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Satin Finish Semi Black Opal Fire Opal Halo Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Satin Finish Semi Black Opal & Fire Opal Halo Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold. Design Idea: I have a
Category

2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond and Black Pearl Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
pearl and with diamonds that total 0.10 carats. The ring boasts band thickness of 4 mm and top height of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

1900s Antique 1.21 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.21 carat old European round cut diamond, 18k yellow gold
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Black Opal Cabochon Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Antique Dinner Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
ring showcases a captivating black opal at its center, accentuated by dazzling old mine cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

Contemporary 5.54 Carats Diamond Sapphire Tsavorite Ruby 18 Karat Gold Frog Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Statement ring is designed as a seated frog Pavè set throughout by white and light brown diamonds
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, ...

GIA Black Opal Australian Platinum Diamond Vintage Ring Fire Solid Huge 6.79 CTS
Located in Sylvania, GA
VINTAGE PLATINUM RING! FINE EARTH-MINED 4.52 CARAT AUSTRALIAN SOLID BLACK OPAL, WITH LOTS OF GORGEOUS
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

Oro Trend 18K White Gold 6.21 Ct White/Black Diamond and Carnelian Cocktail Ring
By Oro Trend
Located in Southampton, PA
carnelian and with white and black diamonds that total 1.85 and 4.36 carats respectively. Offered in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Carnelian, White Diamond, Black Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Early Art Deco Diamond Black Opal Platinum Topped 14 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Flanked by four old European cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.10 carat in total - eye clean
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

10.47ct Ethiopian Black Opal Diamond Ring Sz 6.25 Oval Estate 18k Gold Cocktail
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish contemporary Ethiopian black opal & diamond ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.80 Carat Old European Diamond Enamel 18 Karat Gold Mourning Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.80 carat, H/I color and VVS clarity
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Damiani Metropolitan 18 Karat Black and Rose Gold 9-Diamond Band Ring
By Damiani
Located in Southampton, PA
The Damiani “Metropolitan” band ring is made of 18K black and rose gold and set with diamonds that
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

United States Marines Sergeant Major Ring, 10k Gold Military Diamonds .28 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
” and “SGT MAJ”. The ring’s tapered shoulders display vertically-set white diamonds and a brushed
Category

20th Century American Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Revival Hexagon Shaped Diamond Emerald Black Onyx Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
approximately 2.50 carat. It is of K color and I1 clarity. The ring measures 3/4 x 5/8 of an inch and is 1/4 of
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian 1.12 Carats Old European Cut Diamond Enamel 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.48 carat total - H color with VS1
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

1960 s Victorian Revival Black Opal Diamond Enamel 14K Gold Vintage Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
gallery Stamped for 14 karat gold Circa: 1960s; victorian revival Ring Size: 6 3/4 and sizable Measures
Category

Vintage 1960s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Joke Quick Paraiba Tourmaline Lightning Ridge Black Opal Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
from Lightning Ridge 1.68 carats ( natural solid Australian Black opal from Lightning Ridge mine) 4
Category

2010s Belgian Art Nouveau Fashion Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, Paraiba, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

Contemporary Black Pearl and Diamond Gold Jewelry Set
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
black pearl jewellery set, consisting of a necklace, earrings, bracelet and finger ring, have been
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Late Victorian 1.20 Carats Old European Cut Diamond 18k Rose Gold Enamel Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Late Victorian 1.20 Carats Old European Cut Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Enamel Ring. Featuring
Category

Antique 1890s Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel

14kt Yellow Gold, Mother of Pearl, Black Onyx and Diamond Harlequin Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A 14 karat yellow gold, mother of pearl, black onyx and diamond harlequin ring. A tapered design
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Emerald Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
 0.15 carat. Crafted in platinum. Circa 1920. The ring is a size 3 3/4 and may be resized. About this
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Art Deco Emerald Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
 0.15 carat. Crafted in platinum. Circa 1920. The ring is a size 3 3/4 and may be resized. About this
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Andrew Clunn Black Enamel Mabe Pearl Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
By Andrew Clunn
Located in New York, NY
. There are 14 platinum set diamonds weighing approximately 1.00 carat. The Pearl measures 3/4" in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Onyx Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1.40 carats. An arresting design and an interesting combination of black and white. Ring size 5 1/2
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Io Si 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds, Clear Quartz and Black Pearl Crescent Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
that weighs 5.90 carats, and a total of 0.39 carats of white diamonds. The ring weighs 16.3 grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

La Triomphe Geometric Cocktail Ring in 14kt Gold with Diamonds and Black Onyx
By La Triomphe
Located in Miami, FL
onyx. Diamonds: Accented with 4 calibrated round brilliant cuts diamonds, 0.32 carats, white colorless
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Black and White Onyx Diamond Cocktail Ring 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
: 36 round brilliant cuts = 0.36 carat total weight Color: G Clarity: SI1 Dimensions: ring top is 3/4
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold

Opal Chrysophrase Paraiba Tourmaline Diamond Mosaic Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
diamonds: 0.21 ct. Total carat diamonds: 0.21 ct. Total carat Gemstones: 2.32 ct. Total carat: 2.53 ct
Category

2010s Belgian Artist Fashion Rings

Materials

Chrysophrase, Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 18k Gol...

