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Uncut Diamond

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【Caelmare】Summer Radiance Turquoise Pearl Blossom Earrings
Located in New York, NY
brilliant-cut diamonds and luminous Akoya pearls, forming a floral silhouette that captures the energy of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, White Gold

【Jādora】Convertible 2-in-1 Empress Aurora Akoya Pearl Emerald Earring
Located in New York, NY
square design set in 18K yellow gold, featuring luminous mother-of-pearl, natural diamonds, and a vibrant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Emerald, 18k Gold

【Caelmare】Peacock Plume Aquamarine Aurora Akoya Pearl Evening Earrings
Located in New York, NY
diamonds. At the heart of each earring lies a 0.7-carat pear-cut aquamarine, evoking the serene blue of a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Aquamarine, White Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Ocean Prism Aurora Akoya Pearl Aquamarine Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
classic pearls through a lens of modern geometry. Each luminous Akoya pearl is framed within a diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Aquamarine, White Gold

【Lustre Arc】Aurora Tahitian Pearl Ribbon Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Tahitian pearls embraced by delicate diamond-studded ribbons in 18k white gold. The playful bow motif adds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold

【Jādora】Verdant Garden Aurora Akoya Pearl Emerald Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
1.05 carats of brilliant diamonds for a striking contrast of color and sparkle. Designed for both
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, White Gold

【Jādora】Forest Whisper Aurora Akoya Pearl Emerald Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
and diamonds. The design showcases alternating emerald and diamond motifs, forming an intricate
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Emerald, White Gold

【Conchéa】Flame Bloom Convertible Conch Pearl Ring-Pendant — 2.42ct
Located in New York, NY
with 0.49ct of natural diamonds, emphasizing organic curves that radiate outward like petals in motion
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Conchéa】Falling Leaf Conch Pearl Open Ring — 1.58ct
Located in New York, NY
pattern. On either side, diamond-encrusted leaves curve gracefully around the finger, their veins
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Caelmare】Ocean Empress Triple Akoya Pearl Turquoise Necklace
Located in New York, NY
featuring a vivid turquoise cabochon framed by shimmering diamonds. Designed to command attention while
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, White Gold

1.92 Carat Rose Cut Diamond 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful uncut natural diamond earrings are handmade in 18-karat gold, is set with 1.92
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

【Crown Radiance】Aquamarine Bloom Triple-Strand Baby Akoya Pearl Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
and diamonds. This elegant design extends to the clasp, maintaining a seamless and sophisticated
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Aquamarine, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Verdant Leaf Emerald AA+ Akoya Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
shimmering diamonds. The elegant, flowing lines of the feather exude a sense of movement and grace. At its
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Emerald, White Gold

Tiffany Co. Multicolor South Sea Pearl Necklace
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
with diamonds, adding further brilliance. Signed "Tiffany" 27” length
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

【Lustre Arc】Celestial Arc Aquamarine Akoya Pearl Pendant
Located in New York, NY
complemented by the serene blue of the aquamarine, set within a graceful circle adorned with sparkling diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Aquamarine, White Gold

【Conchéa】Enchanted Bow Convertible 3-Way Conch Pearl Jewel — 2.3ct
Located in New York, NY
shape and moderate flame, the design unfolds into delicate diamond-dust ribbons, totaling 1.22 carats of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Conchéa】Aurora Bloom Conch Pearl Petal Ring — 1.05ct
Located in New York, NY
stone is surrounded by luminous diamond-set petals, forming a sculptural bouquet atop a fine 18K white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Chimpanzee Pin
Located in Hong Kong, HK
ordinary. Crafted with a creamy pearl, 0.18 ct ruby, jade, coral, and 0.09 ct diamond, this 72 x 22 mm
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Jade, Ruby

【Crown Radiance】Gilded Links — South Sea Golden Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Diamond, and 18k Gold Dimensions Earring Length Approx. 3.0cm Pearl Shaped: Round Size: 11-12mm Quality
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Hinged Hoops - Medium
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim’s 18 Karat Gold Medium Hinged Hoop Earrings, with their modern design, convey understated elegance and a truly stylish, everyday look! Hoops are solid with a hinged mechanis...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

【Conchéa】Aurora Stellar Bloom Convertible 3-Way Conch Pearl Jewel — 2.4ct
Located in New York, NY
at the heart of a starburst floral composition, surrounded by luminous Akoya pearls and diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Conchéa】Blushing Lace Conch Pearl Filigree Ring — 1.6ct
Located in New York, NY
filigree setting—crafted in 18K white gold and adorned with 0.40ct of natural diamonds. This piece embodies
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Conchéa】Ribbon Bloom Convertible 4-Way Conch Akoya Pearl Jewel — 1.39ct
Located in New York, NY
jewel is further accented by 0.37ct of natural diamonds and a luminous 6.5-7mm Akoya pearl, which can be
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Conchéa】Blossom Muse Conch Akoya Pearl Ring — 3.02ct
Located in New York, NY
conch pearl at the heart of a blooming diamond blossom. Accented by 1 carat of natural diamonds and a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Jādora】Convertible Sardinian Coral and Akoya Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite pair of convertible earrings celebrates both heritage and versatility. At the center are vivid red Sardinian coral cabochons—natural and untreated—surrounded by a deli...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

【Conchéa】Flamingo Feather Aurora Conch Pearl Ring — 1.0ct
Located in New York, NY
diamonds, flowing outward like a moment of motion frozen in time. This piece belongs to the Collector’s
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

【Conchéa】Flaming Grace Convertible Petal Ring Pendant — 4.15ct Conch Pearl
Located in New York, NY
shimmering diamonds, unfolds in a sculptural silhouette that echoes the delicate strength of a blooming
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold and Silver Bark Ring with Natural Rough Diamond
By Gregory Mikaelian Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k yellow gold and silver Gresha signature bark and leaf design with a rough uncut natural black
Category

