$12,278Sale Price|40% Off
Large Black Opal ring Australian Inky Sterling Silver Matte finish Neon Blue
Located in Berlin, DE
A stunning and unique piece, this large black opal ring showcases the captivating beauty of Australian opals.
Opal, Black Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Large Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large and impressive black opal from Australia! It weighs 17.39 carats and has great play-of-color as flashes of green and blue can be seen across the entirety of the stone.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
$3,751Sale Price|40% Off
Large Black Opal Silver Ring Colorful Australian Gemstone Mens ring vintage gift
Located in Berlin, DE
Large matte finish silver ring with natural Black Opal gemstone origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.12 x 0.51 x 0.91 in / 3 x 13 x 23 mm opal weight - 8.55 carats ring size - 8...
Opal, Black Opal, Silver
$2,387Sale Price|40% Off
Large Black Opal Silver ring Neon Blue Australian Gemstone Gift Mens ring
Located in Berlin, DE
Large matte finish silver ring with natural Black Opal gemstone origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.12 x 0.51 x 0.91 in / 3 x 13 x 23 mm opal weight - 8.55 carats ring size - 8...
Opal, Black Opal, Silver
Platinum 6.62ctw GIA Large Oval Black Opal w/ Baguette & Round Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Black Base / Nice Play of Colors - 5.22ct (exact) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Info ** Nu...
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Large Solid Gold GIA Pear Australian Black Opal Emerald & Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Australian Black Opal - Pear Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Black Base / Nice Play of Colors - 6.6ct (approx. by GIA measurements) ** See Certification ...
Diamond, Emerald, Black Opal, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,950Sale Price|47% Off
NWT $7, 500 Rare 18KT Gold Large Black Opal Fancy Diamond Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are offering is a Rare Important Spectacular and Brilliant 18KT Gold Large Gorgeous Black Opal Diamond Ring. Ring consists of Rare Fine Magnificent Opals surro...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
$24,000Sale Price|56% Off
NWT $55, 000 Rare 18KT Gold Large Boulder Black Opal Fancy Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold Glistening Australian Black Opal and Diamond Gorgeous Pendant. Pendant features a Magnificent Rare Color Cha...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
$27,450Sale Price|55% Off
NWT $61, 000 Rare 18KT Gold Large Black Opal Fancy Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important Spectacular and Brilliant 18KT Gold Large Gorgeous Black Opal Diamond Ring. Ring consists of Rare Fine Magnificent Black Opal s...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Large Australian Lightning Ridge Black Opal and Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K White Gold Style: Opal and Diamond Ring Total Weight: 23.90 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Center Gemstone: Australian Lightning Ridge Black Opa...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
$41,850Sale Price|55% Off
NWT $93, 000 Rare 18KT Gold Glittering 60CT Large Ruby Black Opal Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold with Large Rare Fancy Gorgeous Large Fancy Ruby, Black Opal and Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
14k Yellow Gold Arrowhead Bezel Black Opal Burnish Diamond Accents Large Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Custom Arrowhead Cut - Gray/Black base w/ blue and green color play - 31.30 x 24.93mm (approx.) (10) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brillian...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,000Sale Price|60% Off
NWT $22, 500 Rare 18KT Gold Large Black Opal Fancy Rose Cut Diamond Flower Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold Glistening Australian Black Opal and Diamond Gorgeous Ring. Ring features a Magnificent Rare Color Changing ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
$8,000Sale Price|50% Off
NWT $16, 000 Rare Fancy 18KT Gold Large 13ct Opal Black Enamel Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold Large Fancy Fiery Opal Diamond Black Enamel Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Natural Black Opal 15.60 carats and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
Natural Black Opal 15.60 carat and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum Large Black Opal and Diamond Ring features Natural Oval Cabochon Black Opal weighing 15.60 carats with flashes o...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
$12,600Sale Price|55% Off
NWT $28, 000 Rare 18KT Gold Rare Fancy Lightening Ridge Black Opal Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are offering is a Rare Important Spectacular and Brilliant 18KT Gold Large Gorgeous Black Opal Diamond Ring. Ring consists of a Rare Fine Magnificent Rare Ligh...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Stephen Webster Fly by Night Black Opalescent Crystal Haze & Diamond Large Ring
By Stephen Webster
Located in London, GB
This 'Fly By Night' Crystal Haze Large Ring is a tribute to the winged creatures that dwell within the misty forest depths. Handcrafted in 18ct white gold, black opalescent with clea...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Quartz, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
7.71 Carat Certified Black Opal and Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
Large Black Opal Ring with AGL Certificate in Platinum Diamond Setting Large Black Opal and Diamond Ring features a 7.71 carat Oval shaped Black Opal accented by one row of Round Fu...