Vintage 18k TT Gold 0.90ct Pave Diamond Clusters on Black Enamel Dome Bombe Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
surrounded by black enamel. The old single cut diamonds are pave set in white gold in groups of 4, totaling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Fancy Olive Green Pink Diamond, Rose Cut Briljant-Cut Diamond Pave Mosaic Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
chocolate pink diamonds 0,52 ct., 4 X no heat blue sapphire from Burma 0,02 ct, Total carat diamonds : 2,44
Category

2010s Belgian Art Nouveau Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold

Semi Black Opal Split Shank Engagement Ring Pave Setting
Located in Suwanee, GA
Semi Black Opal Split Shank Engagement Ring with Pave Setting 18K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic
Category

2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold

Demantoid Rose-Cut Diamond Unheated Pink Blue Sapphire Fancy Pink Diamond Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
stones are set on silver to create a black background for the stones). Pave set with : 4 X GHVS Rose
Category

Antique 18th Century Belgian Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Garnet, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphi...

Tiffany and Co. Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 2.84 Cts TW I VS1 Diamond Band
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany and Co. Diamond Engagement ring with a channel set diamond band featuring a 2.12 ct round
Category

2010s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Enamel Diamond Gold Skulls Band Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Diamonds totaling .30 Carats. Measuring 5/16 inch wide, finger size = 7 1/4
Category

1990s American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Lady s Onyx Diamond Gold Intaglio Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
finger. Unique estate diamond and onyx intaglio ring circa 1970. Ring size 5 3/4 with the inside spring
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Antique Amethyst and Diamond Enamel Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
This 14k yellow gold Victorian ring has a finely detailed scalloped gallery trimmed with black
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold

Art Deco Diamond Onyx Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a transitional cut diamond weighing approximately 0.65 carat, J color and VS clarity
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Gold Alhambra Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
18-karat yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels ring featuring a .06 carat round diamond. The diamond sits
Category

2010s French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Art Deco Onyx Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
carat of sparkly diamonds, this transcendent ring is as fashionable today as it was 90 years ago. Well
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Amazing Rainbow Color Boulder Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Amazing Rainbow Color Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold. Free
Category

2010s American Artist Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold

Ribbon Wrap Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Suwanee, GA
PRODUCT 18K Yellow Gold Australian Semi-Black Opal, 0.66 ct Diamond: 0.04 ct Opal Size: 7 x 6 mm Ring
Category

2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold

Padparadscha Sapphire, Australian Opal, Rose-Cut Diamond Pave Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
. Australian white opal 0.54ct. White DEGVVS brilliant-cut diamonds 0.055 ct.. Size EU 54 US 6 3/4 ( please
Category

2010s Belgian Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapp...

Tiffany Co. Lucida Diamond Engagement Ring .60ct H VVS2 in Platinum
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co Lucida engagement ring with 0.60 carat center H color VVS2 clarity finely crafted in
Category

Early 2000s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Cosmos Between the Finger ring Diamond and Onyx
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
motifs set with black onyx and round brilliant cut diamonds, approximately 1.45 total carat weight. Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Onyx Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.35 carats. Top quality diamonds, E,F color and VVS clarity
Category

Vintage 1980s French More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. Embrace Sapphire and Diamond Band Ring Platinum .64 CT
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Embrace 7 stone Band ring finely crafted in Platinum with 3 diamonds weighing .24
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Otto Jakob Vintage Diamond Gold Enamel Ring
By Otto Jakob
Located in Greenwich, CT
weighing 1.30 carats, this vintage ring is a superb example of his unmatched craftsmanship. Diamond is J-K
Category

Early 2000s German Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Otto Jakob Vintage Diamond Gold Enamel Ring
By Otto Jakob
Located in Greenwich, CT
weighing 1.30 carats, this vintage ring is a superb example of his unmatched craftsmanship. Diamond is J-K
Category

Early 2000s German Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Tiffany and Co. Platinum Round Diamond Band Engagement Ring .73Cts Total FVS2
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany and Co. Diamond Engagement ring with a channel set diamond band featuring a 0.50 ct. round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Anna Hu Jade, Onyx and Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
, and accented with black onyx and round brilliant-cut diamonds, weighing 1.88 carats. The ring measures
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Onyx, 18k Gold

Jazz Age Quatrefoil Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
An amazing diamond cocktail ring exhibiting incredible emeralds contoured with black onyx. Boasting
Category

Early 2000s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Onyx Platinum Dinner Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco diamond onyx and platinum dinner ring circa 1925. The rounded design features three larger
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Black Star Sapphire Mens Nugget Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
stone is bezel set and adorned with 4 diamonds of 0.58 carats. Details: ✔ Natural Star Sapphire ✔
Category

1990s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 0.52 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Wheat Bombé Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.28 carat - I color with VS2 clarity
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Platinum

Orange Sapphire Black Rhodium 14 Karat White Gold Butterfly Ring
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
14K White Gold 18 Round Orange Sapphires at 0.20 Carats 4 Brilliant Round White Diamonds at 0.02
Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium

Blue Sapphire Black Rhodium 14 Karat White Gold Butterfly Ring
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
14K White Gold 18 Round Blue Sapphires at 0.20 Carats 4 Brilliant Round White Diamonds at 0.02
Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium

Tiffany Co. Etoile 3 Row Pave Diamond Band Ring 18K Gold 1.70 Cts
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Diamond Band ring from the Etoile collection finely crafted in 18 karat yellow gold
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Onyx Gold Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. On one hand you have numerous round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.70 carats that
Category

Vintage 1960s French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

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Black Diamond Ring 4 Carat For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact black diamond ring 4 carat you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold, this item was constructed with great care. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Finding the perfect black diamond ring 4 carat may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat versions are of considerable interest. A black diamond ring 4 carat from Roshe Jewels, DGI and Le Vian — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and cabochon alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a black diamond ring 4 carat, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Black Diamond Ring 4 Carat?

Prices for a black diamond ring 4 carat can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $218 and can go as high as $388,880, while this accessory, on average, fetches $2,212.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Finding the Right Rings for You

Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.

No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.

Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.

Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry

The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.

Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.