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18ct Black Opal

2.30 ct Black Opal Cabochon Ring with Pear Diamond Accents in 18K White Gold
2.30 ct Black Opal Cabochon Ring with Pear Diamond Accents in 18K White Gold

2.30 ct Black Opal Cabochon Ring with Pear Diamond Accents in 18K White Gold

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

A luminous cabochon-cut black opal of 2.30 carats, displaying exceptional play-of-color with

Category

1990s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, White Gold

18ct White Gold Black Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring 0.62ct 5.28g
18ct White Gold Black Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring 0.62ct 5.28g

18ct White Gold Black Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring 0.62ct 5.28g

Located in SYDNEY, NSW

This exquisite black opal and diamond cluster ring is crafted in 18ct white gold, featuring a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, White Gold, 18k Gold

Rainbow Opal Ring in 18ct gold
Rainbow Opal Ring in 18ct gold

Rainbow Opal Ring in 18ct gold

$4,800Sale Price / item|20% Off

Rainbow Opal Ring in 18ct gold

Located in Brisbane, AU

Rainbow Opal ring featuring a solid black opal in the centre surrounded by a rainbow of sapphires

Category

2010s Australian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Opal, Peridot, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, ...

Rainbow Black Australian Opal Ring with Sapphires and 18ct Yellow Gold
Rainbow Black Australian Opal Ring with Sapphires and 18ct Yellow Gold

Rainbow Black Australian Opal Ring with Sapphires and 18ct Yellow Gold

Located in Brisbane, AU

Australian Black opal centre surrounded by a double halo of rainbow sapphires including yellow, orange Ceylon

Category

2010s Australian Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Tsavorite, Black Opal, 18k Gol...

18ct White and Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Ring 3.57ct 6.52g
18ct White and Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Ring 3.57ct 6.52g

18ct White and Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Ring 3.57ct 6.52g

Located in SYDNEY, NSW

This striking black opal ring features a deep green and blue Lightning Ridge black opal (10mm x 7mm

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

18CT Yellow Gold Australian Opal & Diamond Leaf Brooch
18CT Yellow Gold Australian Opal & Diamond Leaf Brooch

18CT Yellow Gold Australian Opal & Diamond Leaf Brooch

Located in Sydney, NSW

18CT Yellow Gold Australian Opal & Diamond Leaf Brooch Behold the epitome of natural beauty and

Category

Vintage 1980s Australian Romantic Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Australian Natural Black Opal & Diamond Cluster Ring set in 18k Yellow Gold
Australian Natural Black Opal & Diamond Cluster Ring set in 18k Yellow Gold

Australian Natural Black Opal & Diamond Cluster Ring set in 18k Yellow Gold

Located in Grantham, GB

18ct Yellow Gold Australian Black Opal & Diamond Cluster Ring  Stunning Fiery Natural Australian

Category

Vintage 1970s British Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Recent Sales

Natural Australian 3.82 Ct Black Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 18K White Gold
Natural Australian 3.82 Ct Black Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 18K White Gold

Natural Australian 3.82 Ct Black Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 18K White Gold

By Renata Bernard

Located in Sydney, AU

The ‘Gabriella’ opal engagement ring features a gracefully elegant black opal (3.82ct) sourced from

Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

18ct White Gold Opal and Black Onyx Earrings
18ct White Gold Opal and Black Onyx Earrings

18ct White Gold Opal and Black Onyx Earrings

Unavailable

W 0.79 in L 1.78 in

18ct White Gold Opal and Black Onyx Earrings

Located in Sydney, NSW

Oval cabochon cut Opals, crafted with Eighteen Karat white gold and black onyx, featuring a

Category

2010s Australian Contemporary More Earrings

Materials

Onyx, Opal, White Gold

Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond Pendant in 18ct Yellow Gold
Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond Pendant in 18ct Yellow Gold

Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond Pendant in 18ct Yellow Gold

Unavailable

H 1.08 in W 0.6 in D 0.37 in L 11.82 in

Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond Pendant in 18ct Yellow Gold

Located in LEEDERVILLE, WA

Australian Black Opal (14.8 x 11.7 x 5.2mm) as its centre stone, showcasing the dazzling colours of the

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Australian 8.10ct Black Opal Ring with Diamonds, Platinum & 18ct Gold
Australian 8.10ct Black Opal Ring with Diamonds, Platinum & 18ct Gold

