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Rough Diamonds Uncut

Rough Uncut Diamond 18k Gold Ring
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
A one-of-a-kind diamond ring which has been handmade in our workshops. The central rough cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 14k Gold Large Rough Uncut Amethyst Crystal Diamond Coral Textured Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
MASSIVE, rough, uncut amethyst crystal at its center. The incredible stone weighs approximately 30-50
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 K Gold Earclips with Cut Und Uncut Rough Diamonds Tahitian Pearls
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Tahitian Pearls (12.2 mm and 12.5 mm). They are accentuated by 12 rough Diamonds with a weight of 7.75 ct
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

71.19 Carat Rough Black Diamond
Located in New York, NY
This lustrous rough black diamond mined in Canada weighs a hefty 71.19 carats. Black diamonds owe
Category

2010s Canadian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Black Diamond

71.19 Carat Rough Black Diamond
71.19 Carat Rough Black Diamond
H 0.67 in W 0.87 in D 0.75 in
251.76 Carat Rough Black Diamond
Located in New York, NY
This lustrous, huge rough black diamond mined in Canada weighs 251.76 carats. Black diamonds owe
Category

2010s Canadian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Black Diamond

251.76 Carat Rough Black Diamond
251.76 Carat Rough Black Diamond
H 1.5 in W 1.66 in D 0.63 in
64.92 Carat Rough Black Diamond
Located in New York, NY
This lustrous, large rough black diamond mined in Canada weighs 64.92 carats. Black diamonds owe
Category

2010s Canadian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Black Diamond

64.92 Carat Rough Black Diamond
64.92 Carat Rough Black Diamond
H 0.71 in W 1.11 in D 0.52 in
86.22 Carat Rough Black Diamond
Located in New York, NY
This extremely lustrous and large rough black diamond mined in Canada weighs 86.22 carats. Black
Category

2010s Canadian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Black Diamond

86.22 Carat Rough Black Diamond
86.22 Carat Rough Black Diamond
W 0.79 in D 0.71 in L 0.79 in
91.40 Carat Natural Rough Black Diamond Cube
Located in New York, NY
This very lustrous, large rough black diamond mined in Canada weighs 91.40 carats and has
Category

2010s Canadian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Black Diamond

Artistic Tourmaline Rough Pendant with Paraiba and Diamond Necklace PT900 V1150
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Artistic Tourmaline Rough Pendant with Paraiba and Diamond Necklace PT900 Heavy 32g+ V1150 ♥
Category

2010s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Platinum

Artistic Tourmaline Rough Pendant with Paraiba and Diamond Necklace PT900 V1150
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Artistic Tourmaline Rough Pendant with Paraiba and Diamond Necklace PT900 Heavy 32g+ V1150 ♥
Category

2010s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Platinum

Alex Jona Rough Ice Grey Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, CH
rough ice grey diamonds, set on 18 karat white gold. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

De Beers 18k Gold GIA 2ct Uncut Colored Diamond Solitaire Wide Cigar Band Ring
By De Beers
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Rough Uncut - Bezel Set - Fancy Light Brown Color
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

18k Yellow Gold Rough Diamond Beaded Necklace With Hand-carved Amber Bee
By Angelina Fine Jewelry
Located in Amsterdam, NH
18k yellow gold beads and natural elements like rough diamonds and amber adds a touch of raw beauty to
Category

2010s Dutch Artisan Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Amber, Diamond, 18k Gold

"Sticks & Stones" Rope-Length Necklace with Rough Black Diamonds & Stick Pearls
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
genuine earth-mined black diamonds but they're uncut and unpolished. As you can see from the photos, they
Category

2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Freshwater Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Black Diamond, Diamond, Yellow ...

De Beers Talisman Babylon Cufflinks
By De Beers
Located in London, GB
. Both cufflinks play host to 2 rough, uncut, natural diamonds. "Totally untouched by man, diamonds in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cufflinks

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Octahedron Rough Diamond Un-Signet Ring
By SHIHARA
Located in Shibuya, Tokyo, JP
This ring accentuates the beauty of the naturally octahedral uncut rough diamond by purposely
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Octahedron Rough Diamond Un-Signet Ring
By SHIHARA
Located in Shibuya, Tokyo, JP
This ring accentuates the beauty of the naturally octahedral uncut rough diamond by purposely
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Matte Gold Natural Octahedron Rough Diamond Signet Ring
By SHIHARA
Located in Shibuya, Tokyo, JP
This ring accentuates the beauty of the naturally octahedral uncut rough diamond by purposely
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold

