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18 Karat Gold Art Deco Style Dangle Earrings with Black Onyx and Mother of Pearl
By Doves by Doron Paloma
Located in Great Neck, NY
Art Deco style Earrings featuring Mother of Pearl inlay, Black Onyx, and diamonds, set in 18K Matte
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Black Diamond Gold Collar Necklace 400 Handset Black Diamonds 14k Gold
By Sarah Ventura
Located in Westport, CT
collar necklace comes with an 18 karat gold chain toggle closure and features 400 black diamonds that are
Category

2010s American Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Black Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 18kt Yellow Gold Onyx and Diamond Ring
Located in Saint Louis, MO
In David Webb style, this gorgeous 18k yellow gold ring features a beautiful oval cabochon-cut
Category

Vintage 1960s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat White Gold, White Diamond and Black Enamel Scarab Ring
By BARE Fine Jewelry
Located in Antwerp, BE
Ancient Egypt. This ring is handmade using 18kt White Gold, White Diamonds (0.51ct) and Italian, Black
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Egyptian Revival Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

18k Gold Black Onyx and Diamond Ring
Located in Kingston, NY
18k gold black onyx and diamond ring approx. size 4.75 approx weight approx. 6.8 dwt  From the
Category

20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Black Onyx and Diamond Gold Ring
Located in NEW ORLEANS, LA
18K yellow gold and black onyx ladies ring containing 20 round diamonds weighing approximatey 1.00
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Black Onyx Diamond 18k Brushed Gold Finish Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
18K Gold Brushed Finish Black Onyx & Diamond Ring. The ring is in excellent estate condition and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Black Onyx Gold and Diamond Lion Ring
Located in New York, NY
18kt Yellow Gold and black Onyx Lion ring set with a diamond studded Head and Tail. Eyes are set
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro Mid-Century 18K Gold Black Onyx and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Title: Retro Mid-Century 18K Gold Black Onyx and Diamond Cocktail Ring Description: Overview
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Modern Black Onyx Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
carats of black diamonds on the two sides of this 18K rose gold ring. Ring Size 7.25 (Sizable)
Category

20th Century American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Gold, Black and White Onyx and Diamond Ring
Located in Kingston, NY
18k gold, diamond and black onyx ring with over 60 diamonds totaling approx. 1 carat approx. size 6
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold

Gold, Black and White Onyx and Diamond Ring
Located in Kingston, NY
18k gold, diamond and carved black onyx ring with approx. 65 diamonds totaling approx. 1.25 cts
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold

Black Onyx Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
between the deep black onyx and the bright sparkling diamonds. Ring Size 6.75
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

A chic diamond, black onyx inlay and gold ring.
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, black onyx and diamond ring. Circa 1970. The ring is designed as a
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Diamond, Crystal and Black Onyx Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K white gold with crystal and black onyx. The ring features round brilliant-cut
Category

Vintage 1960s Fashion Rings

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Damiani 18K Yellow Gold 2.38 Ct Diamond and Onyx Ring
By Damiani
Located in Southampton, PA
Want it black and white? The Damiani 18K Yellow Gold 2.38 ct Diamond and Onyx Wide Band Ring shows
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1980s Italian 18K Gold Black Onyx and 2 Carat Diamond Bombe Dome Ring
Located in Miami, FL
. Origin: Italy Period: 1980s Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Gemstones: Black Onyx, Approx. 2.00 Carats of
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Black Onyx and Diamond Dome Ring
Located in NEW ORLEANS, LA
Ladies 18K yellow gold black onyx and diamond dome ring. The ring contains approximately 1.55 ctw
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Orianne Collins Black Onyx Black Diamond Black Gold Gents Ring
By Orianne Collins
Located in Dallas, TX
Black onyx, black diamonds, and 18K black gold. This ring is a trifecta of fashion! Go from the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern More Rings

Materials

Black Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

18 Karat White Gold Black Onyx and Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamond: 8 round cut = .05cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Onyx Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
A unique and beautiful ring from the 1980s Crafted in 18k gold the ring is set in the center with a
Category

Late 20th Century Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Onyx Diamond Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A Fine Gold, Black Onyx and Diamond Ring. Made in in France, circa 1970. 18 kt yellow gold, 34
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold

Set in 18K Gold, Tourmaline Cabochon, Black Onyx Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
custom cut Black Onyx is 4.67 carats. The combined Diamonds weight is 1.26 carats. Net 18K Gold weight is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Judith Ripka Black Onyx with White and Black Diamonds Ring
By Judith Ripka
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Judith Ripka Material: 18k yellow gold Center Stone: checkerboard faceted black onyx
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Modernist Gold Coral Black Onyx Diamond Ring
Located in Birmingham, AL
and accented by 4 pieces of black onyx and 24 round brilliant cut diamonds (1.44ctw apx, "G-H" color
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Black Onyx Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Trio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Onyx diamond and yellow gold cocktail ring by Trio circa 1990. * SPECIFICATIONS: GEMSTONES
Category

1990s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Panther Bypass Ring in Black Onyx and 18K Rose Gold With 0.40 CTTW Diamonds
By New York Jewelers Chicago
Located in Chicago, IL
panther is crafted from sleek black onyx, while the other is formed from luxurious 18k rose gold. The ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Diamond Onyx Emerald 18K White Gold Panther Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
constructed in 18k white gold is covered with 3.18 carats of bright white round brilliant-cut diamonds. There
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Black Onyx Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, black onyx and diamond ring. Van Cleef & Arpels. Of bombe' design, set
Category

