Finding the cross referenced number and using that part is part of the fun -
so long as the part is not overpriced.

When i saw the original post, I thought perhaps a transistor was used as a
diode. That was not uncommon, using just two leads. It was sometimes used
where temperature detection was desired using that junction.

Of course, if you were really good, you could take the diode apart and make
an new junction, then make a new case and renumber the part. If you were
less scrupulous, you could simply find a cheap diode and remove the part
number and put on the old part number on the new diode. Special skill to
make writing that small look professional, though.

Colin