4.19 Carat Rough White Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Copenhagen, DK
4.19 natural carat rough, uncut diamond in a 14K gold setting suspended from multiple 18 karat gold
Category

2010s Danish Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

5.62 Carat Rough White Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A Natural 5.62 ct. rough, uncut diamond from South Africa set in a handcrafted 14 karat setting and
Category

2010s Danish Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.14 Carat Rough White Triangle Diamonds Yellow Gold Bangle Cuff Bracelet
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Gold bangle set with five natural whitish triangle, uncut rough diamonds in a symmetric zig-zag
Category

2010s Danish Contemporary Bangles

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.05 Carat Uncut Rough Diamond Ring
By H & H Jewels
Located in Miami, FL
Handmade in 18kt palladium, this sweet and sophisticated ring features a 1.05ct uncut rough diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Palladium

Vintage 14k Gold Large Rough Uncut Amethyst Crystal Diamond Coral Textured Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
MASSIVE, rough, uncut amethyst crystal at its center. The incredible stone weighs approximately 30-50
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14K Gold Large Rough Uncut Emerald Diamond Open Coral Reef Textured Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
MASSIVE, rough, uncut emerald stone at its center. The incredible stone weighs approximately 50-100 carats
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Rough Diamond
Located in Lucerne, CH
This ring is a work of art with an impressive brownish rough diamond in the centre. The design was
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Diamond raw Strand total 55 carat natural colors 5-6 mm Seize like small comets
Located in Viena, Viena
...either two bracelets or a necklace...., a natural gray diamond strand in the form of rough
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

Rough Aquamarine and Sapphire Ring with Diamonds in Silver and Gold
Located in New York, NY
Awe-Inspiring rough Aquamarine & Sapphire Ring with diamonds in silver and gold is bold and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Artisan Solitaire Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, Silver, Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Octahedron Rough Diamond Un-Signet Ring
By SHIHARA
Located in Shibuya, Tokyo, JP
This ring accentuates the beauty of the naturally octahedral uncut rough diamond by purposely
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Octahedron Rough Diamond Un-Signet Ring
By SHIHARA
Located in Shibuya, Tokyo, JP
This ring accentuates the beauty of the naturally octahedral uncut rough diamond by purposely
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Octahedron Rough Diamond Un-Signet Ring
By SHIHARA
Located in Shibuya, Tokyo, JP
This ring accentuates the beauty of the naturally octahedral uncut rough diamond by purposely
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

1.92 Carat Champagne Rough Diamonds in Rose Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A pair of 1.92 ct. rough, uncut Champagne diamonds in 14K rose gold stud earrings. Every rough
Category

2010s Danish Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

0.74 Carat Rough White Diamond and Brilliants Princess Engagement Gold Ring
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Gold Ring. Every rough, uncut diamond from Roughdiamonds dk has been personally handpicked by Maya
Category

2010s Danish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold

1.59 Carat Rough Green and 1.22 Carat White Diamonds White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Two natural triangle uncut rough diamonds from Mother Nature set in a 14 karat handmade white gold
Category

2010s Danish Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

3.11 Carat White Diamonds Cluster Yellow Gold Chain Necklace
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Three rough, uncut diamonds at a total 3.11 ct. dangling from multiple 18K gold chains in an one-of
Category

2010s Danish Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Todd Reed Raw and Polished Diamond Gold Bracelet
By Todd Reed
Located in La Jolla, CA
Raw Diamonds Cubes and Princess Cut Diamonds. The raw diamond cubes are rough and uncut, accounting
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

A.deitiy piercing made with recycled sterling silver and mined diamond
Located in Denver, CO
extraordinary allure of a rough diamond, with its uncut edges and organic charm, elevating the natural world
Category

2010s Indian Modern More Jewelry

Materials

Brown Diamond, Rhodium, Sterling Silver

People Also Browsed

Emerald and Diamond Cuff Bracelet Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The emerald and diamond cuff bracelet features 7 magnificent emerald cut emeralds of Zambian origin for a total of 23.63 carats. They show what may be called a perfect emerald color,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Cuff Bracelets

Materials

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

GIA Certified Cushion Cut IF Clarity Fancy Intense Yellow 10.09 Carat Diamond
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
An exquisite 10.09 investment grade diamond certified by GIA. The cushion cut diamond is Internally Flawless clarity, excellent polish, excellent symmetry and no fluorescence. We can...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond

Alexander Beverly Hills GIA 6.10ct Radiant Diamond L SI1
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning loose radiant cut diamond, GIA certified. Sold as loose diamond but can easily be made into a ring of your liking. Crafted by some of the most prestigious bench jewelers in ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond

