A wonderfully dramatic circa 1925 Art Deco ring built around one of the era’s most iconic design combinations: polished black onyx, bright white diamonds, platinum and crisp geometric contrast.
At the center is an elongated oval cabochon of polished black onyx measuring approximately 16.75 x 8.27 mm. Mounted directly into the center is a platinum bezel-set European-cut natural diamond weighing approximately 0.50 carat.
The shoulders continue the architectural Deco design with platinum bezel-set diamond rows containing two straight baguette-cut diamonds and eight matching single-cut diamonds. These are further accented by two trapezoid-shaped polished black onyx cabochons, creating a strong stepped and symmetrical profile.
The top of the ring transitions into a rounded, bright-polished 18K yellow gold shank, adding a subtle warmth to the otherwise black-and-white composition.
The overall effect is bold, sophisticated and unmistakably Art Deco.
MONOCHROMATIC ART DECO STYLE
One of the great signatures of Art Deco jewelry was its dramatic monochromatic look.
Designers often paired deep black onyx with white diamonds and platinum to create sharp contrast, clean lines and a very modern appearance.
That black-and-white look also worked beautifully during the rise of the silver screen in the 1920s. Movies were still largely shown in black and white, so strong contrasts, bright diamonds and bold geometric shapes showed exceptionally well under theatrical lighting and on camera.
This was the glamorous age of stars such as Rudolph Valentino, Gloria Swanson, Clara Bow, Louise Brooks, Charlie Chaplin and, by the later 1920s, Greta Garbo.
Their fashion, jewelry, hairstyles and screen presence helped shape the idea of modern glamour.
Seen in that world, this ring feels completely at home. The black onyx, bright diamonds and platinum detailing have the same visual drama as a beautifully lit black-and-white film.
Nearly a century later, the contrast still feels strikingly modern.
ART DECO EXPLAINED LIKE YOU ARE 12
Art Deco really became famous in the 1920s, especially after a huge design exhibition in Paris in 1925.
Before Art Deco, jewelry often had lots of flowing flowers, vines and soft curves.
Art Deco designers wanted something newer and sharper.
They liked straight lines, circles, triangles, steps, symmetry and strong color contrast.
Black onyx and white diamonds became a perfect combination because they looked clean, bold and modern.
It was also the age of jazz, skyscrapers, glamorous parties, fast cars and Hollywood movies.
A simple way to think about it is this:
Imagine the Chrysler Building turned into a piece of jewelry.
That is Art Deco.
This ring is a classic example because it combines black onyx, white diamonds, platinum and strong geometric shapes in exactly the way designers were doing around 1925.
DETAILS AND SPECIFICATIONS
Circa:
1925
Period:
Art Deco
Metal:
Platinum and 18K yellow gold
Finger Size:
7
Yes, we can professionally size this ring a few sizes up or down, subject to inspection by our jeweler.
Top Black Onyx Cabochon:
Oval cabochon cut
Approximately 16.75 x 8.27 mm
Polished black onyx
Additional Onyx:
2 trapezoid-shaped polished black onyx cabochons
CENTER NATURAL DIAMOND
Cut:
European cut
Measurements:
Approximately 4.85 x 2.86 mm
Estimated Weight:
Approximately 0.50 ct
Color:
I/J
Clarity:
VS1 / VS2
Culet:
Medium
Fluorescence:
None
2 STRAIGHT BAGUETTE-CUT NATURAL DIAMONDS
Estimated Total Weight:
Approximately 0.10 ct
Color:
H/I
Clarity:
VS1 / VS2
8 MATCHING SINGLE-CUT NATURAL DIAMONDS
Estimated Total Weight:
Approximately 0.12 ct
Color:
H/I
Clarity:
VS1 / VS2
TOTAL ESTIMATED DIAMOND WEIGHT
Approximately 0.72 ct
GROSS WEIGHT
3.2 dwt