
by a stunning design of intricately set diamonds, forming a heart-shaped motif that symbolizes love
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

3ct Green Tourmaline Diagonally Set 14K Gold Engagement Ring with Diamond Band
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 3ct Green Tourmaline Diagonally Set 14K Gold Engagement Ring with Diamond Band R6804 ♥ The item
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold

【Vine Symphony】Feather-Line Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Evening Earrings
Located in New York, NY
accentuated by a dynamic feather-like design, meticulously crafted with 1.08 carats of dazzling white diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

Classic Diamond Hoop Earrings in 18K White Gold
By Galt Bro. Jewelers
Located in Oakton, VA
18 Karat White Gold 1.25 Inch Hoop 2.9 CTW G Color VS Clarity Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Dancing Blossom Aurora South Sea Pearl and Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
adorned with a total of 1.57 carats of sparkling yellow and white diamonds, meticulously set to create a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

2.88ctw Diamond and Tourmaline Dangle Earrings 14K Gold R3127
Located in Osprey, FL
Glamorize your look with these exquisite diamond and tourmaline dangle earrings. Crafted in 14K
Category

2010s American Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Gold

Vintage Diamond, Amethyst and Aquamarine 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
diamonds either side of the central stone which measure 8pts. The ring is modelled in 9carat gold. Ring
Category

Vintage 1960s British More Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold

16.60 Multi Sapphire Earrings in Yellow Gold with Diamonds
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Ruby Rose Gold Diamond Earrings Earring. Ruby 7.44 Cts Diamond 1.31 Cts Custom Services Resizing
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Pave Diamond Snake Shape Statement Ring For Christmas Gift For Women.
Located in Chicago, IL
Pave Diamond Snake Shape Statement Ring For Christmas Gift For Women. Band Width: 2 mm Size
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

【 Crown Radiance】Sculpted Harmony Akoya South Sea Pearl Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
and refined appearance. Breaking tradition with innovation, a 1.9-carat diamond-accented chain weaves
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

Hexagon Shape Montana Sapphire with Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 14K White Gold
Located in Osprey, FL
sapphire in the center, surrounded by round and tapered baguette diamonds in a celestial-inspired halo
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

18.69 Carat Fancy Slice Diamond 14 Karat Gold Chandelier Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
natural diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pieces
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Crown Flame South Sea Pearl Ruby Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
and captivating charm. Encircling the pearl is a halo of 0.63 carats of brilliant round diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, White Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Convertible South Sea Pearl Marquise Diamond Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
complementing the 1.19-carat dazzling diamonds set in a striking V-shaped design. The versatile design allows
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Aurora Mandala Diamond South Sea Pearl Pendant
Located in New York, NY
intricately sculpted 18k gold and brilliant diamonds. The openwork pattern evokes divine light and regal
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

20.41 Carat Fancy Diamond 14 Karat Gold Triple Drop Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
natural diamonds. The rough diamonds are covered in a surface of light-reflecting facets. FOLLOW MEGHNA
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

【Crown Radiance】Symphony Bow 16mm Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
adorned with pavé-set diamonds for an extra touch of brilliance. The radiant pearls dangle elegantly below
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Lustre Arc】Heart-Clover Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
is accented by 0.82 carats of brilliant white diamonds, forming a delicate three-leaf clover—a symbol
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Golden Starlotus Diamond South Sea Pearl Pendant
Located in New York, NY
. Diamond-accented details add a brilliant contrast, enhancing the pendant’s regal charm. With its
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

12.64 carats Fancy Diamond 18 Karat Gold Triple Drop Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
diamonds. The slice diamonds are covered in a surface of light-reflecting facets, pure raw elegance
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau 18k/Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 0.41ct
Located in Narberth, PA
A wonderful diamond ring from the Art Nouveau (ca1910s) era! Crafted in 18k yellow gold and
Category

Vintage 1910s Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

【Caelmare】Turquoise Bloom Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
feature sculpted turquoise framed by diamond petals, gently cradling lustrous South Sea pearls below. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Turquoise, White Gold

