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Black Enamel Diamond 14 Karat Gold Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
diamonds. Available in Turquoise, Red, White and Black enamel. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel

14 Karat White Gold Black and White Diamond Block Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 14K white gold Diamond: 125 round brilliant cut = 0.68cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

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

0.58 Carat Princess Cut Diamond with Black Diamond Pave Engagement Ring Size 6.5
By H H Jewels
Located in Miami, FL
0.58 Carat Princess Cut Diamond with Black Diamond Pave Engagement Ring Size 6.5 Black and white
Category

2010s Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold

Ruby, Black Diamond and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.86 carats, Black Diamond 1.58 carats and Diamond 0.30 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold
Category

2010s Thai Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Black Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Black and White Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring, 5.50 Carats
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Stunning 18 Karat White Gold, Black and White Pave Set Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring. Rows of semi
Category

1970s American Retro Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Australian Black Crystal Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A beautiful and unique Australian opal which is both a black and crystal opal at the same time! It
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Handcrafted 18k Gold 1.90c Brown Black Diamond Snake Cocktail Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Burnished White Gold 1,90 Karat Brown & Black Diamonds Snake Cocktail Design Ring
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

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

1.95 Carat Faint Brown, White, and Black Diamonds Men s Ring
Located in Miami, FL
approximately 1.5 carat faint brown diamond at the center with pavé set black and white diamond accents in a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Sterling Silver "Frog" Ring with a Black Diamond Eyes
By Gregory Mikaelian Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sterling Silver "Frog" ring with a black diamond eyes, containing 2 round black diamonds weighing
Category

2010s American Artisan Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Black Diamond, Sterling Silver

Victor Velyan Black Opal and Diamond Ring
By Victor Velyan
Located in Carmel, CA
This ring was designed and made by well known designer Victor Velyan. It features a single Black
Category

2010s American Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 24k Gold, Sterling Silver

Brushed 10K Yellow Gold Black Star Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Sewickley, PA
This striking vintage ring is crafted in 10k brushed yellow gold, offering a warm, textured finish
Category

1980s North American Retro Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, Black Star, 10k Gold

Diamonds Pave Set Round Cluster Black Diamonds Halo White Gold Three Stone Ring
By Galt Bro. Jewelers
Located in Oakton, VA
A striking ring from. This exquisite piece features a captivating design with a central round black
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold Oval Cut Black Opal Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
A phenomenal Australian black opal ring boasting a glowing blue-green oval center stone weighing
Category

2010s Unknown Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, White Gold

Black Onyx Diamond White Gold Swirl Ring
Located in New York, NY
18kt White Gold Swirl ring set in Black Onyx & full cut clean & white Diamonds. Very chic
Category

Late 20th Century American Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, White Gold, 18k Gold

Marquise Ruby, Black Diamond with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.32 carats, Black Diamond 2.07 carats with Diamond 0.36 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White
Category

2010s Thai Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Diamonds Pave Set Round Cluster Black Diamond Halo 14K White Gold Statement Ring
By Galt Bro. Jewelers
Located in Oakton, VA
This elegant ring is crafted in 14K white gold. It features a central round diamond weighing
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Pink Gold Rhodium Silver White and Black Diamonds Black Spinel Ring
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, AT
White Diamonds and Black Diamonds and Black Spinel handcrafted in White Gold, Sterling Silver and
Category

2010s Austrian Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, Spinel, White Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver

Diamond White and Black Gold Dome Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Shiny ring in 18kt white and black gold embellished with diamonds. gold 16.64gr diamonds 0.80kt tot
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Retro Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Contemporary 0.45 Carat Black Diamonds Burnished Sterling Silver Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Contemporary 0.45 Karat Black Diamonds Burnished Sterling Silver Unisex Design Ring Here there is
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Black Diamond, Sterling Silver

Contemporary 0.45 Carat Black Diamonds Burnished Sterling Silver Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Contemporary 0.45 Karat Black Diamonds Burnished Sterling Silver Unisex Design Ring Here there is
Category

2010s Italian Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Black Diamond, Sterling Silver

Antique Platinum, 18K Gold, Black Opal, Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique platinum, gold, opal & diamond ring. In platinum & 18 karat yellow gold. With a
Category

20th Century Unknown Retro Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

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

18kt Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
A captivating cluster ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, centering black oval opal .The opal is
Category

Late 20th Century European Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Black Onyx Diamond Meghna Jewels Flame Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
black onyx and .24 carats of sparkling diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to larger or
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Onyx, Diamond, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold

Black South Sea Pearl Diamond Large ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Seas Queen! Rare and magnificent classic statement ring Beautifully hand crafted as unique piece
Category

Late 20th Century European Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

Aquamarine, White Sapphire, Black Diamond, Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Aquamarine 12.08 carats, White Sapphire 1.58 carats, Black Diamond 0.63 carat and Diamond
Category

2010s Thai Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Aquamarine, Black Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Estate Vintage Platinum 2.03 Black Opal Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Estate Vintage platinum 2.03 black Opal diamond halo ring. Showcasing one oval black Opal
Category

20th Century Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

Cultured Tahitian Black Pearl Diamond Heart Ring
Located in Torrance, CA
Tahitian South Sea black pearl measures 11mm, accented with an estimated 0.10 carats of diamonds (estimated
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Incredible Black Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Statement Serpent Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Victoria with a ring in the image of a snake featuring an emerald-set head. The Queen pronounced the snake
Category

