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6 Carat Morganite Onyx and Diamond Rose Gold Dangle Drop Earrings
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
black onyx. These earrings have a center stone that is oval cut and weighs 1.5 carats each. The center
Category

Early 2000s American Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Morganite, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Hannah Martin London Onyx Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
Located in London, GB
These elegant diamond drop earrings take inspiration from the astrological research of the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

1.25 Carat 18 Karat Yellow Gold Onyx Diamond Earrings
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Diamond and onyx earrings crafted in 18-karat yellow gold. The earrings have 38 round-cut diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Retro Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Black Onyx Classic Round Earrings in 14k White Gold
By Sarah Ventura
Located in Westport, CT
These stunningly appointed classic white gold black onyx earrings add a posh elegance to any
Category

2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold

Diamonds Onyx Pair of Earrings
Located in New York, NY
are stamped 585.  The earrings are set with a 2 natural black onyx. These large upside down pointed
Materials

White Gold

18 Karat Gold Earrings w/ London Blue Topaz, Onyx and Marquise Diamonds
By Doves by Doron Paloma
Located in Great Neck, NY
Art-Deco Style Earrings featuring Pear-Shaped London Blue Topaz, Black Onyx, and Marquise and Round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Charles Turi 18 Karat Pearl, Onyx and Diamond Button Earrings
By Charles Turi
Located in Pikesville, MD
Art Deco inspired 18 karat yellow and white gold button earring featuring octagonal black onyx
Category

Vintage 1980s American Art Deco Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond, Sapphire and Onyx Stud Earrings
By Atelo
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra
"Waterfall of Fire" Diamonds, sapphire and onyx combine to create these striking earrings
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Amethyst and Onyx Stud Earrings
By Atelo
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra
of Atelo’s Deco Wheel Collection. These deco-inspired earrings combine black onyx, baguette
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Amethyst and Onyx Drop Earrings
By Atelo
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra
of Atelo’s Deco Wheel Collection. These deco-inspired earrings combine black onyx, baguette
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Birdman Onyx Gold Earrings
By Luna Merdin
Located in İstanbul, TR
14K solid gold, onyx and 0,068ct black diamond, hand-crafted earring NEW GOBEKLITEPE COLLECTION
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Aesthetic Movement Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Black Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold

14 Karat Onyx Drop Bar Earring
Located in Houston, TX
Beautifully made in New York city of 14kt yellow gold, diamonds and black onyx drops. These
Category

2010s American Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold

Signed Lavin Mother of Pearl, Onyx, and Diamond 14 Karat Earrings
By Lavin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage designer Lavin 14KT yellow and white gold, black onyx, mother of pearl and white diamond
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 14k Gold

Margot McKinney 18K Gold 101.51ct Onyx Earrings with Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires
By Margot McKinney
Located in Brisbane AU , Queensland
Margot McKinney 18 karat White Gold Earrings with a pair of oval Onyx 101.51ct set with 40 White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Dia...

KC Sukamto Tagua Emerald Onyx Diamond Yellow Gold Drop Earring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
diamonds, 4 total carats in emerald cut and cabochon emeralds, black onyx beads, and white Tagua nut
Category

2010s American Chandelier Earrings

Materials

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

Black Onyx Cabochon Diamond 9 Karat White Gold Stud Earrings Natalie Barney
By Natalie Barney
Located in Crows Nest, NSW
These Black Onyx Cabochon and Diamond stud earrings are really versatile as the diamond surround
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, White Gold, 9k Gold

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

Diamond Pave Black Onyx Inlay Heirloom Studs 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Boston, MA
staple. These fun classics feature hand-cut black onyx surrounded by diamonds to fill the ear. The GATES
Category

2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold

4.20 Carat 18 Karat Yellow Gold Onyx Diamond Ruby Drop Earrings
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Onyx, Ruby and Diamond drop earrings in 18-karat yellow gold. Each earring has a large custom cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold

Black Onyx Caged in 18kt Gold Pave Set Diamond Zebra Striped Clip On Earrings
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These one of a kind hand made Black Onyx Caged 18kt Gold Pave Set Diamond Zebra Striped Clip On
Category

20th Century American Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Youmna Fine Jewellery 18 Karat White Gold, Onyx Diamonds Tartan Stud Earrings
By Youmna Fine Jewellery
Located in Hong Kong, HK
with black onyx and diamonds. The Tartan earstuds are not only comfortable to wear, but also illuminate
Category

2010s Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Yellow Karat Gold Art Deco Style Triangle Drop Earrings with Black Onyx
By Doves by Doron Paloma
Located in Great Neck, NY
Art Deco style Earrings featuring Triangular, Checker-cut Black Onyx and Diamonds, set in 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Youmna Fine Jewellery 18 Karat White Gold w/Onyx Diamonds Tartan Stud Earrings
By Youmna Fine Jewellery
Located in Hong Kong, HK
with black onyx and diamonds. The Tartan earstuds are not only comfortable to wear, but also illuminate
Category

