What Are Uncut Diamonds?

Uncut Diamonds are essentially raw diamonds that have not been polished or shaped. Uncut Diamonds are usually naturally mined or made in a lab and are less expensive than cut diamonds. Just because Uncut Diamonds are cheaper than Cut Diamonds, it doesn’t mean that you should always opt for an Uncut Diamond.

Editors Note: If you’re interested in buying a diamond online, be sure to check out How to Buy a Diamond Online. To find a more in-depth guide about the Four C’s of Diamonds, check out our post about  The Four C’s of Diamonds: Cut, Clarity, Color & Carat!

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How a Cut Diamond is Valued:

Cut Diamonds are the typical gem you see on engagement rings and jewelry. The value of Cut Diamonds is based off of the 4 C’s: Cut, Clarity, Carat, and Clarity with Cut being the most important.

The cut of the diamond is the diamond’s proportion, symmetry, and polish. If a diamond is cut well, the finished product will appear more brilliant and sparkly.

Cut diamonds are much more expensive than Uncut diamonds because of the process, technology, and the amount of skill and labor it takes.

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How an Uncut Diamond is Valued:

Uncut Diamonds are raw and rough diamonds with no sparkle. It is similar to the evaluation of a Cut diamond and is based off of the characteristics of Carat, Clarity, Color, and Shape of the Rough.

• Carat: Higher Carat Weight usually indicates a higher value assuming that all other qualities remain constant. Larger Uncut roughs with flaws are often valued less than a Smaller Uncut roughs with no flaws.
• Clarity: Diamonds almost always have inclusions-Flaws- that can affect the value of an Uncut Diamond. Fewer inclusions lead to higher clarity grade.
• Color: Most Uncut diamonds, even white ones, are not completely clear and may have yellow or brownish tints to them. Uncut Diamonds with more colors lead to a less brilliant look leading to a lower value. Colorless Uncut Diamonds are seen to be more rare and expensive.
• Shape of the rough: Shape is important to the value of an Uncut Diamond because the way jewelers cut the rough. Deformed shapes can be hard to cut and can lead to a smaller amount of diamonds to be extracted. If the Uncut Diamond is more symmetrical, the value of the rough can be much higher.

Advantages of Uncut Diamonds:

• They cost way less. The price difference between Uncut Diamonds and Cut Diamonds are significant. Uncut Diamonds price at a way lower price than Cut Diamonds do.
• They’re conflict-free. Uncut Diamonds can’t be counterfeit. They must all be certified under the Kimberly Process Certificate in order for it to qualify for International Commerce. The Kimberly Process Certificate certifies that the Uncut Diamond was mined from a war-free zone. Cut Diamonds are not qualified under the Certificate.
• They’re artsy and unique. Uncut Diamonds can be seen as a fashion or artistic statement to people. The defined quartz look is sometimes a favored look.

Disadvantages of Uncut Diamonds:

• There isn’t any sparkle! Uncut Diamonds do not have the same brilliance as a Cut Diamond. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to a Cut Diamond, look into moissanite or a white topaz gem.
• They are often darkly colored and full of flaws and inclusions. Most Uncut Diamonds are valued and then sent to a be cut and polished. High quality Uncut Diamonds are sent off, while the lower quality ones are kept to be sold. These lower quality ones are expected to have more coloration and inclusions.
• It’s hard to pick right. Uncut Diamonds are very hard to determine whether it is of high quality or not. If you simply just like the look of an Uncut Diamond, you have nothing to worry about because it doesn’t even need to be cut!

Can I Just Cut the Diamonds Myself?

It is possible, but the process is still very expensive and complicated.

• It’s important that your rough diamond be gem grade. In order for an Uncut Diamond to be polished and cut, it has to be of a certain quality with no internal fractures and few inclusions.
• The stone must also be fairly large. Cut diamonds require a large Uncut Rough to be polished and cut. Generally, the Cut diamond will end up weighing half the Carat Weight than the original Uncut Diamond.
• You need to find experts. It is hard to find a trustworthy and capable diamond cutting expert. Most of them work for bigger companies and don’t have their own private businesses.
• It can still be pricey. The actual process of cutting is expensive. It usually costs about $100- $400 per carat and it doesn’t even guarantee a Cut diamond. A low quality Uncut Rough might not be able to yield diamonds.

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Bottom Line

The process of changing an Uncut Diamond into a Cut Diamond is long and expensive and requires a high amount of skill and technology. Although Uncut Diamonds are almost always cheaper than Cut Diamonds, they’re not always the best choice as they lack the same brilliance and iconic look as a regular Cut Diamond.

If you enjoy the look of an Uncut Diamond, by all means, purchase what you think looks the best! But always remember that the process of changing one of them, may not be worth the time or money. If you would like to shop from one of the best Diamond Companies, you should stop by and check out Blue Nile Diamonds and James Allen Diamonds. These retailers offer some of the best quality products and services for you to enjoy.

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