Cutting element with a region devoid of catalyst

A cutting element includes an upper most layer 32, having an outer region 34 which is free from catalyst material. Said upper most region 34 being formed from diamond, cubic boron nitride or mixtures thereof. An intermediate layer 38, consisting bonded crystals of ultrahard material is also present which has a wear resistance less than the upper most layer 32. In an alternative embodiment, said outer region 34 may have increased thermal stability and be formed from diamond grains greater than 20 micrometers.