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Alessa Mini Star Earrings 18 Karat Rose 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, Rose Gold

Alessa Arrow Studs Earrings 18 Karat Rose 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, Rose Gold

Alessa Sword Hoop Earrings 18 Karat Rose 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 Hoop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Don Tallarico Diamond Black Onyx Gold Earrings Two Bangles Necklace Set
Located in New York , NY
Don Tallarico Diamond Black Onyx Gold Earrings Bangle Bracelet Necklace Set. Comprising of an
Category

Vintage 1970s Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Alessa Spear Ear Cuff 18 Karat Rose 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, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Alessa Spear Ear Cuff 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, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Contemporary 9ct White Gold Black Onyx Diamond Bracelet
Located in Splitter s Creek, NSW
Oooh! So smart & stylish - and a perfect match for the gorgeous Earrings our Number 624E A very
Category

2010s Unknown Contemporary Link Bracelets

Materials

Onyx, 9k Gold, White Gold

Alessa Spear Ear Cuff by Alessa 18 Karat Rose 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 Clip-on Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Allure Diamond Ring
By Eraya Diamonds
Located in Austin, TX
Pair this beautiful ring with matching necklace and Earrings to elevate your style. Black Diamond
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

12.31 Carat Black Onyx Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Bombe Dome Cocktail Ring
By Butani
Located in Hong Kong, Kowloon
3.8 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds and accentuated with 8 black onyx stripes (totaling 12.31
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Dome Rings

Materials

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

30.75ct Onyx, Pink Opal and White Diamonds Long Square Necklace in 18k Rose Gold
Located in Valenza, IT
white diamonds, the onyx and pink opal earrings are suitable for both day and night wear. About the
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Lizunova Onyx and Pink Tourmaline White Gold Ring
By Lizunova Fine Jewels
Located in Sydney, NSW
black onyx gemstone. Handcrafted in Sydney in 9 karat white gold. Matching earrings are also available
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Onyx, Tourmaline, 9k Gold, White Gold

Large Vintage Cartier Jewelry Green Gold Silver Silk Fabric with Linen Pillow
By Katie Larmour Design, Cartier
Located in Great Britain, Northern Ireland
pave set diamonds and elegant onyx stone, just like a lavish item of jewelry. The scarf’s panther theme
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Pillows and Throws

Materials

Linen, Silk

Essential Gold Collar in 14k Gold with and 18k Gold Closure
By Sarah Ventura
Located in Westport, CT
Earrings and the Black Diamond Eternity Band, and will be the corner stone of any collection.
Category

2010s American Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold, 18k Gold

Manpriya B Slice Diamond and Black Onyx 18 Karat White Gold Dangle Earrings
By Manpriya B
Located in London, GB
diamonds encased in black onyx create a pair of striking earrings with design inspired by the Art Deco
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

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

18 Carat Gold, Onyx, Mother of pearl, Brass, Porcelain and Diamond Bear Earrings
By Tessa Packard
Located in London, GB
18ct gold, onyx, mother-of-pearl, brass, porcelain and diamond Polar Bear earrings One-of-a-kind
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Michael Bondanza 18 Karat Gold, Platinum Onyx, Citrine and Diamond Earrings
By Michael Bondanza
Located in Nashua, NH
Michael Bondanza 18K Yellow Gold, Platinum Onyx, Citrine and Diamond Earrings. The earrings are set
Category

Late 20th Century American Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Robin Waynee, Black Spinel, VS1 Diamonds, 18 Karat Gold, Onyx Point Earrings
By Robin Waynee
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Robin Waynee Onyx Point Earrings, 2019 Onyx, Black Spinel, VS1 Diamonds, 18K Gold Robin has an
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Black Onyx and Diamond Earring Studs
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
A very elegant pair of Black Onyx and Diamond Earrings, around 0.5 carats of White Diamonds are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Onyx, Rock Crystal, Turquoise, Gold, 1...

14 Karat Yellow Gold Black Onyx and Diamond Earrings
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Black Onyx and Diamond Earrings- These stunning earrings each feature
Category

Early 20th Century Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold

Pair of Yellow Gold, Coral, Black Onyx and Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 18 karat yellow gold, coral, black onyx and diamond earrings. Circa 1970. Italian
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

14k White Gold Black Onyx and Diamond Earrings
By Gregory Mikaelian Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Metal:White Gold Number of Gemstones:2 Secondary Stone:DIAMOND Main Stone:Black Onyx
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold

CHAUMET spectacular gold, black onyx and diamond earrings.
By Chaumet
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular pair of 18 karat yellow gold, black onyx and gold earrings. Chaumet, Paris.
Category

Vintage 1980s French Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Valentin Magro Coral, Black Onyx and Diamonds Earrings
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
These Valentin Magro earrings are made in 18k yellow gold, they feature an oval cabochon dark red
Category

2010s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Black Onyx and Diamond Earrings in 18k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Style: Diamond & Black Onyx Earrings Metal: 18K White Gold Diamond Color
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pair of 14 Karat Cabochon Black Onyx and Diamond Earrings
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of cabochon black onyx earrings with 14 small diamonds and set into 14k yellow gold frames
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold

Emerald Ruby Blue Sapphire Black Onyx and Diamond Earring in Victorian Style
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Carat Black Onyx - 16.32 Carat Diamond - 1.65 Carat Gold - 1.14 Grams Silver - 8.09 Grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

