Buying that perfect ring or piece of diamond jewelry is never easy, and it can take a long time to find the right one. However, along with choosing diamonds with a unique shape, you can also choose uncut diamonds.
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These rough diamonds have grown in popularity significantly since many people want these gems on their jewelry. In this guide, you will learn everything you need about raw uncut diamond jewelry.
What Are Uncut Diamonds?
Raw uncut diamonds are diamonds in their natural state before being cut and polished. They offer a unique, organic aesthetic and are often less expensive than cut diamonds, but lack the brilliance and fire of their polished counterparts.
The look and general jaggedness of these diamonds make them so appealing and are why they are so popular in the first place. Since its rougher look is its entire selling point, many factors one would consider before buying a polished diamond ring are invalid.
The Rise in Popularity of Rough Diamonds
One of the major reasons why unpolished diamonds have become so popular in the first place is because they are unique. Since these uncut diamonds are the opposite of most regular diamonds, their appeal comes from their rough edges. Most people interested in these stones enjoy their natural look and texture.
Another reason why these types of diamonds have become so popular is that they can be much cheaper than polished diamonds. A natural raw diamond in rock does not need its polished counterparts’ structuring or polishing. Therefore, it can be sold for a much cheaper price.
Factors you should consider before Buying Raw Uncut Diamonds
A rough diamond can be difficult to purchase, given all of its rough edges means that many of the rules of buying regular diamonds do not apply here. Instead, you must make various other considerations before buying a raw uncut diamond. Your considerations include the following:
The Carat of the Natural Raw Diamond
One of the similarities that these rough stones have to their polished counterpart is that their weight determines their value. Therefore, depending on the carats your specific uncut diamond weighs, its value could fluctuate considerably.
So depending on your budget and what you will spend on your rough diamonds, you must choose the carat size accordingly. However, you can find a bigger stone for a cheaper price in the case of unpolished stones.
The Color of the Unpolished Diamond
Polished diamond jewelry will usually have its color ranked on different tiers, from faint color to completely colorless. However, for these unpolished diamonds, the color is another one of their selling points, whether they have a slight yellow tint or a deep amber-colored diamond.
So even though a yellow color in a properly cut diamond would not be favorable, they can be good here. Go through the many color options you like and check what it looks like under different lights. You especially want to check the diamond’s color under both fluorescent and incandescent lights.
The Level of Polish
Now you could get a completely unpolished diamond and have accessories made from that. On the other hand, you can also slightly polish the surface to give it that sheen. So while the exterior has a shinier surface, the inside of the diamond has the same foggy look.
Granted, you should understand that the polish you choose for your diamond will affect its cost. You should ask the seller how much they charge for polish and how that will change the stone.
Check If the Seller Has an Ethical Mining Operation
You can find uncut diamonds from retailers and wholesalers. Retailers usually keep semi-polished diamonds, so your next best alternative is to go to a wholesaler that mines these diamonds directly. If a seller is giving these stones suspiciously cheap, you should look into their mining practices. You should always support ethically and sustainably run diamond sellers and avoid ones that exploit indigenous people.
Uncut vs Cut Diamonds
Uncut diamonds are raw, unpolished stones in their natural state after mining, while cut diamonds have been shaped, faceted, and polished to enhance their brilliance and value.
Here’s a comparison of uncut and cut diamonds:
- Appearance:
- Uncut: Rough, irregular shape with a dull, frosted surface
- Cut: Symmetrical shape with smooth, polished facets that reflect light
- Brilliance:
- Uncut: Minimal sparkle due to lack of facets
- Cut: High sparkle and fire due to precisely angled facets
- Value:
- Uncut: Generally less expensive per carat
- Cut: Typically more valuable due to processing and enhanced beauty
- Size:
- Uncut: Often appear larger for their carat weight
- Cut: May appear smaller due to weight loss during cutting process
- Uniqueness:
- Uncut: Each stone is one-of-a-kind in its natural form
- Cut: Standardized shapes and cuts, though still unique in details
- Durability:
- Uncut: May have vulnerable edges and inclusions
- Cut: Generally more durable due to removal of weak points
- Versatility in jewelry:
- Uncut: Limited settings, often used in organic or bohemian designs
- Cut: Suitable for a wide range of jewelry styles and settings
- Emotional appeal:
- Uncut: Appreciated for natural beauty and connection to the earth
- Cut: Valued for traditional beauty and symbolic perfection
How to Choose an Uncut Diamond
When selecting an uncut diamond, consider the following factors:
- Color:
- Unlike cut diamonds, color variety in uncut diamonds is often celebrated
- Examine the stone under different lighting conditions (fluorescent and incandescent)
- Choose a color that appeals to you personally
- Clarity:
- Look for stones with minimal inclusions that could affect durability
- Some inclusions may add character to the uncut diamond’s appearance
- Shape:
- Consider how the natural shape of the diamond will work in your desired jewelry piece
- Look for interesting crystalline structures or unique formations
- Size (Carat Weight):
- Determine your budget and desired size
- Remember that uncut diamonds often appear larger than their cut counterparts of the same carat weight
- Potential:
- If you plan to have the diamond cut later, consider its potential yield and quality
- Consult with a gemologist about the stone’s possibilities
- Authenticity:
- Ensure the diamond comes with proper certification
- Purchase from reputable sellers to avoid imitation stones
- Ethical Sourcing:
- Research the diamond’s origin and the seller’s sourcing practices
- Look for diamonds from ethical and sustainable mining operations
- Setting Compatibility:
- Consider how the uncut diamond will be set in jewelry
- Ensure the setting can securely hold the irregular shape of the stone
- Personal Connection:
- Choose a stone that speaks to you emotionally
- Consider the story and uniqueness of each uncut diamond
- Expert Opinion:
- When in doubt, consult with a gemologist or uncut diamond specialist
- They can provide valuable insights on the quality and value of the stone
Conclusion
Rough uncut diamonds can make an excellent purchase, thanks to their unconventional beauty. Since they are not polished and cut in specific shapes, they have an edge that many find appealing. Some even prefer to partially polish their stones, to get an almost ethereal-looking stone.
FAQs
Are Colored Uncut Diamonds Favorable?
Polished diamond jewelry will usually have its color ranked on different tiers, from faint color to completely colorless. However, for these unpolished diamonds, the color is another one of its selling points. So even though a yellow color in a properly cut diamond would not be favorable, they can be good here.
What is Natural Raw Diamond?
A raw uncut diamond is an unpolished diamond. So following the mining process, they are only cut in general shapes and are ready for purchase. They can sometimes come in different colors and are rough around the edges.
Why are Natural Raw Diamonds so Popular?
These uncut diamonds are the opposite of most regular diamonds; their appeal comes from their rough edges. Most people interested in these stones enjoy their natural look and texture. Another reason why these types of diamonds have become so popular is that they can be much cheaper than polished diamonds.
