PURPOSE: To obtain the titled sintered body having high strength, superior wear resistance and heat resistance by using a mixture of a specified element having catalytic action in the conversion of a carbonaceous substance into diamond or the carbide of the element with Cu, Ag or Au as a binder for diamond particles.

CONSTITUTION: This sintered body of diamond consists of 80W95vol% diamond particles and the balance binder consisting of 10W90vol% one or more kinds of components selected among Ti, Hf, Zr, V, Nb, Mo, W, Si and the carbides thereof and 10W90vol% one or more among Cu, Ag and Au. Diamond particles subjected to surface graphitization are mixed with powder of one or more kinds of components selected among Ti, Hf, Zr, V, Nb, Mo, W, Si and the carbides thereof and powder of one or more among Cu, Ag and Au so as to provide said composition, and the powdery mixture is treated at high temp. and pressure at which diamond is stable to obtain said sintered body or diamond.