A Pair of 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Black Onyx and Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 18 karat yellow gold, black onyx and diamond earclips. Each earclip designed as a wide
Category

1990s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Style Emerald, Black Onyx and Diamond Earrings in 18 Karat White Gold
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
emerald earrings in 18K white gold and yellow gold with diamonds and black onyx. Emerald: 3.406 carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Art Deco Style Emerald, Black Onyx and Diamond Earrings in 18 Karat White Gold
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
emerald earrings in 18K white gold and yellow gold with diamonds and black onyx. Emerald: 1.615 carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Black Onyx and Diamond Heart Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A pair of heart-shape black onyx and diamond earrings set in gold.
Category

20th Century American Modern Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold

Onyx and Diamond Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Greenwich, CT
set in geometric shapes. This enchantingly beautiful Black Onyx and Diamond Drop Earrings shines like
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Sunita Nahata Blue Topaz and Black Onyx with Diamond Earrings in 18KWG
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
winter evenings featuring London Blue Topaz and Black Onyx! London blue topaz, black onyx and diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Black Onyx Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Onyx and Diamond Earrings Elegant design and just the right amount of diamonds make these
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Clip-on Earrings

Diamond, Turquoise and Black Onyx Diamond Earrings
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
A stunning pair of Art-Deco earrings, studded with 7.5 carat VS quality White Diamonds, Turquoise
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Black and White Onyx Diamond Gold Striped Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These elegantly striped earrings feature white and black onyx with 1.42 carats of black diamonds
Category

2010s More Earrings

Materials

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

Black Onyx Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These pieces drop earrings are set in 14k white gold and feature a black onyx drop accented with
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold

Jade Diamond and Black Onyx Earrings
Located in London, GB
A pair of Art Deco jade diamond and black onyx drop earrings, set with Chinese carved jadeite half
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Platinum

Black Onyx and Turquoise Tassel Earring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Onyx balls tapering down to Turquoise Tassel Earring with a beautiful top with a diamond ball and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Artisan Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Silver

White Gold, Diamond and Black Onyx Torpedo Earrings
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
smooth, tipped punctuations of black onyx offer a unique adornment for the enthusiast of modern design
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Chantecler Cherie Black Onyx Diamond Earrings
By Chantecler
Located in Princeton, NJ
18k white gold drop earrings from the Cherie Collection. Black onyx and diamonds.
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Diamond Black Onyx Gold Hoop Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
classically elegant earrings are cumulatively pave-set with approx. 0.85 cts of round-faceted diamonds, graded
Category

Vintage 1980s Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Black Onyx Gold Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These earrings feature deep black onyx with a river like design of brilliant white VS clarity
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style Emerald Diamond and Black Onyx Earrings
Located in Greenville, DE
Art Deco Style Earrings Crafted in 18k white gold featuring 4 emeralds weighing approximately 52.22
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Onyx

Black Onyx Diamond Gold Drop Ball Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
gold. The freely moving spheres have layers of diamond and black onyx giving a white and black color
Category

2010s Drop Earrings

Materials

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

3.98 Carat Emerald, Diamond and Black Onyx Dangle Earring
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
Diamonds and Black Onyx. The earrings are set in solid 18K Yellow Gold. Free shipping. Returns accepted
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

27.03 Carat Black Cabochon Onyx and Diamond Pave Drop Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
27.03 carat of black cabochon onyx (12.50 millimeter x 14 millimeter) is set at center and
Category

2010s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Black Onyx Emerald Diamond Gold Stud Earrings
Located in London, GB
A pair of stud earrings set with eight-cut diamonds, calibré-cut black onyx and calibré-cut
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Platinum

Modern Lavender Jade, Black Onyx, Diamond And Platinum Flower Earrings
Located in London, GB
flower shaped surround, with pavé set, old-cut diamond petals and black onyx spacers, mounted in platinum
Category

2010s British Modern More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Onyx, Platinum

18kt Gold Black Onyx Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Black onyx and diamond drop earrings, mounted in lightly oxidized 18k white gold. Tops and bottoms
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

18 Karat Yellow Gold Black Onyx and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Palm Desert, CA
black onyx drop hoop earrings. Total diamond weight is approximately 5.00 carats. The diamonds are G
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. Onyx and Diamond Earrings
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Delicate polished hoops of smooth black onyx are held in place by pavéd diamond loops in these chic
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Black Onyx Diamond Gold Panthere Panther Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Panthere Diamond And Black Onyx Earrings by Cartier. With Round brilliant cut
Category

1990s French Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Cartier Black Onyx Diamond Gold Panthere Panther Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Panthere Diamond And Black Onyx Earrings by Cartier. With Round brilliant cut
Category

1990s French Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold

14 Karat Black Onyx Diamonds Earrings
Located in Palm Desert, CA
14 Karat Black Onyx Diamonds Earrings. Each earring feature an oval bezel-set black Onyx cabochon
Category

Vintage 1970s American Retro Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Syna Black Onyx Yellow Gold Earrings with Rubies and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Black onyx 33 cts approx Rubies 0.70 ct approx Diamonds 0.30 ct
Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold

Red Coral Black Onyx Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Estate Diamond Red Coral And Onyx Drop Earrings. With 4x Red Coral 6mm x 22mm 2x
Category

Antique Early 1800s American Drop Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k 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.