Teegan Conti is the expert when it comes to a hot new trend, diamonds “in the rough”. Let’s discover what is so special about those diamonds.

Let’s start with basics, what is a “diamond in the rough”? How is it made? What colors are available?

Clients don’t usually realize that diamonds are actually born “in the rough” and change many hands while being cut, polished, and faceted thus producing the “shiny” diamond most people know. In history, maharajas and kings wore diamonds “in the rough,” feeling as if they were sacred and by altering them in anyway, they would lose their mystical powers. It wasn’t until the 14th century that diamonds began to be faceted and available to the general public.

At Diamond in the Rough, we’re committed to creating one of a kind pieces so brides-to-be and the fashion forward can wear diamonds as custom pieces of art. Selecting only those we believe are perfect without cutting, polishing or enhancing, we honor the different shapes and idiosyncrasies that create a rough diamond’s unique character.

Our designs are dictated by what natural shapes, colors, and sizes we discover. Colors include white, vivid yellow, black, green, cognac, pink, and red amongst others. Two of our most noteworthy finds were of rough diamonds in the shape of a heart and the Star of David. Unlike polished diamonds, which take on certain shapes once cut, these diamonds were inherently born encompassing their natural geometric shapes; no human hand altered them along the way. In terms of value, over90% of a polished diamond’s value is actually in the rough itself; 10% or less is in the labor of the cutter.

Who is the woman who choses DITR for her engagement ring?

The woman who chooses Diamond in the Rough for her engagement ring is fearless, a thoughtful individualist, and is effortlessly chic. Our customers appreciate the fact that no two rings are ever alike because each rough tells it’s own extraordinary story. Having their loved one present them with a rough diamond ring takes them away from looking at a diamond as a commodity and allows them to focus on telling their own distinctive love stories with a gift as unique as they are.

What is your favorite engagement ring in the collection and why?

It is so hard to pick a favorite from the collection; each has such a distinct character, and we truly believe that each ring finds its appropriate mate! One ring we love is our “Unity” ring with a cognac rough diamond set in platinum. The natural white color of the platinum allows the cognac rough to really pop and make a statement. The “Unity” setting beautifully incorporates branches of micro pave diamonds, which separate at the last moment to showcase the exquisite rough diamond.

You work with celebrities. What do they like about diamond in the rough?

We have had the unique opportunity to work with many of the world’s leading celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Demi Moore, Hilary Swank, Alicia Keys, Emily Blunt, Kelly Osbourne and many more. Although each of these stars has their own unique style, they all love that our pieces are truly one of a kind, meaning no one will be able to fully replicate their red carpet look! While Jennifer, Hilary, and Kelly opted for our edgy “Iceberg” collection, Demi, Alicia, and Emily favored the classic design elements found in our “Champagne Bubbles” and “Covet” collections. Each rough diamond has it’s own distinct aura and looks for the woman who embodies the same qualities to create the perfect pairing.

Blake Lively is getting very serious with Ryan Reynolds. She would love DITR I am sure so which engagement ring would you pick for her?

I would have to pick our “Embrace” collection for Blake Lively, specifically our yellow gold and brilliant yellow ring. Our “Embrace” collection incorporates our signature “X” design, where bands of micro pavé diamonds embrace the rough diamond with love and beauty. As the new face of Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld’s muse, Blake encompasses a mix of classic beauty with modern elegance, much like our “Embrace” engagement ring. The yellow gold setting is definitely a nod to classic style, but the brilliant yellow rough gives it a unique and modern look.