2010s Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Matte Yellow Gold Art Deco Style Drop Dangle Earrings with Black Onyx
By Doves by Doron Paloma
Located in Great Neck, NY
Art Deco style Earrings featuring Pear Shape Black Onyx and Diamonds, set in 18K Matte Yellow Gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Seaman Schepps Crystal Onyx Gold Baguette Hoop Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Pair of new 18k white gold half hoop earrings by Seaman Schepps, set with carve crystal and black
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American More Earrings

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Gemlok 18K Gold Black Onyx Mother of Pearl Exchangeable Gemstone Stud Earrings
By Gemlok
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
yellow gold. The set includes faceted black onyx centers, and black mother of pearl centers. The earrings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Andreoli Onyx Snake Diamond Tsavorite Pink Sapphire Drop Earrings 18 Karat Gold
By Andreoli
Located in New York, NY
Andreoli Onyx Snake Diamond Tsavorite Pink Sapphire Drop Earrings 18KT Yellow Gold. The snake
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, Garnet, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gol...

Breathtaking 1.50 Carats of Diamond Detachable Onyx Strands Day Night Earrings
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
containing 8 strands each of black onyx gemstone beads. These gorgeous earrings offer two earrings in one
Category

20th Century Italian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Yellow Sapphire Onyx Two-Tone Gold Chandelier Earrings
Located in Bellevue, WA
set with diamonds, black onyx, and yellow sapphires. The top of each earring has a tapered baguette
Category

Early 2000s American Art Deco Chandelier Earrings

Materials

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

Gucci Interlocking 18ct Yellow Gold Black Onyx Hoop Earrings YBD786563001
By Gucci
Located in Wilmington, DE
onyx stone is paired with yellow 18k gold and embellished with sparkling diamonds. This pair of hoop
Category

2010s Hoop Earrings

Asch Grossbardt 14 Karat Gold, Diamond, Black Onyx and Mother-of-Pearl Ear Clips
By Asch Grossbardt
Located in Chicago, IL
color, VS clarity, inlaid with black onyx and mother of pearl. Retails for $4500
Category

1990s American Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Other, 14k Gold

Black Onyx Diamond Yellow Gold Ear Clips
Located in Chicago, IL
clarity, and 18 cabochon black onyx sections.
Category

Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Black Diamond Rhodium Silver Arrow Earrings
By Jade Jagger
Located in London, GB
Large Black Diamond Arrow Earrings. Black and white diamonds, sterling silver with black rhodium
Category

2010s British Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Black Diamond, White Diamond, Sterling Silver

Amedeo "Nero Chic" Black Lava Cameo Earrings
By AMEDEO
Located in New York, NY
25mm black lava cameos hand-carved, set in sterling silver black rhodium plated, with black onyx
Category

2010s Italian Romantic Drop Earrings

Materials

Black Diamond, Onyx, Sterling Silver

18 Carat Art Deco Style Black Enamel and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Splitter s Creek, NSW
Diamonds, approximately 0.3 carats each, colour G, clarity VS-2-SI1. They are bezel set with black Onyx
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel

Chalcedony and Diamond Earrings in 18 Karat White Gold
By Atelo
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra
Stunning chalcedony and diamond earrings with pearls and onyx. The charming blue of the chalcedony
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Chalcedony, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Whit...

Emerald, Pearl and Diamond Tassel Earrings
Located in Greenwich, CT
emerald bead ends, suspended from diamond and black onyx set caps with pear-shaped emerald surmounts
Category

2010s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Diamond Leopard Earrings
Located in New York City, NY
This pair of diamond leopard clip earrings has sculptured green onyx eyes, and faceted black onyx
Materials

Onyx, Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold

Paris Craft House Black Jadeite Emerald Diamond Earrings in 18 Karat White Gold
By Paris Precious Craft House
Located in Hong Kong, HK
PARIS Craft House Onyx Emerald Diamond Earrings in 18 Karat White Gold. - 2 Jadeite - 2 Cabochon
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Medieval Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

18ct White Gold Jadeite and Diamond Earrings
Located in Sydney, NSW
A beautifully designed pair of Jadeite and Diamond pendant earrings accompanies by black onyx hoops
Category

2010s Australian Contemporary More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Onyx Gemstone Hook Earrings in 14K Solid Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the 14K Solid Gold Diamond Black Onyx Earrings, a brilliant embodiment of Orena
Category

2010s Dangle Earrings

Materials

Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Gavello White Gold Black Diamond Tanzanite Pave Evil Eye Dangle Drop Earrings
By Gavello
Located in Milan, IT
black and white diamond and tanzanite pavé setting. Total diamond weight is 6.56ct. The earrings are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Red Carnelian Pearl and Diamond Earrings
By Atelo
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra
. • 18 karat yellow gold, diamonds, pearls and black onyx • Total Diamond weight: 0.35 carats round
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Sterling Silver, 18k Yellow Gold and Diamonds Fleur De Lis Earrings
By Gabriel Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
offset by a classy black onyx backdrop. Total diamond carat weight is 0.12 cts. Earrings feature omega
Category

2010s Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

18 Karat Rose Gold Cazzaniga Diamond Multi Gem Dangle Earrings
By Cazzaniga
Located in Lakewood, NJ
etched earrings set with two baguette cut diamonds with a black columnar onyx snow center and a pair of
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Artist Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold

