Do raw and rough-cut diamonds cost less than a traditional diamond?

While a lot of work goes into setting a raw or rough-cut diamond, they tend to cost much less than their polished and cut counterparts. Generally, you can find natural diamonds starting at about $500, but traditionally cut diamonds will start at around $1000. So if you’re on a budget but also seeking a diamond ring, raw and rough-cut diamonds might be the answer.

Are raw and rough-cut diamonds durable?

Raw and rough-cut diamonds are just as durable as polished and clean-cut diamonds. Diamonds are the most durable gemstone you can buy, so your ring is sure to stand the test of time.

Where can I purchase this type of diamond?

Etsy or smaller retailers are a great place to start your search; just make sure you are purchasing from a trusted seller. Authentic raw diamonds are ethically sourced and conflict-free, so ask your jeweler if your diamond is certified conflict-free with Kimberley Process certification .

22 Raw, Rustic, and Rough Diamond Engagement Rings

raw cut engagement ring — Courtesy of Bareo Neal / Design by Chloe Jeong

We’re going to say something groundbreaking: Not every bride wants a giant, super-sparkly diamond ring on her finger. If you agree, you’ve come to the right place, likely in search of an engagement ring that defies tradition and feels more unique to your personality. Raw diamond rings are a stunning option, especially if you’re completely uninterested in a blingy, cookie-cutter ring.

What Is a Raw Diamond?

A raw diamond is an uncut stone that has not been shaped or polished in any way. As these stones are in their most natural form, they are cloudy in appearance or, in other words, have inclusions.

While raw diamonds don’t twinkle in the traditional sense, many have a more subdued shimmer that catches the light at various angles of the stone's uneven surface—the ultimate effect for low-key brides craving a one-of-a-kind diamond. Recently, there has been a larger market for this style of ring, resulting in more designers using raw and natural diamonds. Jewelry designers like Bario Neal and Sofia Kaman use raw diamonds in their pieces to set them apart from more traditional rings. You'll also see a wide range of raw and rough diamond rings on Etsy.

Since raw and rough-cut diamonds are inherently unique, their one-off shapes make setting them a major task for jewelry designers. Whether you go for a sleek solitaire or vintage-style cluster, a lot of thought goes into making your ring as extraordinary as possible. Can’t argue with an incredibly well-made ring, right?

If you think a raw or rough-cut diamond is right for you, scroll through our edit of 30 different styles for every taste and budget below.

Our Top Picks

Doron Merav Raw 14K Gold and Rough Diamond Engagement Ring at Etsy

Jump to Review

Capucinne Raw Diamond Ring at Capucinne.com

Jump to Review

Bario Neal Avens Asymmetrical Raw Diamond With Champagne Ombré Ring at Bario-neal.com

Jump to Review

Ken & Dana Design Daymis Rough Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring at Kenanddanadesign.com

Jump to Review

Dawn Vertrees Jewelry Rose Gold Twig Bridal Set With Raw Uncut White Diamond at Etsy

Jump to Review

Jewelry by Johan Rough Diamond in White Gold With Meteorite Inlay at Etsy

Jump to Review

De Beers Talisman Yellow Gold Rough Diamond Ring at Debeers.com

Jump to Review

Bario Neal Avens Raw Diamond Ring at Bario-neal.com

Jump to Review

By Angeline Raw Diamond Multi-Stone Halo Engagement Ring at Byangeline.com

Jump to Review

Specimental Transparent Raw Diamond on Wide Recycled Gold Band at Etsy

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ

Doron Merav Raw 14K Gold and Rough Diamond Engagement Ring

Etsy

View On Etsy

Made from recycled metal, this raw bezel-set diamond sits on a 14k yellow gold and 14k white gold band.

Capucinne

View On Capucinne.com

This raw diamond is a one-of-a-kind heart-shaped stone that truly radiates love. It is set on a uniquely crafted 14k white gold band.

Bario Neal

View On Bario-neal.com

This raw diamond is flanked by champagne diamonds and a white diamond. The prong-set stones are held on a 14k yellow-gold band.

Ken & Dana Design

View On Kenanddanadesign.com

If you are looking for a classic engagement ring with an alternative twist, consider this uncut rough diamond maccle in a double-prong setting in 14k yellow gold.

Dawn Vertrees Jewelry Rose Gold Twig Bridal Set With Raw Uncut White Diamond

Etsy

View On Etsy

The twig detailing on this rough diamond has a fairy tale–esque feeling to it. It is hand-sculpted in 14k or 18k gold.

Jewelry by Johan Rough Diamond in White Gold With Meteorite Inlay

Etsy

View On Etsy

This 14k white gold band features a rough diamond on a unique branch design with a genuine Gibeon meteorite inlay.

De Beers

View On Debeers.com

This simple design features a brown rough diamond set in 18k yellow gold. The band has a hand-hammered texture to it.

Bario Neal

View On Bario-neal.com

This raw diamond solitaire ring from Bario Neal is an elegant twist on tradition. The stone is held in a 14k yellow-gold band with a matte finish.

By Angeline

View On Byangeline.com

The raw, organic conflict-free diamond adds a rustic feel to this engagement ring. The stone is in a four-prong halo setting.

Specimental Transparent Raw Diamond on Wide Recycled Gold Band

Etsy

View On Etsy

Wide bands are a great option for the bride who is constantly working with their hands. This transparent raw diamond is held on a wide band in 14k and 18k gold.

