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Vintage Black Onyx Coral and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
contemporary touch. The ring features a striking piece of black onyx, seamlessly integrated into the design
Category

2010s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold 1.00 Carat Diamond and Black Onyx Contemporary Fashion Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
this ring are graded I in color and SI3 in clarity. There are cabochon black onyx accents on each side
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k Yellow Gold, Black Onyx Diamond Inlay Band
Located in McLeansville, NC
A 14 karat yellow gold, black onyx and diamond inlay band. This ring features three flat
Category

Antique 1880s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Vintage Diamond Onyx Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
, VS2-SI1 clarity). The diamond panels are separated by calibre cut black onyx set in channels. The
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Cartier Panthere Pelage 18k White Gold Diamond Black Onyx Band Ring Estate Jewel
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
positioned to form a continuous pattern. As a diamond and black onyx Cartier ring, this design reflects the
Category

1990s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Onyx Gold Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
are D-E color, VVS clarity and on the other hand you have jet black onyx. Perfectly separated and
Category

Vintage 1960s French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

18KT Yellow Gold Onyx Double Heart Ring With Diamonds, Citrines Aquamarines
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully crafted 18 karat yellow gold dome shaped ring. Two sections of black onyx are equally
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

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

Set in 18K Gold, natural Zambian Emerald, Black Onyx Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very beautiful and chic, art - deco style, Black Onyx & Emerald Cocktail Ring set in 18K Yellow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

MARLI, NYC 18 Karat Yellow Gold Black Onyx 0.35 Cttw Diamond Bypass Ring
By MARLI New York
Located in Troy, MI
distinctive style. This fantastic ring features 18 karat yellow gold with 0.35 Cttw diamonds & black onyx end
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1939 Onyx and Diamond Ring, Signed “Cartier Inc.”
By Cartier
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
black onyx and brilliant white diamonds. The diamonds are fashioned into a unique shape that is possibly
Category

Vintage 1930s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Baroque South Sea Pearl Onyx Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Baroque South Sea Pearl Onyx and Diamond Ring An inventive way of bringing together precious
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold

GIA Certified 2.27 Carat Diamond Onyx Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
clarity trapezoidal cut diamond that is perfectly matched with a jet black onyx gemstone. Crafted in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

GIA Certified 2.27 Carat Diamond Onyx Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
clarity trapezoidal cut diamond that is perfectly matched with a jet black onyx gemstone. Crafted in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Alhambra Onyx Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, fortune and love from Van Cleef & Arpels. Designed with jet black onyx that is decorated with a single
Category

1990s French Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Oro Trend 18K White Gold Black White Onyx Diamond Ring
By Oro Trend
Located in Southampton, PA
boasts a design comprised of black and white onyx and is set with ~.68ct of diamonds.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Diamond Coral Onyx Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
intersected by 14 calibrated black onyx gems. The outer perimeter and ring set with 44 round cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Diamond Black Onyx 14k White Gold Victorian Mourning Pinky Signet Ring
Located in North Attleboro, MA
ring is a rectangular black onyx with angled corners set with ornate prongs. The onyx is accented with
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American High Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

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

Yellow Gold Onyx Diamond Ring - 10k Milgrain
Located in Greensboro, NC
& 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Onyx Color: Black Natural Diamond Cut: Single Stone Note
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Le Baiser du Dragon Diamond Ruby Black Onyx Tassel White Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
diamonds, E color, VVS1 clarity total weigh approximately .75ct. Also with onyx and rubies beads. This ring
Category

Early 2000s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, White Gold

Vintage Art Deco Emerald Diamond Onyx Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
round and baguette cut diamonds and calibre cut black onyx, a fashionable accent stone in Art Deco era
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

1980s Italian 18K Gold Black Onyx and 2 Carat Diamond Bombe Dome Ring
Located in Miami, FL
set with glossy black onyx cabochons arranged in a quilted lattice pattern. Sparkling pavé-set
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Marquise Onyx Diamond Open Work Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1940-1950 large 14k yellow gold open work ring with a Marquise black Onyx and full cut Diamond
Category