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Large Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large and impressive natural Australian black opal takes center stage of this platinum made cocktail ring.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Large Ivy Ring Black Opal 26 Carats Vegetal Yvy Collection
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Large Ivy ring made of 18K yellow gold with Black Opal Opal origin - Australia size of the ring - 9 US total ring weight 41 gramm
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
1980s GIA Large Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ballerina Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Witness the whole universe in one ring out of this world! This cosmic looking Black Opal and diamond Ballerina Ring is crafted in Solid Platinum, Weighing 24.4 grams and measuring ...
Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, Platinum
Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large and impressive black opal ring! The Australian opal weighs 9.07 carats and with a black body color and pleasing play-of-color.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large and impressive Australian black opal ring!
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Mega Round Opal and Diamond Lotus Ring - Noteworthy Large Opal - 10 ct
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
Significant Black Opal solitaire set in Ri Noor’s iconic lotus motif. Wear it alone as an engagement ring, or cocktails ring, or pair it with other bands from the same collection for...
Diamond, Black Opal, 14k Gold
Large Black opal ring Mens opal jewelry Australian opal natural Blue opalescence
Located in Berlin, DE
Large solid sterling silver ring with natural oval-cut Black Opal - tone N1 opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.59 х 0.98 in / 15 х 25 mm opal weight - 16.7 ct ring weight...
Opal, Black Opal, Silver
NWT $16, 000 Rare Fancy 18KT Gold Large 13ct Opal Black Enamel Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold Large Fancy Fiery Opal Diamond Black Enamel Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
9, 929 18KT Gold Gorgeous 23CT Black Opal Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are offering is a Rare Important Spectacular and Brilliant 18KT Gold Large Gorgeous Black Opal Cabochon Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Large 14.91 Ct Oval Shaped Black Opal & Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
Ring features a beautiful 14.91 ct oval shaped black opal cabochon in the center with flashes of green, yellow, and blue, with dark grey background, surrounded by 3.11 cts of round a...
Diamond, Opal, White Diamond, Platinum
Large Black Opal Art Deco Style Platinum, Diamond, Sapphire and
Located in San Francisco, CA
This large and lavish oval black opal with it's spectacular canvas of shimmering blues and greens is reminiscent of an Impressionist masterpiece by Monet.
Opal, Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Platinum
Contemporary 18ct Yellow Gold Semi Black Solid Opal And Diamond Ring
Located in NEW TOWN, AU
Dating to around the 1970’s to early 1990’s this incredible large semi black solid Opal and diamond ring almost defies description.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Black Fire Opal and Baguette Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Teaneck, NJ
Gorgeous large black opal and tampered baguette cocktail ring, circa 1970s.
14 Karat White Gold Ladies Australian Black Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
This Is A 14k White Gold Ladies Australian Black Opal And Diamond Ring. The Main Stone Is A Solid 17 X 10 Millimeter Oval Opal. The Opal Is Accented By 12 Round Cut Diamonds With A T...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Black Opal 3.77 carats and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
Natural Black Opal 3.77 carats and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum Black Opal and Diamond Ring features a Center Oval Cabochon Black Opal with flashes of Green and Blue play of co...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
GIA 7.53ct Black Opal Diamond Platinum Oval Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This GIA Natural Black Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring with a total weight of 11.18 grams. Centered with natural genuine Black opal Expertly mounted in solid platinum weighing appro...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
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-of-color as flashes of blue and green can be seen across the opal which also has a ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
2.88 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful! Finely detailed Black Opal and Diamond Vintage Platinum Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 2.88 Carat Black Opal. Surrounded by Marquis and Round Brillia...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large and impressive cocktail ring featuring a fine and gemmy Australian black opal! The opal weighs 5.80 carats and has excellent play-of-color and large prominent bright flashes ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Gem Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This tremendous ring is the first and last cocktail ring you will ever want to own. A remarkable 12.28 carat black opal surrounded by 4.16 carats of round cut diamonds and a trillion...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
$2,660Sale Price|40% Off
Blue Big Opal Silver Ring Precious Natural Gemstone Jewelry Unusual Opal gift
Located in Berlin, DE
This exquisite ring features a captivating blue opal set in sterling silver. The opal boasts a striking, one-of-a-kind pattern and a beautiful, vibrant opalescence that shifts with t...