Meghna GIA Certified 4.11 Carat D Color Heart Brilliant Cut Diamond
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
An exquisite 4.11 carat heart brilliant cut diamond certified by GIA. We can custom design as per your request, additional fees may apply depending on design. Shape HEART Carat 4.1...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

Alexander Beverly Hills GIA 6.03ct Radiant Diamond J SI1
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning loose radiant cut diamond, GIA certified. Sold as loose diamond but can easily be made into a ring of your liking. Crafted by some of the most prestigious bench jewelers in ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond

GIA Certified Cushion Cut IF Clarity Fancy Intense Yellow 11.57 Carat Diamond
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
An exquisite 11.57 investment grade diamond certified by GIA. The cushion cut diamond is Internally Flawless clarity, excellent polish, excellent symmetry and no fluorescence. We ca...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond

IGI Certified 10.00 Carats Natural Diamond
Located in Massafra, IT
An exclusive IGI Certified Natural Diamond in perfect emerald cut , of 10,00 carats, in H color SI2 clarity, so big and rare . Complete with IGI certified. Whosale price.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

GIA Certified Cushion Brilliant Cut Fancy Intense Yellow 3 Carat Diamond
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
An exceptional 3 carat VVS2 Clarity cushion fancy intense yellow certified by GIA. We can custom design as per your request, additional fees may apply depending on design. Shape CU...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond

GIA Certified 7.00 Carats Natural Diamond
Located in Massafra, IT
A rare big GIA certified Natural Diamond , in perfect cushion cut , of 7,00 carats, I color VS2 clarity, very sparkly, bright, a very exceptional piece . Complete with GIA certificat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

GIA Certified 5.90 Carats Natural Diamond
Located in Massafra, IT
An exceptional GIA Certified Natural Diamond of 5,90 carats, D color VS1 clarity, in perfect oval cut , very sparkly. Complete with GIA certificate. Whosale price.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

Meghna GIA Certified Fancy Yellow 6.02 Carat Radiant Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
An exquisite 6.02 investment grade radiant cut diamond certified by GIA. We can custom design as per your request, additional fees may apply depending on design. Shape LR_BRILLIANT ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond

IGI Certified 6.00 Ct Oval Cut Natural Diamonds
Located in Massafra, IT
An perfect match of IGI Certified Natural Diamonds, in perfect oval cut , 3,00 carats each stone, 6,00 carats in total, I color VVS2/VS1 clarity. Absolutely stunning and sparkly diam...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

Pristine 4.51ct Ideal Cut Round Diamond - GIA Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Pristine 4.51ct Ideal Cut Round Diamond - GIA Certified This exceptional 4.51-carat round brilliant diamond exudes unmatched clarity and color, certified by GIA for its outstanding ...
Category

2010s Israeli Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

Emilio Jewelry Special Flame Cut 48.00 Carat Vivid Red Ruby Suite
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located in the Iconic Gem Tower/Gia Building in New York's Diamond District. Featuring an incredible suite Ring, ear...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

1pc. Dazzling 4.42 Carat Round Brilliant Natural Diamond
Located in רמת גן, IL
This stunning diamond is sure to turn heads. It features a sparkling 4.42 carat round brilliant cut diamond with an E color, Flawless clarity, and EX cut grade. The diamond comes wit...
Category

2010s Israeli Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

GIA Certified 5.72 G VVS1 3EX None Diamond
Located in kOWLOON, HK
Round 5.72ct Ideal Cut Round Diamond - GIA Certified Discover near top clarity and color with this exceptional 5.72-carat round-cut diamond, a true symbol of purity and perfection. ...
Category

2010s Unknown Modernist Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

GIA Certified 5.72 G VVS1 3EX None Diamond
GIA Certified 5.72 G VVS1 3EX None Diamond
W 0.45 in D 0.29 in L 0.45 in
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Rough Diamonds Uncut For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the rough diamonds uncut you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of gold, 14k gold and yellow gold, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 13 antique edition and 10 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a rough diamonds uncut from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Creating a rough diamonds uncut has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Meghna Jewels, Alex Jona and Eytan Brandes are consistently popular. An uncut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also rough cut and rose cut versions for sale. Most of our rough diamonds uncut for sale are for women, but there are 6 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Rough Diamonds Uncut?

On average, a rough diamonds uncut at 1stDibs sells for $3,298, while they’re typically $674 on the low end and $55,500 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 Rough Diamonds Uncut
  • 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.