Vintage 1940s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Platinum Jade Diamond and Onyx Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1930 Art Deco Ring, with a center section of Jade, Black Onyx and further decorated with
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Onyx, Platinum

Vibrant Yellow Gold Chrysoprase, Onyx, and Diamond Ring
Located in Dallas, TX
wide. It has and 11.62 carat Chrysoprase surrounded by 12.13 carats of black onyx and .17 carats of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Chrysophrase, Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Onyx and Diamond Pave Yellow Gold Bombe Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
black onyx on top that makes the piece absolutely exquisite. Ring Size: 5.5 Band Thickness: 7mm Ring Top
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow 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

Set in 18K Gold, 1.89 carats natural Emerald, Black Onyx Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Emerald & Black Onyx Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold

Mens Art Deco Masonic Gold, Diamond and Onyx Ring
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Art Deco mens Mason ring circa 1940. It is 10 karat yellow and white gold, black onyx and
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 10k Gold

Boucheron Onyx Rock Crystal Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
By Boucheron
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
ring of clean, white round cut diamonds. The ring has also been designed with a flow of carved rock
Category

1990s French Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold

80s Black Onyx Diamond Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold East West Square Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage black onyx & diamond ring (circa 1980s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Five
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Chanel Camelia Camellia Flower Diamond Onyx White Gold Ring
By Chanel
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold "Camelia" Diamonds And Black Onyx Flower Ring by Chanel. With 102 brilliant cut
Category

20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Chanel Camelia Camellia Flower Diamond Onyx White Gold Ring
By Chanel
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold "Camelia" Diamonds And Black Onyx Flower Ring by Chanel. With 102 brilliant cut
Category

20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Nerval Onyx Diamond Gold Flower Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Onyx Nerval Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 1 Round brilliant cut diamond
Category

1990s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Contemporary 1.30 Total Carat Diamond and Onyx Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A gorgeous Estate onyx and diamond ring with a fabulous Art Deco (ca1920) era style! Crafted in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat White Gold Black Onyx and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat White Gold Black Onyx and Diamond Ring Size 6.75- This lovely ring features one
Category

20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Multi-gemstone, White Gold

Art Deco Platinum Halo Onyx and Diamond Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
clarity, is set in a deep black onyx halo, providing a striking contrast. The ring's gallery is accented
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Art Deco onyx and diamond ring, Austria, 1920s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Classics of the Art Deco era - gold ring with contrasting onyx and diamond A ring made of 14-karat
Category

Vintage 1920s Austrian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold

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

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

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

Men s Brushed 14kt Yellow Gold, Black Onyx Brutalist Ring w/ 3 pt. White Diamond
Located in New York, NY
features a three point white diamond in the center surrounded by an oval cut black onyx. The sides and
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Onyx and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Black Onyx and Diamond Ring Size 4- This lovely ring features a
Category

20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Onyx, Yellow Gold

Cartier Menotte Ring with Diamonds and Onyx in 18 Karat White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Lucerne, CH
of total 1.40 carats. It is completed with bullet-cut black onyx tips. The ring comes with a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

10 Karat Yellow Gold Onyx and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 10 Karat Yellow Gold Onyx and Diamond Ring Size 6 This lovely ring features a black onyx
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Onyx, Yellow Gold

4.68 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Onyx Platinum Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
translation of art deco style. The ring is platinum and set with 2.04 carats of round and marquis cut diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Contemporary Diamond Onyx 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Fabulous contemporary ring featuring white sparkling diamonds and black onyx gemstone. The ring is
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Contemporary More Rings

Materials

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

Cartier 18 Karat Gold Onyx Diamond Panther Bombe Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
diamonds are dotted with irregular shaped black onyx to create a panther's spots. The ring is set with 107
Category

Vintage 1980s French Modern Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Onyx and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Black Onyx and Diamond Ring Size 7.5- This elegant ring features an
Category

20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Onyx, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Toi et Moi 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond, Black Onyx Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Iconic eighteen-karat yellow gold bypass ring with a polished onyx inset to the crest and six round
Category

