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Uncut Diamond

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【Crown Radiance】Baby Akoya Pearl Triple Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
complemented by 18k white gold and natural diamonds. The multi-layer design enhances volume and elegance
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Conchéa】Aurora Akoya Conch Pearl Halo Earrings — 3.73ct
Located in New York, NY
pattern, encircled by flawless Akoya pearls and marquise-cut diamonds set in 18K white gold (4.83g, 1.31ct
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Paysages Gris Mistral Ring by Karl Mazlo
Located in Geneve, CH
% Silver (2 g) / Steel (11 g) / Yellow and pink diamond (0.09 ct). Playing on contrasts and transforming
Category

2010s French Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Silver, Steel

Antique Style Diamond Gold Daisy Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
natural uncut & rose cut diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

【Conchéa】Conch Pearl Pink Flame Drop Earrings in 18k White Gold with Di — 4.81ct
Located in New York, NY
alive with natural charm. Diamonds shimmer above, adding brilliance to their graceful fall. Elegant and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Lavender jade ring hand carved in form of dragon with gold
Located in Bangkok,, TH
, and protection. The dragon’s eyes are set with sparkling natural diamonds, each encased in 18K gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Gold

Maharaja 12.59 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
necklace is handmade in 14K gold and sterling silver. It is set in 12.59 carats of uncut rose cut diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Paysages Gris Ondes Grises Ring by Karl Mazlo
Located in Geneve, CH
yellow gold (1.4 g) / Steel (0.2 g) / 7 white diamonds (0.29 cts). Playing on contrasts and transforming
Category

2010s French Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Steel

Rosecut Diamond 18 Karat Gold Pear Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, these stud earrings are set with 1.79 carats of natural uncut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

【Conchéa】Pink Conch Blossom Ring —1.25 ct
Located in New York, NY
1.25ct Conch Pearl · Floral Diamond Setting Like dawn resting upon a petal. Centered with a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

22/24K gold nephrite jade Mughal amulet/haldali set with emerald and rubies
Located in Bangkok,, TH
—highlighting the meticulous detailing and regal allure of the design. The front features natural diamond polki
Category

2010s Indian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Jade, Ruby, 24k Gold

【Jādora】Golden Jade Blossom Emerald Leaf Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Jadeite, Emeralds, Yellow Diamonds Metal: 2.2g of 18K Black Gold Technique: Hand-carved openwork jade
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Emerald, 18k Gold

22K Mughal Emerald Ruby Pendant with Polki Diamonds for weddings
Located in Bangkok,, TH
gold and with natural pear shaped ruby, further surrounded in 22K gold frame seated with uncut Polki
Category

2010s Indian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 22k Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Convertible 2-in-1 Aurora Baby Akoya Pearl 18K Gold Earrings
Located in New York, NY
diamonds, all set in 18K white gold. The highlight of the design is its versatility—each earring is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Convertible South Sea Golden Pearl Brooch Pendant in 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
-inspired form that evokes a crown-like silhouette. Accented with 0.17 carats of diamonds, the setting
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Brooches

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Frosted Trail Aurora Akoya Pearl Evening Earrings
Located in New York, NY
silhouette composed of aurora-grade Japanese Akoya pearls and natural diamonds. The pearls are meticulously
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Feathered Grace - Aurora Akoya Pearl Statement Earrings
Located in New York, NY
natural diamonds, others elegantly polished or satin-finished. This layered, sculptural composition brings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Lustre Arc】Floral Halo Aurora Akoya Pearl Circle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
from 3mm to 9.5mm in size. A diamond-set floral motif anchors the design, featuring a cluster of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Lustre Arc】Trinity Cascade Aurora Baby Akoya Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
complemented by 1.0 carat of meticulously set brilliant diamonds, adding a subtle sparkle to the refined 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Lustre Arc】Sculptural Wave Aurora Akoya Pearl Gala Earrings
Located in New York, NY
of 18K yellow gold, fully pavé-set with natural diamonds. The sculptural lines echo the grace of a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Raindrop Melody Aurora Akoya Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
drop is suspended from curved diamond-pavé stems crafted in 18k white gold. The rhythmic movement
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Baby Akoya Pearl and 18K Gold Spike Earrings and Pendant Set
Located in New York, NY
. The earrings showcase a geometric triangular frame, each adorned with a central diamond accent for a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

【Lustre Arc】Bow AAAA Platinum-Grey Tahitian Pearl Cocktail Earrings
Located in New York, NY
, delicately adorned with sparkling diamonds, these earrings embody sophistication and timeless charm. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, Platinum

【Jādora】Jadeite Halo South Sea Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
-cut diamonds, the design balances serenity and structure, softness and strength. A refined composition
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

【Vine Symphony】Regency Bloom Aurora Akoya Double-Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
, intricately crafted into a delicate floral motif and adorned with sparkling diamonds, adds a touch of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Baroque Medallion Aurora Baby Akoya Pearl Triple-Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
with 0.92 carats of brilliant diamonds, creating a striking vintage aesthetic. A harmonious blend of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

【Crown Radiance】Regal Garland Necklace with Akoya and South Sea Pearl Pendant
Located in New York, NY
for their luminous sheen and perfect roundness. The intricate 18K white gold and diamond-encrusted
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, White Gold

【Jādora】Raven Jadeite Tahitian Keshi Pearl Earrings in Black Gold
Located in New York, NY
contrasts with the depth of the jade, while 0.06ct of diamonds and emerald accents add a subtle sparkle. Set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Pearl, 18k Gold