1990s American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1920s Diamond and Black Onyx Yellow Gold Art Deco Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
diamond and black onyx ring has been crafted in 18 k yellow gold with an 18 k white gold setting. The
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Vintage 2.52cts Diamond Onyx 18K Gold Statement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
grooved shank is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold casing Black Onyx that envelops the entire ring. The
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

French Black Onyx, Diamond, Yellow Gold Philippine Ring
Located in London, GB
A French 18 carat yellow gold ring set with 18 round single-cut diamonds within gold ropework
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Set in 18K Gold, 7.33 carats Tanzanite, Black Onyx Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Tanzanite & Black Onyx Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Tanzanite, 18k Gold

Bulgari Coral Black Onyx Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, diamond, coral and black onyx band style ring. Bulgari. The polished
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Band Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Picchiotti 18K White Gold 1.07 ct Diamond Onyx Ring
By Picchiotti
Located in Southampton, PA
This unique Picchiotti 18K White Gold 1.07 ct Diamond Onyx Ring is sure to attract attention. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, White Gold, 18k Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Black Onyx Cocktail Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: 57 round brilliant cut = 1.50cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Set in 18K Gold, 3.45 carats Aquamarine, Black Onyx Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Black Onyx is 1.52 carats. The Diamonds weight is 0.46 carats. Net 18K Gold weight is 4.65 grams. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Strong and Bold 1970s La Triomphe Black Onyx Diamond Gold Ring
By La Triomphe
Located in New York, NY
This ring is 18K yellow and white Gold Dome Ring by La Triomph, Set with 1.25 Carats of fine White
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Strong and Bold 1970s La Triomphe Black Onyx Diamond Gold Ring
By La Triomphe
Located in New York, NY
This ring is 18K yellow and white Gold Dome Ring by La Triomph, Set with 1.25 Carats of fine White
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Cartier Panthere Pelage 18k White Gold Diamond Black Onyx Band Ring Estate Jewel
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
+ tax. The Panthere Pelage ring is made of 18 karat white gold, diamond and black onyx. The diamonds
Category

1990s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

An incredible yellow gold, black onyx diamond geometric ring.
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, black onyx and diamond ring set with a total of (47) forty seven circular
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Black Onyx Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond & Black Onyx Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With24 round brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1980s French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Set in 18K Gold, natural Zambian Emerald, Black Onyx Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Onyx is custom cut for this ring. The Diamonds weight is 0.12 carats. Net 18K Gold weight is 2.60 grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Black Onyx Diamond Enamel Yellow Gold Ring Estate
Located in Miami, FL
Gracefully crafted from 18 karat yellow gold, this oval black onyx estate ring emanates opulence
Category

Vintage 1960s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Cartier Panthere Diamond Black Onyx White Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond & Black Onyx Panthere Ring by Cartier. This ring comes with Cartier
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Italian 1980 Vintage 18K Gold Coral Onyx and Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A spectacular vintage Italian ring from the 1980s, masterfully crafted in 18K yellow gold and
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Black Onyx Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond & Black Onyx Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 10 diamonds, VS clarity, G
Category

Vintage 1980s French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Antique Late Victorian Onyx Diamond Ring - Platinum 18K Gold
Located in Sandnes, NO
18kt yellow gold. This exceptional piece features a deep black onyx centerpiece, elegantly adorned with
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Platinum

1.33 Carat Diamond and Black Onyx Cocktail Ring
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
A unique, art-deco looking black onyx and diamond cocktail ring, where the centre stone looks like
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

CARTIER Panther Diamond Emerald Black Onyx White Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond, Emerald, and Black Onyx Panther Ring by Cartier. Part of Cartier's
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold

Cabochon Black Onyx and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Set in 18 karat yellow gold is a Cabochon Black Onyx with 36 round brilliant cut diamonds, with a
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Vintage 18K Coral Onyx Diamond Ring
Located in Henderson, NV
Crafted in 18K yellow and white gold, the ring features a bold design with inlay coral and black
Category

Late 20th Century French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

David Yurman Black Onyx Barrels Ring in 18k Yellow Gold with Rubies Diamonds
By David Yurman
Located in Carmel, IN
band with a black onyx bar crafted in 18k yellow gold. It features small rubies and small diamonds as
Category

2010s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oro Trend 18K White Gold Black White Onyx Diamond Ring
By Oro Trend
Located in Southampton, PA
This ring from Oro Trend is fabulous and shines with diamonds. It is made of 18K white gold and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Set in 18K Gold, White Ethiopian Opal, Black Onyx Diamonds Cocktail/Dome Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Modern style Opal & Black Onyx Ring set in 18K Gold & Diamonds. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Opal, 18k Gold

Cartier Menotte Diamond Black Onyx Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond and Black Onyx Menotte Ring by Cartier. With 20 round brilliant cut
Category

20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold

Set in 18K Gold, Art Deco style, Tanzanite, Black Onyx Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Tanzanite & Black Onyx Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Tanzanite, 18k Gold

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Black Onyx And Diamond 18k Gold Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate black onyx and diamond 18k gold ring for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Rose Gold — can elevate any look. You can easily find a 79 antique edition and 59 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect black onyx and diamond 18k gold ring among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing black onyx and diamond 18k gold ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but Royaal Stones Ltd, Van Cleef Arpels and BARE Fine Jewelry each produced a popular version that is worth a look. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also cabochon and cushion cut versions for sale. When shopping for a black onyx and diamond 18k gold ring, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Black Onyx And Diamond 18k Gold Ring?

Prices for a black onyx and diamond 18k gold ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $700 and can go as high as $60,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,600.

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.