Natural Rose Cut Polki Diamond Ring 925 Sterling Silver Handmade Vintage Ring.
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural Rose Cut Polki Diamond Ring 925 Sterling Silver Handmade Vintage Ring. A P P R O X T I M
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

【Crown Radiance】Snow Fleur Convertible South Sea Pearl Diamond Leather Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
natural glow. Set at the heart of a meticulously crafted diamond-encrusted flower, the design exudes
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

14K Gold Red Enamel Evil Eye Ring with Diamond Dangle and Spikes R6545
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 14K Rose Gold Red Enamel Evil Eye Ring with Diamond Dangle and Spikes   ♥ The item measures 14mm
Category

2010s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Enamel, 14k Gold

2.24ct Lavender Quartz with Diamond Sides Engagement Ring 14K Gold R6580
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 2.24ct Lavender Quartz with Diamond Sides Engagement Ring 14K Gold R6580 ♥ The item measures
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 14k Gold

【Crown Radiance】Aurora Akoya Pearl Double-Strand Necklace with Diamond Bow Clasp
Located in New York, NY
magnificent 13–14mm South Sea pearl radiates flawless brilliance, cradled beneath a diamond-studded bow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Sapphire Halo Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
sparkling diamonds, adding a vibrant pop of color and brilliance to the design. Set in 18k white gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Ever Us Diamond Two-Stone Engagement Ring White Gold 14k Round Brilliant .50ctw
By Ever Us
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Ever Us Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Total Carats: .50ctw
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

【Lustre Arc】Trio-Band Aurora Baby Akoya Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
glittering pavé diamonds set in fine white gold material, the design resembles sparkling light bulbs, exuding
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold

【Crown Radiance】Aurora South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, and Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
sparkling SI-quality diamonds. The design evokes the elegance of a royal bloom, with the luminous pearls
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, White Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Convertible Stellar South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring Pendant
Located in New York, NY
unparalleled luxury. Featuring a dazzling 1.73-carat array of sparkling diamonds and an impressive 12-13mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Convertible Gilded Wings South Sea Pearl Diamond Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
movement and realism. Adorned with sparkling diamonds on its body, the butterfly radiates brilliance
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

【Crown Radiance】Weave Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Lattice Ring
Located in New York, NY
radiant luster and flawless surface. Encircled by 0.80 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds, the unique
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Aurora Radiance South Sea Pearl Diamond Sunburst Ring
Located in New York, NY
sophistication. The unique ring setting is adorned with 1.55 carats of brilliant diamonds, meticulously arranged
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Lustre Arc】Celestial Orbit Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
-set diamonds sweep around the pearl like celestial orbits, creating a dynamic interplay of light and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Emerald Bloom Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
square-cut emeralds and delicately set diamonds. The intricate floral-inspired design enhances the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Emerald Crown Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamonds Earrings
Located in New York, NY
green hue of the emeralds is perfectly complemented by a halo of sparkling diamonds, adding brilliance
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Convertible Blossom South Sea Pearl Diamond Statement Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
. The finely crafted petals, adorned with dazzling diamonds, form a luxurious floral design. Versatile
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Architect Frame Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
glow contrasts against the clarity of crisp architectural lines. A modern frame of diamonds encircles
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Celestial Plumage South Sea Pearl Sapphire Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
sapphires and 0.80 carats of SI quality diamonds, forming a dazzling interplay of light and shadow. Artistic
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Orbital Grace Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
surrounded by a halo of 1.36 carats of large, brilliant pear-shaped diamonds, meticulously set to maximize
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Golden Radiance South Sea Pearl Diamond Earrings and Pendant Set
Located in New York, NY
South Sea pearls, elegantly clustered in a sunburst motif and accented with sparkling natural diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

Citrine Diamonds 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
-cut diamonds, this pendant combines historical charm with modern jewelry craftsmanship. The diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

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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.