Black Diamond Baguette Ring
2010s American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century North American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern More Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings
Black Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Retro Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Three-Stone Rings
Black Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Artisan Fashion Rings
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Black Opal, White Diamond, Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2010s Swiss Modern Cocktail Rings
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, Gold
2010s American Solitaire Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Asian Modern Engagement Rings
Black Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, W...
2010s North American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
2010s Swiss Modern Fashion Rings
White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
2010s Swiss Modern Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
2010s Swiss Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
2010s Swiss Modern Fashion Rings
White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, W...
21st Century and Contemporary Greek Byzantine Solitaire Rings
White Diamond, Diamond, Rhodium, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Enamel
2010s Art Deco Cluster Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American More Rings
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Wedding Rings
White Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Engagement Rings
Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Artist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Fashion Rings
White Diamond, Silver
Vintage 1960s Spanish Post-War Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Platinum
Early 2000s Greek Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s Israeli Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Hong Kong More Rings
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Greek Contemporary More Rings
Black Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, Sapphire, Rhodium
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Band Rings
Black Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
2010s Greek Contemporary More Rings
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Iolite, Lapis Lazuli, Rhodium
Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal
2010s Greek Art Deco Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
2010s British Contemporary Fashion Rings
Black Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Greek Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Titanium, White Gold
2010s Greek Contemporary More Rings
Amethyst, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Greek Art Deco Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Greek Art Deco Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
2010s Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
2010s French Art Deco Engagement Rings
White Diamond, Agate, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Unknown Engagement Rings
Agate, White Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, Platinum
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Black Diamond Baguette Ring For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Black Diamond Baguette Ring?
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 rings, vintage 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 rings, vintage 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What 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, 2021Black 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, 2023Black 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, 2023Whether 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.
Read More
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Colorful Gemstones Are a Brilliant Choice for Engagement Rings
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Our Guide to Fancy-Colored Diamond Engagement Rings
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Talking Diamonds with the Jeweler Behind J. Lo’s Engagement Ring
Alon Ruschin, of Vivid Diamonds & Jewelry, channels his passion for gems into helping clients find just the right ring.