Alessa Spear Earrings 18 Karat Black Gold Amara Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
and stars, using Trillion cut diamonds, black onyx, colorless & black round diamonds set in 18K white
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

DELFINA DELETTREZ Carrara Marble 18 Karat Gold Finger Drop Earrings
By Delfina Delettrez
Located in Roma, IT
black onyx drops. The Iced Touch Earrings are a playful study of the human anatomy and the designers
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Alessa Spear Earring 18 Karat White Gold Amara Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
and stars, using Trillion cut diamonds, black onyx, colorless & black round diamonds set in 18K white
Category

2010s American Contemporary More Earrings

Materials

Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Bianco e Nero Earrings
Located in New York, NY
18kt white gold gold "Bianco e Nero" earrings with Black Diamond and White Agate Diamond Pendants
Category

American Chandelier Earrings

Alessa Spear Earrings 18 Karat White Gold Amara Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
and stars, using Trillion cut diamonds, black onyx, colorless & black round diamonds set in 18K white
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Alessa Sword Earrings 18 Karat White Gold Amara Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
and stars, using Trillion cut diamonds, black onyx, colorless & black round diamonds set in 18K white
Category

2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Alessa Arrow Earrings 18 Karat White Gold Amara Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
and stars, using Trillion cut diamonds, black onyx, colorless & black round diamonds set in 18K white
Category

2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Alessa Spear Earrings 18 Karat White Gold Amara Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
and stars, using Trillion cut diamonds, black onyx, colorless & black round diamonds set in 18K white
Category

2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Alessa Spear Earrings 18 Karat White Gold Amara Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
and stars, using Trillion cut diamonds, black onyx, colorless & black round diamonds set in 18K white
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Alessa Arrow Studs Earrings 18 Karat White Gold Amara Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
and stars, using Trillion cut diamonds, black onyx, colorless & black round diamonds set in 18K white
Category

2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Alessa Spear Earring Piece 18 Karat White Gold Amara Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
and stars, using Trillion cut diamonds, black onyx, colorless & black round diamonds set in 18K white
Category

2010s American Contemporary More Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Alessa Mini Star Earrings 18 Karat White Gold Amara Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
and stars, using Trillion cut diamonds, black onyx, colorless & black round diamonds set in 18K white
Category

2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

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Black Onyx And Diamond Earring For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact black onyx and diamond earring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 64 vintage editions and 65 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect black onyx and diamond earring may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Creating a black onyx and diamond earring has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Doves by Doron Paloma, Royaal Stones Ltd and Exquisite Color Kraft Pvt Ltd are consistently popular. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also emerald cut and cabochon versions for sale. If you’re browsing our inventory for a black onyx and diamond earring, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a Black Onyx And Diamond Earring?

The price for a black onyx and diamond earring starts at $495 and tops out at $40,977 with these earrings, on average, selling for $3,850.

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 Earrings for You

In the United States, ear piercing didn’t really become popular until the 1950s and ‘60s, but our desire for a dazzling pair of vintage earrings has deeper roots than that. In fact, wearing earrings actually goes back thousands of years, and you can find many tangible connections between now and then in how we continue to talk about these treasured accessories.

Women wore ornamental earrings — studs and hoops at the very least — in Ancient Egypt, which is home to mines that are among the earliest sources of emeralds in the world. Emerald earrings are highly prized today, and their quality lies in their rich, saturated color. The highest-quality emeralds are green or bluish-green. Earrings worn by the affluent in early Roman civilizations were set with precious stones such as diamonds and pearls, and a clean-looking pop of pearl on the front of the lobe is as timeless as ever. Hoop earrings are imbued with symbolism and cultural significance for many, and on view in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Near Eastern Art Gallery is a pair of simple gold hoops from Mesopotamia dating to between 2600 and 2500 B.C.

Today, ear piercing is very popular all over the world, and, as a result, it is difficult to overstate how much everyone pines for a good pair of earrings — modernist drop earrings, glamorous Victorian hoops, geometrically complex chandelier earrings, you name it. Sure, jewelry trends and the fashion darlings of social media come and go, but earrings have a staying power that seems impenetrable: The still-strong love affair between British royals and Cartier earrings is more than a century old, glossy 1970s hoops from legacy houses such as Bulgari and Van Cleef Arpels remain the statement makers they’ve always been and although people have been stacking earrings for many moons, the allure of an expertly mismatched stack of charms and studs still feels fresh and new.

While there is no shortage of modern earring designs to choose from, the classics, like coral earrings, Art Deco–style earrings and diamond drop earrings are still heavy hitters. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of antique, new and vintage earrings today.

Questions About Black Onyx And Diamond Earring
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023
    To tell if black diamond earrings are real, first examine the surface of the gemstones. Real black diamonds usually have imperfections, while fakes usually appear flawless. Because it can be difficult to identify well-made synthetic gemstones with the naked eye, consider consulting a knowledgeable jeweler, dealer or appraiser for assistance with authentication. Find a variety of black diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.