Vintage 1970s Black Onyx Glass Cocktail Ring Gold Tone Four Prong

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This is a classic vintage 1970s cocktail ring featuring a striking rectangular black glass stone set in a delicate gold-tone setting with elegant four-prong split-shank design. An iconic representation of 1970s bold glamour and retro aesthetic, perfect for collectors of 1970s fashion jewelry and retro statement pieces.

The Black Glass Stone: The centerpiece is a substantial rectangular black glass cabochon—a stone that mimics the appearance of genuine onyx but is crafted from quality black glass. The stone displays a deep, lustrous black surface with a polished finish that catches light beautifully. Black glass was a popular substitute for more expensive onyx during the 1970s, providing the dramatic, sophisticated look of genuine onyx at an accessible price point. The rectangular cut provides elegant geometry and a clean, modern visual impact—quintessentially 1970s in design sensibility.

Metal & Setting: The band is crafted from gold-tone base metal (likely brass or similar alloy with a gold-tone finish). No visible hallmark indicates this is costume jewelry rather than precious metal. The gold-tone finish provides the warm, lustrous appearance of gold without the expense. The stone is set using a four-prong setting, where four prongs secure the corners of the rectangular stone, providing good structural support and an elegant frame. The split-shank band design (where the band divides below the setting) adds architectural interest and visual lightness to the overall design.

1970s Retro Appeal: This ring is quintessentially 1970s in design philosophy: bold, sophisticated, wearable, and fashionably accessorized. The 1970s represented a golden age of costume jewelry when quality, fashionable pieces were accessible to everyone and wearing statement jewelry was not only acceptable but encouraged. Black and gold combinations were particularly popular during this decade, symbolizing elegance and sophistication. This ring would be perfect layered with other 1970s jewelry or worn as a standalone statement piece.

Condition & Wearability: The ring is in good vintage condition. The black glass stone is undamaged, secure in its prong setting, and shows no chips or cracks. The gold-tone metal shows expected patina from 40+ years of age, with some plating wear in high-use areas (entirely normal and adding to authentic vintage character). The band is structurally sound and wearable.

IMPORTANT MATERIAL NOTE: This is a vintage 1970s costume jewelry piece. The stone is black glass (not genuine onyx), and the metal is gold-tone base metal (not precious metal). The ring is valued as an authentic 1970s fashion jewelry collectible with strong retro appeal and clean design quality typical of that era's best cocktail ring designs.

 _gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))

Condition: Pre-owned

Item specifics

Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.