20th Century French Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Pave Diamond Black Onyx Band Ring 18K Yellow Gold Size 7
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Fairfield, CT
Van Cleef & Arpels Pave Diamond Black Onyx Band Ring 18K Yellow Gold Size 7 This 18k yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Inspired 8.20 Carat Red Coral with Onyx Diamonds Platinum Ring 7
Located in Miami, FL
carats of old European cut diamonds and black onyx. Complimentary ring sizing is available upon request
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

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

Art Deco Style 18 Karat Gold and Platinum Black Onyx and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Estate Art Deco style 18K yellow gold and platinum black onyx and diamond navette ring. Showcasing
Category

20th Century Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

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

ART DECO 1930 Cocktail Ring In Platinum With 2.67 Ctw Diamonds Emeralds Onyx
Located in Miami, FL
French calibre cuts black onyxes. The ring is designed with a cushion shape, and the gem's settings are
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, White Diamond, Platinum

Diamond Onyx Emerald 18K White Gold Panther Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
are spots of hand-polished black onyx across the panther adding contrast to the piece. The panther’s
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Yellow Gold Onyx Diamond Men s Ring - 10k Barrel Cut
Located in Greensboro, NC
Gold Stone Information: Genuine Onyx Cut: Barrel Color: Black Natural Diamonds Total Carats
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold, 0.42 Carat Diamond, Mother-of-Pearl and Black Onyx Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
mother of pearl and black onyx inlay. The diamonds have a total weight of 0.42ct, and they are graded H-I
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Interchangeable Boucheron "Pluriel" Diamond Onyx 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Boucheron
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Interchangeable 18k diamond onyx "pluriel" Boucheron ring. Wear it with an all-black outfit to complete the look
Category

Vintage 1980s French Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Antique Late Victorian Onyx Diamond Ring - Platinum 18K Gold
Located in Sandnes, NO
sophistication. The interplay between the rich black onyx, bright diamonds, and delicate platinum detailing
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Platinum

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Black Onyx Ring With Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact black onyx ring with diamond you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Making the right choice when shopping for a black onyx ring with diamond may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Creating a black onyx ring with diamond has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Doves by Doron Paloma, Enrico Dani and Sunita Nahata are consistently popular. While most can agree that any black onyx ring with diamond from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 26 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. 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 emerald cut and mixed cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a black onyx ring with diamond, 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 Ring With Diamond?

On average, a black onyx ring with diamond at 1stDibs sells for $3,600, while they’re typically $495 on the low end and $16,800 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.

Questions About Black Onyx Ring With Diamond
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    The material of the ring setting is a driving factor in what a black onyx ring is worth. An onyx ring with a sterling silver ring setting can be purchased at under $30 as well. Black onyx is a semi-precious gemstone, with prices ranging from $1 to $500 per carat. Find a collection of vintage and designer black onyx rings on 1stDibs today.
  • A black onyx ring is a ring set with an onyx gemstone. Onyx is a semi-precious gemstone that typically comes in the color black.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    What black diamond rings symbolize is largely a matter of personal interpretation. Charisma, power, passion and self-assuredness are some of the characteristics commonly associated with black diamond jewelry. Shop a range of diamond gemstone rings from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Black diamonds can make good engagement rings because they symbolize authority, power and passion. They also can be less expensive than clear diamonds.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023
    Black diamond engagement rings are popular for many couples. An antique, new or vintage black diamond engagement ring is an edgy, dramatic choice. Just keep in mind that with diamonds, it's all about sparkle, and the darkness of a black stone obscures its fire and brilliance. If the inky opacity of a black diamond seems a bit extreme and you'd like a little light to shine through, consider a gray diamond, which can be cut for maximum brilliance. Brides with a taste for the cool and unusual might also consider salt-and-pepper diamonds, which have white and black inclusions that produce a silvery gray, speckled look. Find black diamond engagement rings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023
    Whether black diamond engagement rings are bad luck depends on a person's individual beliefs. In Italy, rubbing a black stone like a black diamond is considered good luck by some people. However, in India, black diamonds are a traditional symbol of bad luck. Find a variety of diamond engagement rings on 1stDibs.