Opal, Silver
$6,821Sale Price|40% Off
Blue Australian Opal Silver Ring Lightning thunderstorm Blue Opal Jewelry 3ct
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver ring with natural bright Blue Lightning Opal of 3.04 carat Opal origin - Australia Opal measurements - 9 x 13 mm / 0.35 x 0.51 size of the ring - US Size 7.5 = UK Size O = Eur...
Opal, Silver
Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A perfect cocktail ring for day and night featuring a gem 4.83 carat black opal. The Australian opal shows bright and strong flashes or blue and green over a deep dark black body col...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
$6,821Sale Price|40% Off
Lagre Blue Black Opal Silver Ring 10 carat gift natural opal wedding mens ring
Located in Berlin, DE
Statement silver ring with natural Black Opal with deep blue opalescence size of the ring - 8 1/4 US, diameter 18.25 mm, N 18, 58 circumference ring weight - 12 grams stone measureme...
Opal, Black Opal, Silver
$3,410Sale Price|40% Off
Boulder Opal Silver Ring Mens Statement Jewelry Gift birthday
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver ring with natural Boulder Opal Opal gemstone origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.47 x 0.85 in / 12 x 19 mm ring weight - 12.5 grams ring size - 8 3/4 US, diameter 18.7...
Opal, Silver
$4,024Sale Price|40% Off
Big Blue Opal Silver Ring Natural Statement Australian Dark Opal Jewellery 9 US
Located in Berlin, DE
This large contemporary ring features a natural 15-carat Australian blue Opal, set in a sculptural 925 sterling silver bezel with a refined matte finish. The Opal displays an elegant...
Opal, Silver
$3,069Sale Price|40% Off
3ct Blue Opal Sterling Silver Ring - Artisan Contemporary Design natural opal
Located in Berlin, DE
This refined ring is crafted in sterling silver and 18K gold, set with a natural blue opal selected for its soft translucency and balanced coloration. The opal displays layered blue ...
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Fine Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A superb gem black opal from Lightning Ridge, Australia. It weighs 7.79 carats and has excellent play-of-color and fantastic brightness. Intense vivid flashes of green, blue, orange,...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Gem Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
What it lacks in size, weighing 0.70 carats, it makes up in its amazing gem quality. The play-of-color of this Australian black opal is one of the finest. Bright gemmy flashes of red...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
21st Century GIA Opal Diamond Cocktail Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This stunning diamond and opal cocktail ring is crafted in solid platinum, weighing 10.3 grams and measures 24mm x 13mm high. Showcasing a prominent four-prong set cosmic GIA certif...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$1,980Sale Price|20% Off
18 Karat Gold Signet Ring with Diamonds and Boulder Opal
Located in New York, NY
Modern and sleek Signet Ring which can be worn alone or stacked our other pave signet rings. The influence of Art Deco can be seen in this angular shape. This center stone is a slice...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
$1,800Sale Price|40% Off
Mens, Unisex Ring with Genuine Emerald
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Silver, Gold Mens Ring with Emerald. Statement emerald ring. Silver, Gold signet ring for men with emerald. Emerald ring. Unisex ring with Emerald. Natural emerald ring. Octagon eme...
Emerald, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
$4,796Sale Price|20% Off
Jade Ring with Diamonds Certified Untreated, New & Unworn Size 9.5
Located in Northampton, MA
A lush apple-green half-cylinder of natural and untreated Burmese jadeite jade is the bright and impressive focal point of this 18K white gold circa 1990s -though never worn- jade sa...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold
NALLY JEWELS 4.03ct. GIA Fancy Light Pink Diamond Ring in 18k Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
Natural GIA Certified Fancy Light Purplish Pink Diamond Ring This rectangular mixed cut diamond weighs 4.03 carat (Color: Fancy Light Purplish Pink, Clarity: SI1, GIA# ) set in 18k...
Pink Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
18kt Yellow Gold Australian Opal & Diamond Pendant
Located in San Francisco, CA
If you're looking for an Australian opal with phenomenal play of color, then look no further. This absolutely stunning piece features a natural wavy Australian boulder opal that disp...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BOB MACKIE Green Chiffon Flower Embellished Gown Size 2 4
By Bob Mackie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage Bob Mackie gown is composed of a light green mint hue silk chiffon. The upper bodice features an embellished center front and short sleeve, with a floral pattern. There ...