2010s Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Incredible Black Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Statement Serpent Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Victoria with a ring in the image of a snake featuring an emerald-set head. The Queen pronounced the snake
Category

2010s Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

David Yurman Black Diamond Signet Ring Streamline Sterling Silver size 7
By David Yurman
Located in Northbrook, IL
captivating array of black diamonds. The ring showcases a bold, rectangular face encrusted with meticulously
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Black Diamond, Sterling Silver

Tiffany Co. Gold Black Onyx Ring with Diamonds
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
TIFFANY & CO. 18K YELLOW GOLD BLACK ONYX RING WITH DIAMONDS -Material: 18k Yellow Gold and Black
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Flexible Blackened White Gold Ring with Black and White Diamonds
Located in Bergamo, BG
structure is adorned with a striking contrast of black and white brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling 2.56
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Modernist Black Onyx Diamond Ring 14 Karat
Located in Wallkill, NY
Another stunning Modernist 14k Gold Ring. Featuring an Oval Onyx Stone with small diamond accents
Category

1960s Modernist Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Handcraft Black Diamond 18 Karat White and Yellow Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
collection. Black diamond weight 3.68 karat White Diamonds weight 0.68 karat Ring total weight 8.10 grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

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

18kt Black Gold Ring 7.00cts Diamonds Total 7.00cts
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18kt black gold ring 7.00cts diamonds total 7.00cts
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Other

Stunning 18k Black and White Diamond Pavé Cocktail Ring US 8
By THEVAULT15
Located in Boostedt, DE
rare black diamond, this stunning 3 ct ring embodies a classic eternity setting that further
Category

2010s Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold

17.5mm South Sea Pearl Black White Diamond 18k Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
light. Accentuating the pearl are black rose-cut diamonds and round white diamonds, totaling 3.77 carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rhodium

6.79 Carat Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A very fine and beautifully shaped black Australian opal takes center stage. It weighs 6.79 carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

Mid-Century Platinum Black Opal and Diamond Ballerina Style Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite ballerina-style ring from the 1950s is a stunning example of timeless elegance and
Category

1950s Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, Platinum

Zorab Creation Gecko Black Pearl Spinel Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
Chalcedony, 1.52 Carats of White Diamonds, and 0.87 Carats of treated Black Diamonds. This item has a serial
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Chalcedony, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Black Pearl, Spinel, 18k Gold

Platinum GIA 2.33ctw Exceptional Colorful Black Opal Long Baguette Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
, diamond to diamond), 2mm (bottom of the shank) Ring Height: 7mm rise off the finger Stamp: PT900 - 1.66
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum

1.11 Carat Fine Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
brilliance and sparkle to the ring. Hand-fabricated in platinum, a fine Australian black opal ring ready to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

Pink Tourmaline Black Diamonds Butterfly Sweet 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
Dimensions: 2.20x2.10x2.30cm Color: 18K White Gold Materials: "69 Black Diamonds 0.68 CT 43 White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

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

1980s Platinum 18k Gold Black Jade Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
black jade flanking a central concave surface fully pavé-set with natural round brilliant diamonds
Category

1980s Retro Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Black Jade, 18k Gold, Platinum

Platinum Black Opal Diamond Bypass Ring - Oval Cabochon 1.52ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Information Natural Black Opal Carat(s): .86ct Cut: Oval Cabochon Stone Note: (Australian) Natural Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

Black Diamond Hamsa Ring 0.38 cts.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14K White Gold finished in Black Rhodium Black Diamonds 0.38 cts.
Category

2010s Used Black Diamond Ring

Black Enamel Diamond 14 Karat Gold Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
diamonds. Available in Turquoise, Red, Orange, White. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to larger
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel

0.27 Carat Natural Black Diamond White Diamond Flower Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
0.27 Carat Natural Black Diamond White Diamond Flower Ring. A simple everyday classic design is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Unisex Contemporary 0.45c Black Diamonds Burnished Sterling Silver Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
enriched with 0.45 karat black diamonds. This modern design ring faithfully recalls the octagonal shape of
Category

2010s Italian Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Black Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium

Black Diamond Starfish Ring 0.06 cts.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14K Yellow Gold Black Diamonds 0.06 cts.
Category

2010s Used Black Diamond Ring

18 Karat White Gold Black Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamond: 2 round brilliant cut = 0.30cttw Color: H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

10.60 Carat Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ballerina Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large, fine, and impressive black opal weighing 10.60 carats takes center stage. It has fantastic
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

Impressive 18 Karat White Gold Black White Diamond Cocktail Ring
By FRALEONI
Located in Rome, IT
18 kt. white gold ring with round-cut diamonds and round-cut black diamonds. This impressive
Category

2010s Italian Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

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

RARE Fire Opal Diamond ring 18KT Black gold diamond ring CERTIFIED opal Handmade
Located in Boca Raton, FL
ring is of fine quality made from scratch from a piece of gold, did you notice the gold is black? How
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Turquoise, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold

Black and White Diamond Wide Band Ring 18k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18k White Gold Diamond Count: 65 white brilliant cut, 78 black
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Steven Battelle 2.3 Carats Black Diamond 18K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An 8 x 10 mm brown-black cushion shaped rose-cut diamond is set vertically surrounded by a double
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Black Diamond, 18k Gold

French White Gold Ring with Peridots and Black Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
, this French White Gold Ring with Peridots and Black Diamonds is a testament to refined taste and
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Used Black Diamond Ring

Materials

Black Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, White Gold

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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.