The first diamond ring made entirely from diamond

Most diamond rings comprise a precious metal band such as silver, gold or platinum, with one or more diamonds set into it. Until recently, making a ring entirely out of diamonds seemed an impossible mission. Until jewellers at Shawish became the first to succeed. They crafted a ring which is 100% diamond.

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Can a ring be made entirely from diamond?

Until recently, the idea of crafting a ring completely from diamond seemed impossible. Traditional diamond rings feature metal bands with diamonds set into them. However, jewelers at Shawish of Geneva changed this perception by creating the world's first 100% diamond ring.

This extraordinary 150-carat masterpiece was carved from a single rough diamond using custom-built laser technology. The painstaking process took an entire year and required multiple prototypes before completion. Valued at $70 million, this revolutionary piece showcases exceptional craftsmanship.

The concept inspired others, including Apple's former Chief Design Officer Jony Ive, who collaborated with Marc Newson to create another all-diamond ring. Their creation, featuring 2,000-3,000 facets, was auctioned for $256,250 to support global health initiatives.

While these fully diamond rings remain extraordinary luxury items, beautiful diamond jewelry with exceptional fire and brilliance is available in more accessible forms.

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a diamond ring, scissors, and cloth for full diamond creation

The 150 carat diamond ring: the first full diamond ring

Traditionally, a diamond ring comprises a band in gold, silver or platinum with one or more diamonds set into it. That was a bit too ordinary for luxury jeweller's Shawish of Geneva, Switzerland. A team of jewellers and diamond cutters created the first full diamond ring. They managed to design and craft a 150-carat diamond ring cut entirely from a single rough diamond. This unique jewellery was valued at a whopping $70 million. However, it is not likely to become an everyday item due to the enormous cost.

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The creation process

Creating an all-diamond custom-made ring is no small feat. It requires not just exceptional skill but also innovative technology. The diamond cutters at Shawish used a custom-built laser cutter to meticulously carve the ring from a single rough diamond. This process took an entire year, involving numerous prototypes before the final masterpiece was completed. Such innovative craftsmanship not only highlights the artistry involved but also explains the high price tag attached to this unique piece of jewellery. Following a number of prototypes, the final result is amazing.

Jony Ive's full diamond rings on leather case, a luxurious and stunning display

Competition from the Jony Ive diamond ring

Obviously, it wasn't going to be long before someone else tried to cut a ring entirely out of diamond. That was Jony Ive. He was Chief Design Officer at Apple, responsible for the design of the iPhone, iPad, Macbook and Airpods. He teamed up with Marc Newson, a well-known industrial designer, to create an all-diamond ring, too.

They did this for a good cause. The ring was auctioned to raise money for the Global Fund and the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The ring went under the hammer in December, 2018, for $256,250 and had a staggering number of facets: between two and three thousand.

Discover exclusive jewellery at BAUNAT

A ring fashioned exclusively from diamond may still seem beyond normal reach, but an eternity ring has at least as much fire, thanks to its all-diamond setting. Are you looking for a beautiful diamond ring? You will find high-quality jewellery in our collections, with 100% natural diamonds. Our experts will help you choose the right design.

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