【Vine Symphony】Rose Blossom Convertible Akoya Pearl Double-Strand Long Necklace
Located in New York, NY
dazzling diamonds, allowing for multiple styling possibilities. The detachable flower clasp can also be
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Lustre Arc】Bow-Tied Aurora Akoya Pearl Long Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
-shaped clasp crafted from 18K white gold and encrusted with sparkling diamonds. The intricately designed
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Jādora】Ink-Brush Floral Jadeite Tahitian Keshi Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
, adding organic radiance and contrast. Accented with 0.22ct of natural diamonds and vivid green Burmese
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Pearl, 18k Gold

【Jādora】Ink-Painting Burmese Jade Tahitian Keshi Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
pearls add luminous contrast, while 0.15ct of diamonds and vivid green jade accents bring a subtle
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Pearl, 18k Gold

【Crown Radiance】Timeless Grace Aurora Akoya Pearl Triple-Strand Necklace
Located in New York, NY
diamond bars, totaling 0.95 carats, adding a touch of brilliance and sophistication. Ideal for formal
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Lustre Arc】Akoya Pearl Tassel Long Necklace with Convertible Bow Clasp
Located in New York, NY
luxurious detail is a stunning 18K white gold and diamond-encrusted bow clasp, which serves as both a secure
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

16.04 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Honeycomb Bracelet Cuff
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
handmade in 14K gold and sterling silver. It is set in 16.04 carats of uncut rose cut diamonds. Clasp
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold

A finely carved jade spoon Mughal India
Located in Bangkok,, TH
diamonds to enhance the value and shocase the luxury behind it. A true testament to Mughal India this spoon
Category

2010s Indian Dinnerware and Flatware Sets

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 24k Gold

【Vine Symphony】Convertible 2-in-1 Moonlight Spiral Akoya Pearl Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
radiant charm. The pearls' high luster and icy brilliance are accentuated by sparkling diamonds, evoking
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Jādora】 PSL Certified 12mm South Sea Pearl Imperial Jade Leaf Earrings
Located in New York, NY
diamonds, adding brilliance without overpowering the natural stones. Hand-crafted in sleek platinum, this
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

Maharaja Rose Cut 23.11 Carat Diamond Pearl Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
uncut rose cut diamonds. Clasp Closure FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

【Vine Symphony】Tahitian Akoya Pearl Dragonfly Brooch-Pendant
Located in New York, NY
with a luminous 5mm Akoya pearl that adds balance and gentle contrast. Delicate diamond-set eyes bring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, White Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Aurora Baby Akoya Pearl Cascade Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
white gold with brilliant-cut natural diamonds, this ring brings together playfulness and refinement in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Aurora Baby Akoya Pearl Cascade Ring in 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
gold with brilliant-cut natural diamonds, this ring brings together playfulness and refinement in one
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

13.48 Carat Rose Cut Diamond 14 Karat Gold Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A exquisite necklace handmade in 14 karat gold and set in 13.48 carats of uncut and rose cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Aurora Cluster Akoya Pearl 18K Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Every pearl gleams like a drop of light — this ring gathers an exquisite cluster of 4–4.5mm Aurora Akoya pearls, perfectly round, with radiant luster and nearly flawless surface. The...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

【Jādora】Aurora Akoya Sardinian Coral Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
touch of sparkle from brilliant-cut diamonds adds elegant contrast, all set in solid 18K yellow gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

【Lustre Arc】Orbital Halo Tahitian Pearl Rotating Pendant
Located in New York, NY
, crafted in 18K yellow and white gold and accented with brilliant-cut diamonds, evoke the image of a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Daisy Bloom Sculpted 18k Black Gold Tahitian Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
accentuates each petal’s depth and movement. At the center, fine natural diamonds catch the light with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold

【Caelmare】Azure Bloom Turquoise Akoya Pearl Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
diamond-petaled accents. The contrast between the saturated blue and the gentle pearlescence evokes the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, White Gold

【Jādora】Jadeite Halo South Sea Pearl Ring
Located in New York, NY
diamonds form a layered halo, creating depth, rhythm, and architectural balance. The platinum setting
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

【Vine Symphony】Aurora South Sea Pearl Transformable Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
grandeur of a feather in full motion, adorned with sparkling diamonds and luminous pearls. The center South
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Brooches

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Aurora South Sea Pearl Adjustable Necklace
Located in New York, NY
chain, delicately set with 0.18ct of diamonds, adds an understated sparkle, while 18k yellow gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

【Lustre Arc】Infinity AAAA Tahitian Pearl Gala Earrings
Located in New York, NY
suspended from diamond-encrusted infinity-shaped hoops crafted in 18K white gold. The timeless figure-eight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold

Art Novueau Gargoyle Stickpin of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
rendered in 14k gold, its fierce expression brought to life with two sparkling diamond eyes and a luminous
Category

Antique 1890s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

【Caelmare】Celeste Heart Turquoise Akoya Pearl Detachable Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Information Origin Japan Material Akoya Pearl, Natural Turquoise, 18K Gold, and Diamond Dimensions 12 x 25mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Pearl, White Gold

【Caelmare】Royal Crest Turquoise Pearl Medallion Earrings
Located in New York, NY
feature a radiant turquoise cabochon framed by a heraldic halo of Akoya pearls and diamonds. The sculpted
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, White Gold

【Caelmare】Lustre Bloom Turquoise Akoya Earrings
Located in New York, NY
pair a vivid turquoise cabochon with a radiant bloom of baby Akoya pearls and diamonds. Sculpted into a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, White Gold

【Caelmare】Starlight Halo Turquoise Baby Akoya Earrings
Located in New York, NY
a luminous halo of baby Akoya pearls and brilliant-cut diamonds, arranged in a graceful, celestial
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 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.