Olivia Ewing Jewelry

View On Oliviaewing.com

Nature-lovers will swoon over this rough diamond solitaire ring. The band is molded from an actual twig, making for a truly one-of-a-kind touch.

Sylva & Cie 18K Yellow Gold Rough Diamond Ring

Mitchells Stores

View On Mitchellstores.com

This rough diamond is surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds and is held on an 18k yellow gold band.

Abby Sparks

View On Abbysparks.com

Mixing metals is perfect if you have your heart set on two different metals and can't decide which to choose. This ring features a white gold pavé band with a gray diamond held on rose gold prongs.

The Ultimate Guide to Non-Traditional Engagement Rings

Kathryn Rebecca

View On Myshopify.com

Multiple colored stones make up this engagement ring. The center-round diamond is held between rough pink and yellow topaz and green sapphire stones. The stones are set in 14k white and rose gold.

Langerman Diamonds

View On Langerman-diamonds.com

This unconventional chocolate rough diamond is set in 18k rose gold on a wide band.

Capucinne

View On Capucinne.com

This natural raw diamond is set in a triangular shape with branch details.

Braided Raw Diamond Engagement Ring

View On Doronmerav.com

Three raw diamonds come together on this stunning braided band.

Sofia Kaman

View On Sofiakaman.com

This natural rose-cut salt-and-pepper diamond sits in a six-prong setting. Two inverted set baguette diamonds flank the boho-esque stone.

The Clay Pot

View On Clay-pot.com

The trio of raw rose-cut diamonds on this engagement ring makes for a delicate and timeless look. The three stones are held in an octagon setting on a 14k yellow-gold band.

Etsy

View On Etsy

This uncut diamond is paired with a pearl for a romantic Toi et Moi design.

Mandrel Studio

View On Twistonline.com

This white rustic diamond is held in a four-prong setting with partial pavé detailing on the ring's 18k matte yellow gold band.

The Raw Store

View On Therawstone.com

It's impossible not to fall for this rough diamond ring with three sapphire accents in a range of blues. The cluster of stones makes for a truly beautiful design.

What to Look For When Buying a Raw, Rustic, or Rough Diamond Engagement Ring

Color

One plus to a raw-cut diamond is that its color makes each stone one of a kind. If you are looking for an alternative to a clear, colorless diamond, raw diamonds are a great choice because they have brown, yellow, or even gray elements. With a raw diamond, you really have the ability to choose a stone that best fits your personality and style.

Setting

Because raw and rough-cut diamonds don't have the same element of sparkle that polished diamonds have, you might want to consider a halo setting of brilliant diamonds for your ring. A halo setting or a pavé band will add a bit of that eye-catching glimmer that comes with other diamonds. You may also want to consider a cluster setting to combine your unique diamond with gemstones like sapphires or other colored stones.

FAQ

Do raw and rough-cut diamonds cost less than a traditional diamond?

While a lot of work goes into setting a raw or rough-cut diamond, they tend to cost much less than their polished and cut counterparts. Generally, you can find natural diamonds starting at about $500, but traditionally cut diamonds will start at around $1000. So if you’re on a budget but also seeking a diamond ring, raw and rough-cut diamonds might be the answer.
Are raw and rough-cut diamonds durable?

Raw and rough-cut diamonds are just as durable as polished and clean-cut diamonds. Diamonds are the most durable gemstone you can buy, so your ring is sure to stand the test of time.
Where can I purchase this type of diamond?

Etsy or smaller retailers are a great place to start your search; just make sure you are purchasing from a trusted seller. Authentic raw diamonds are ethically sourced and conflict-free, so ask your jeweler if your diamond is certified conflict-free with Kimberley Process certification.

22 Non-Diamond Engagement Rings We Love

Doron Merav Raw 14K Gold and Rough Diamond Engagement Ring

Capucinne Raw Diamond Ring

Bario Neal Avens Asymmetrical Raw Diamond With Champagne Ombré Ring

Ken & Dana Design Daymis Rough Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring

Dawn Vertrees Jewelry Rose Gold Twig Bridal Set With Raw Uncut White Diamond

Jewelry by Johan Rough Diamond in White Gold With Meteorite Inlay

De Beers Talisman Yellow Gold Rough Diamond Ring

Bario Neal Avens Raw Diamond Ring

By Angeline Raw Diamond Multi-Stone Halo Engagement Ring

Specimental Transparent Raw Diamond on Wide Recycled Gold Band

Olivia Ewing Jewelry Naples Solitaire Ring Rough-Cut Diamond

Sylva & Cie 18K Yellow Gold Rough Diamond Ring

Abby Sparks The Ellen Natural Gray Diamond Mixed-Metal Engagement Ring

Kathryn Rebecca Rough Diamond Leaf and Branch Engagement Ring

Langerman Diamonds Chocolate Rough Diamond Ring

Capucinne Unique Raw Diamond Ring

Doron Merav Braided Raw Diamond Engagement Ring

Sofia Kaman Stardust Ring With Hexagon Salt-and-Pepper Diamond

Lori McLean Raw Diamond Octagon Ring

Layani Fine Jewelry Uncut Diamond Ring

Mandrel Studio White Rustic Diamond Ring

The Raw Store Raziel Ring with Rough Diamond and Sapphire Cluster

The Ultimate Guide to Non-Traditional Engagement Rings

Related Stories