Dalben Magnificent Australian Opal Rose Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold satin finishing ring with a 10,35 carat bezel-set oval shape magnificent Coober Pedy Australian crystal opal . This wonderful Australian Opal have a kal...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Versace Silk Halter Dress with Embroidery
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous fine stretch silk halter dress from Versace with a colorful pink lily print on a turquoise background. The halter neck and bust area are comprised of intricate silk cord f...
2.07 Carat Emerald Cut Emerald & Diamond Art Deco Men's Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
This stunning art deco fashion ring is the perfect choice for adding a touch of sophistication and glamour to your look. The ring features a 207 carat emerald cut emerald set in a di...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 3 Carat Emerald-Cut Emerald Bezel Mens Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Solitaire Men's Ring, weighing 15.4 grams, the ring showcases a ~3.0 carat Emerald-Cut Emerald (10.65 x 7.6 x 6.1mm) in a bezel setting. A simple and classy r...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,232Sale Price|40% Off
Dune Opal Ring Gold Precious Opal Gemstone Wedding Gift Unisex Jewelry Rainbow
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
"Dune" - 14K yellow gold ring with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal weight - 14 carats stone measurements - 0.16 х 0.55 х 0.87 in / 4 х 14 х 22 mm ring weight - 7.45...
Opal, Crystal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Dalben Stone Shape Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18 kt yellow gold ring with a 6,8 carats bezel-set blue stone shape Australian Boulder Opal . Ring size 6 - EU 52 re-sizable . Bezel setting dimensi...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Big Oval Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold satin finishing ring with a 14,78 carat bezel-set oval light blue Australian Boulder Opal. The opal has pastel light blue-green colors with some pink wave...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Lois D. Sasson Design Sterling Silver Lapis Lazuli Signet Men's Ring
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Lois D. Sasson Design Sterling Silver Lapis Lazuli Signet Men's Ring. This sophisticated piece features a striking round lapis lazuli set at the center of a matte fin...
Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
GIA Certified 10.43 Carat Pink Tourmaline & Custom Cut Diamond Ring. Substantial
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Please check out the HD video! This piece unique setting is as special as the large oversized 10.43 cts pink tourmaline. The 18k white gold mounting is set with 3.23cts of custom cut...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
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.
A flashy symbol of wealth during the early 20th century, antique and vintage cocktail rings have gained broader appeal in the decades since for the hefty dose of glamour they bring to any ensemble.
Cocktail rings earned their name for their frequent appearances during glitzy cocktail parties at the height of the Prohibition era. Back then, these accessories were seen not only as statement pieces but as statements in and of themselves. They openly represented a sense of freedom and independence as well as a demonstration of opulence. After all, the 1920s heralded the Harlem Renaissance and Art Deco design, and a slew of social and cultural shifts meant that women in particular were breaking from pre–World War I conventions and embracing newfound freedoms to express themselves as individuals.
Women expressly wore cocktail rings on the fingers of their right hand versus the left, which was “reserved” for an engagement ring or wedding band, accessories definitely paid for by a suitor. And for cocktail rings, the bigger the colored gem at the center — which is usually mounted in a high setting — and the more elaborate the design, the stronger the likelihood of being noticed.
Cocktail rings remained a popular piece of jewelry for women until the 1930s, when the Great Depression and the onset of war marked a change in behaviors nationwide. While the 1960s and ’70s saw a return in visibility for the accessory, it wasn’t until the 1980s that cocktail rings once again assumed their position as a beacon of luxury and glitz.
During the 20th century, the range of dazzling cocktail rings seems to have been limitless, from glimmering gold rings set with carved jade diamonds designed by David Webb to Pomellato’s pink quartz confections to striking Gucci butterfly rings with accent diamonds set in a pavé fashion.
So, how do you wear a cocktail ring? Cocktail rings “can be worn for almost anything — dinners, date nights, parties, special events, on the red carpet,” explains David Joseph of New York-based jewelry brand Bochic.
Can you wear cocktail rings with other rings? “In my opinion, cocktail rings should stand on their own since they showcase a large gem in the center,” says Joseph.
These glamorous jewels can be worn inside or outside crowded taverns, in either daytime or nighttime with casual or dressy attire. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique and vintage cocktail rings, including those offered by Chanel, whose elegant cocktail rings often feature pearls and, of course, diamonds, and sometimes were styled after showy flowers like the camellia, and Van Cleef & Arpels, whose detailed and intricate designs are viewed as miniature pieces of wearable art.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.