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Dangle Ring Diamond Ball Black Enamel
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diamond Sphere Black Enamel Ring covered in stars, dangling on a twisted band. Ring with black
Category

2010s Indian Victorian Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel

14k Black Star Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Austin, TX
A distinctive modern ring crafted of textured 14k white gold featuring a remarkable black star
Category

1950s Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, 14k Gold

Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large and impressive natural black opal from Australia! It weighs 6.90 carats and has great play
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ballerina Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An exceptional natural Australian black opal weighing 1.99 carats takes center stage! It has
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

18k Black and White Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
This 18k white gold ring boasts a stunning black diamonds weighing 3.50 carats, complemented by a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Twin Sphere Black Enamel Ring
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diamond Twin Sphere Black Enamel Ring Ring with black Enamel, inspired by Victorian Age, Memento
Category

2010s Indian Victorian Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Enamel, Brass, Gold Plate

0.39 Carat Black White Diamond White Gold Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The flower design has 7 Black Round Cut Diamonds that weigh 0.19 carats and the floating halo has
Category

2010s American Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Gem Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
-color of this Australian black opal is one of the finest. Bright gemmy flashes of reds, blues, and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

Skull Crest Ring Signet Memento Mori Black Diamond
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Crest Signet Ring – Memento Mori Black Diamond by J Dauphin J DAUPHIN “Secret Doors” 14k
Category

2010s Indian Victorian Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Black Diamond, Gold Plate

Marquise Black Diamond and Round Black Diamond Wedding Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
and distinctive ring. Specifications: 7 Round Brilliant Cut Natural Black Diamonds: Carat total
Category

2010s Hong Kong Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Modernist Black and White Diamond and Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful Black and White Diamond and Gold Ring in a modernist setting.
Category

1960s French Modernist Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold

Yellow Gold Black Austrialian Opal Diamond Ring
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This beautiful 14-karat yellow gold ring showcases a striking black Australian triplet opal as its
Category

1990s Australian Retro Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Black Opal Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in New York City, NY
Chic black opal, diamond and 18K white gold dome ring. It features a large oval shaped approx. 4.50
Category

Late 20th Century Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

18K Black and White Diamond and Emerald Snake Ring
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing our 18K Black and White Diamond and Emerald Snake Ring. Crafted in 18k White Gold, this
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold

Estate Platinum Black Opal Diamond Ring ~2.7ctw Natural Opal
Located in Fairfield, CT
Estate Platinum Black Opal Diamond Ring ~2.7ctw Natural Opal This platinum ring centers on a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum

Modern Black Tahitian Pearl Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This Platinum Black Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Ring features a stunning 14.5 mm black Tahitian pearl
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Platinum

Black Opal Diamond Cluster 14k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Opal Diamond Cluster 14k Yellow Gold Ring, circa 1990s. The Black Opal Diamond 14k Yellow
Category

1990s Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

4.22 Carat Black Diamond Sapphire Yellow Gold Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
4.22 Carat Black Diamond Sapphire Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring This stunning statement ring by Roshé
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Black Diamond, Sapphire, Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Go...

Barry Kieselstein Cord Black Spinel Diamond Platinum Ring
By KIESELSTEIN-CORD
Located in Southampton, PA
approximately 3 carats total weight of dazzling diamonds. The black spinel featured adds striking contrast
Category

1990s American Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Spinel, Black Spinel, Platinum

House of RAVN, 18k Gold, 3.77 Carat Black Diamond–Black Empress Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Black Empress Ring from the House of RAVN Diamond Collection. Material: 18k yellow gold Stone
Category

2010s American Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold

Black Diamond and White Diamond Band Ring made in 18K Gold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An elegant ring with brilliant cut Black diamonds styled in white diamonds and 18K gold band
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold

Two Tone Gold White and Black Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Two Tone Gold White and Black Diamond Cluster Ring Description: A bold cluster ring designed in 18
Category

20th Century Unknown Retro Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Whit...

Black Opal Diamond Ring. PT900 Platinum Opal Diamond Halo Ballerina Ring Band.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning Australian Black Opal Oval Cabochon Halo design ring with Diamond accents. Ballerina
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Black Opal Diamond Ring. PT850 Platinum Opal Diamond Halo Ballerina Ring Band.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning Australian Black Opal Oval Cabochon Halo design ring with Diamond accents. Ballerina
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Black Onyx Pyramid Black Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
Pyramids collection the Black Onyx solitaire ring in 18k yellow gold, with Black brilliant cut
Category

2010s American Art Deco Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Onyx, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18Kt White Gold Snake Ring Black White Diamonds
Located in Bergamo, BG
Articulated Snake ring made of 18kt white gold with black and white natural brilliant-cut diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Black Opal Diamond Ring. PT900 Platinum Opal Diamond Halo Ballerina Ring Band.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning Australian Black Opal Oval Cabochon Halo design ring with Diamond accents. Ballerina
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Natural Black Opal and Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
Natural Black Opal and Diamond Ring in Platinum Black Opal and Diamond Ring features one Natural
Category

20th Century North American Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

Platinum 0.57ct Diamond and Black Opal Ring MF02-101725
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This radiant ring is simply unforgettable. The 3.66 carat Black Opal center stone emits vibrant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Black Opal, Diamond, Platinum

.16 Carat Tungsten Black Diamond Princess Band Ring
By Triton
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Solitaire .16ct square diamond breaks up the darkness in this 8mm black tungsten band. TRITON
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Other

Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A beautiful black opal from Australia takes center stage! It weighs 1.94 carats and has excellent
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Twist Reflection Emerald, Black Diamond, Black Sapphire Ring in 18K Gold
By Kavant Sharart
Located in Bangkok, 10
Twist Reflection Emerald 0.19 carats, Black Diamond 0.08 carat and Black Sapphire 0.78 carat Ring
Category

2010s Thai Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Black Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Black Onyx Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Here we have a unique cocktail ring featuring three pieces of lustrous black onyx. Accenting the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Black Diamond Solitaire Ring 3 Carat 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP Black Diamond = 3 Carat Origin: Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Black Opal Diamond Ring. PT900 Platinum Opal Diamond Halo Solitaire Ring Band.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning Australian Black Opal Oval Cabochon Halo design ring with Diamond accents. Stunning for
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
accented by 0.92 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds. Hand-fabricated in a platinum mounting. Ring Size
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Magnificent 18kt White Gold Ring with 5.3ct Cognac Black Diamonds, Black Rodiu
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificent 18kt White Gold Ring With 5.3ct Cognac and Black Diamonds, Black Rodium Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Australian Black Opal Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A sleek and stylish ring featuring a 1.30 carat black opal from Australia, Lighting Ridge area. It
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

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

White Diamond Heart Ring Black Enamel Victorian Style
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black enamel diamond heart ring by J Dauphin. This Victorian revival ring is made in 14k gold
Category

2010s Indian Victorian Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Silver, Gold Plate, 14k Gold

18K Black Rhodium Gold, Black Diamond Double Buddha Lotus Chain Ring
By Borgioni
Located in Santa Monica, CA
18K Black Rhodium Gold, Black Diamond Double Buddha & Lotus Chain Ring .37 cts. Black Diamonds
Category

2010s Aesthetic Movement Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium

18K White Gold Black and White Diamond Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
This 18K white gold dome ring is set with black and white diamonds in an abstract pattern. The dome
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

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

0.45 Carat Natural Black White Diamond White Gold Ring
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Black and White Diamond Ring is a cute everyday ring for those looking for something fun and
Category

2010s American Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold Black Pearl Ring with Diamonds
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K White Gold Black Pearl Ring with Diamonds 1 Black Pearl (12-13mm) 8 Fancy Diamonds - 1.310CT
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold

White gold entourage ring with large diamonds and a black diamond
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
This exquisite white gold entourage ring boasts a stunning combination of large diamonds and a bold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, White Gold

Mens 18k Yellow Gold Ring with Black Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Embrace bold sophistication with this Men's 18-karat Yellow Gold Ring featuring Black Rhodium
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

8.72 Carat Black Diamond Quartz and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
8.72 Carat Black Diamond and Black Rutilated Quartz White Gold Cocktail Ring An 8.11 Carat Pear
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, Quartz, 14k Gold, White Gold

Black Diamond Cushion Cut Solitaire Ring in 18Kt White Diamonds Brilliant Cut
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
Black Diamond Cushion Cut Solitaire Ring in 18Kt with White Diamonds Brilliant Cut. A unique
Category

2010s Greek Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

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

1.20 Carat Black and White Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This Black and White Diamond Ring is a stunning and timeless accessory that can add a touch of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Turquoise, Brown Diamond, Black Diamond and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Turquoise, Brown Diamond 0.49 carat, Black Diamond 1.30 carats and Diamond 0.08 carat Ring set in
Category

2010s Thai Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

Black Diamond Solitaire Ring 3 Carat 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP Black Diamond = 3 Carat Origin: Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Black and White Pearl Bypass 18K Cocktail Ring with Black and White Diamonds
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
: Round Diamond Total Carat Weight: 0.97 CTW Diamond Color: G-H, Black Diamond Clarity: AAA, VS-SI Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Black Pearl, Black Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Diamond, White Gold, 1...

White Gold Entourage Ring with Large Diamonds and a Black Diamond
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
This exquisite ring combines the striking allure of a single black diamond with the classic
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, White Gold

18k Black Diamond, African Ruby and Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in ultimate luxury with our exquisite 18k Black Diamond, African Ruby, and Ruby Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Black Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Black Diamond Band Ring made in 18K Gold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An elegant ring with brilliant cut Black diamonds styled in an 18K white gold band. Black Diamonds
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Black Diamond, 18k Gold

1.75 Carat Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ballerina Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking ring featuring a 1.75-carat oval black opal. The opal displays a vibrant rainbow of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, Platinum

Black Diamond Solitaire Ring 3 Carat 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP Black Diamond = 3 Carat Origin: Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Estate Platinum Black Opal Diamond Ballerina Setting Ring ~9.13ctw
Located in Fairfield, CT
Estate Platinum Black Opal Diamond Ballerina Setting Ring ~9.13ctw This exceptional ring centers
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, Platinum

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Used Black Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact used black diamond ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 1065 vintage editions and 3841 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect used black diamond ring among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. A used black diamond ring from Georgios Collections Inc, J DAUPHIN and Le Vian — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes brilliant cut and oval cut alternatives. Most of our used black diamond ring for sale are for women, but there are 1481 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Used Black Diamond Ring?

Prices for a used black diamond ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $1 and can go as high as $388,880, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,126.

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 Used Black Diamond Ring
  • 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Cartier does indeed use real diamonds for its rings. Cartier chooses only gems with little or no fluorescence, and sources most of its diamonds from RJC-certified companies. Shop a collection of expertly vetted Cartier jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 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 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 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.