2010s American Arts and Crafts Fashion Rings

Materials

Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

【Sculpted Geometry】Baby Akoya Architectural Hoop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
, framed by 0.68ct of precision pavé-set diamonds on 18K white gold. Viewed from every angle, the piece
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

15.5 Carat Fancy Slice Diamond 18 Karat Starburst Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
natural uncut fancy and white diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

【Vine Symphony】Convertible Golden South Sea Pearl Mother-of-Pearl Leaf Earrings
Located in New York, NY
pearls suspended beneath a sculptural arrangement of mother-of-pearl leaves and brilliant diamonds. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

【Crown Radiance】AAAA Golden South Sea Pearl Halo Dome Earrings
Located in New York, NY
-set diamonds and petite Akoya pearls. The dramatic dome silhouette evokes celestial balance, while the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Floral Enamel 8–9mm South Sea Pearl Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
yellow gold. At the heart of each blossom lies a petite diamond, adding a whisper of brilliance to this
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

【Jādora】Royal Green Jade South Sea Pearl Pendant
Located in New York, NY
natural vitality, crowned by sparkling diamonds that frame a magnificent South Sea pearl of exceptional
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Jade, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Jādora】Verdant Bloom Jadeite South Sea Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
architectural grace. Each sculptural leaf is carved from vivid Type A jadeite, framed in a soft diamond outline
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Jādora】Imperial Leaf Halo Jadeite South Sea Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
the center rests a luminous South Sea pearl, embraced by a radiant double halo—brilliant diamonds on
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Crown Radiance】Golden South Sea Pearl Emerald Collar Necklace
Located in New York, NY
gold. Weighing nearly 32 grams of gold and adorned with natural diamonds and emerald accents, this
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, 18k Gold

【Jādora】11mm Aurora South Sea Gold Pearl Emerald Back Earrings
Located in New York, NY
natural diamonds, set in 18k yellow gold. Suspended from the back, a pair of 11–11.5mm South Sea golden
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

22K Indian Jewel in form of Small pendant studded with emerald and diamond polki
Located in Bangkok,, TH
is surrounded with natural uncut polki diamonds all around the emerald. The pieces are set with the
Category

2010s Indian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 22k Gold

【Crown Radiance】Blooming Tassel Akoya Freshwater Pearl Earrings 18K Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
tassels. Set in 18K rose gold, the intricate floral and lattice design is adorned with brilliant diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Rose Gold

【Lustre Arc】Split-Shank Aurora Tahitian Pearl Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
brilliant diamonds, adding a subtle yet dazzling touch. The minimalist yet sophisticated design ensures
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Aurora 3-in-1 South Sea Pearl Convertible Hoop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
circle of natural baguette-cut and round brilliant diamonds, while the halo loops can also be worn alone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Black-Gold Orbit Tahitian Pearl Sapphire Statement Earrings
Located in New York, NY
setting. The design is enriched with 1.65 carats of brilliant blue sapphires and diamonds, forming
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

【Lustre Arc】Serenade of Two Hearts Whispering Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Suspended from a delicate chain, two diamond-pavé hearts lean gently into each other—cradling a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Geometric Line Aurora South Sea Pearl Evening Earrings
Located in New York, NY
feature luminous South Sea pearls suspended beneath a sculptural cascade of pavé-set diamonds. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Serenade of Two Hearts Duet Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A duet of hearts, dazzling in pavé-set diamonds, sings in harmony with luminous 10–11mm Aurora
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

Orange Garnet Silver Round Beads Spessartine Garnet 17mm Ball Finding bracelets
Located in Chicago, IL
round Pierre Diamond Type beads Size 17mm Handmade hand crafted Yes Country/Region of Manufacture
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Charm Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver

【Sculpted Geometry】Convertible 3-in-1 Versa Pearl Aurora South Sea Earrings
Located in New York, NY
. The luminous pearls, radiating a flawless high-luster sheen, are paired with dazzling diamond-studded
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Lustre Arc】Intertwined Grace Aurora South Sea Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
adorned with 0.96 carats of brilliant diamonds, set in an intricate three-dimensional, sculptural design
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Gala Ribbon Aurora South Sea Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A celebration of elegance and craftsmanship, these earrings feature diamond-set ribbons that appear
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Golden Harvest Aurora South Sea Pearl Leaf Earrings
Located in New York, NY
delicate diamond-encrusted leaves. The intricate two-tone design in 18K white and yellow gold evokes the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

【Jādora】Golden South Sea Pearl Emerald Tassel Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Pearl, 18k Gold, Natural Diamond and Emerald Dimensions: Pendant Length Approx. 6.0 cm Pearl Shaped
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, 18k Gold

【Crown Radiance】Regal Ribbon Aurora South Sea Pearl Gala Earrings
Located in New York, NY
gold bows encrusted in 0.83ct of brilliant diamonds. The graceful drop design and soft luster of the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Jādora】Verdant Bloom — Convertible Type A Jadeite South Sea Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
delicate floral motifs. Nestled between the vibrant jade petals, 0.19ct of brilliant diamonds sparkle like
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Convertible Radiant Snowburst AAAA South Sea Pearl Gala Earrings
Located in New York, NY
layered snowflake studs. Crafted with teardrop and baguette-cut diamonds, the snowflake design exudes a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Sculpted Geometry】Teardrop Halo Aurora South Sea Pearl Evening Earrings
Located in New York, NY
gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds that add light and lift to the overall form. Elegant from every
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

【Vine Symphony】Aurora Vineleaf Aurora 12–13mm South Sea Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by nature's quiet elegance, these earrings feature diamond-studded leafy branches that
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.