Australian 8.10ct Black Opal Ring with Diamonds, Platinum & 18ct Gold

Located in QLD , AU

, SI clarity Opal measures - 14 x 13.30mm Metal - Platinum & 18k yellow gold Ring size - US - 7.25, UK

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond Dress Ring
Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond Dress Ring

Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond Dress Ring

Located in LEEDERVILLE, WA

"The Queen Of Australian Gems" Australian solid black Opal diamond ring set in 18ct white gold

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, 18k Gold

Black Australian Opal Baguette Diamond Cocktail Ring
Black Australian Opal Baguette Diamond Cocktail Ring

Black Australian Opal Baguette Diamond Cocktail Ring

Unavailable

H 0.43 in W 0.79 in L 1.1 in

Black Australian Opal Baguette Diamond Cocktail Ring

Located in LEEDERVILLE, WA

Australian gem quality solid black Opal (10.8x13.1mm) and tapered baguette diamond ring set in 18ct

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

GIA Certified Vivid Black Opal 5.19 ct Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Vivid Black Opal 5.19 ct Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold

GIA Certified Vivid Black Opal 5.19 ct Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold

Located in Suwanee, GA

. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PRODUCT Solid 18K Yellow Gold Australian Black Opal: 4.35 ct 60 ...

Category

2010s Australian Artist Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, Yellow Gold

Antique 1.35ct Black Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Antique 1.35ct Black Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold

Antique 1.35ct Black Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.35 carat black opal and 0.04 carat diamond, 18 carat

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1.80 Ct. Black Opal Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Brooch in 18K White Gold
1.80 Ct. Black Opal Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Brooch in 18K White Gold

1.80 Ct. Black Opal Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Brooch in 18K White Gold

Located in Bangkok, TH

balance, and luxurious gemstone combination. At the center, a glowing 1.80 carat black opal radiates

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

Fernand Demaret 18 Carat Gold Modernist Pendant, Art Jewel 1970, Belgium
Fernand Demaret 18 Carat Gold Modernist Pendant, Art Jewel 1970, Belgium

Fernand Demaret 18 Carat Gold Modernist Pendant, Art Jewel 1970, Belgium

By Fernand Demaret

Located in Bruxelles, BE

Fernand DEMARET Studio (Bijouterie Fernand DEMARET) 18ct gold and black synthetic opal necklace

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

18K 16.06 ct  Natural Color Play Black Opal Diamonds Cocktail Ring
18K 16.06 ct  Natural Color Play Black Opal Diamonds Cocktail Ring

18K 16.06 ct Natural Color Play Black Opal Diamonds Cocktail Ring

Located in Kaohsiung City, TW

"18K 16.06 ct Natural Color Play Black Opal Diamonds Cocktail Ring" This ring features a 16.06

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Taiwanese Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

18K 26.82 ct  Natural Color Play Black Opal Diamonds Cocktail Ring
18K 26.82 ct  Natural Color Play Black Opal Diamonds Cocktail Ring

18K 26.82 ct Natural Color Play Black Opal Diamonds Cocktail Ring

Located in Kaohsiung City, TW

"18K 26.82 ct Natural Color Play Black Opal Diamonds Cocktail Ring" This ring features a 26.82

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Taiwanese Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Black Opal Triangular Necklace Set in 18 Ct Yellow Gold on Race Chain
Black Opal Triangular Necklace Set in 18 Ct Yellow Gold on Race Chain

Black Opal Triangular Necklace Set in 18 Ct Yellow Gold on Race Chain

Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire

Width; 16.8mm. Pendant Depth; 6mm. Length; 18". Materials: 18ct Yellow Gold Stones: Black Opal

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Australian 0.96 Ct Black Opal Pendant Necklace in 18k White Gold with Diamonds
Australian 0.96 Ct Black Opal Pendant Necklace in 18k White Gold with Diamonds

Australian 0.96 Ct Black Opal Pendant Necklace in 18k White Gold with Diamonds

By Renata Bernard

Located in Sydney, AU

Regal and utterly majestic is the wearer of the 'Ciao, Bella!' black opal (0.96ct) pendant sourced

Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Diamond, Black Opal, White Gold

Contemporary 18ct Yellow Gold Semi Black Solid Opal And Diamond Ring
Contemporary 18ct Yellow Gold Semi Black Solid Opal And Diamond Ring

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

Category

Late 20th Century Australian Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold

Natural Australian 3.43 Ct Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
Natural Australian 3.43 Ct Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold

Natural Australian 3.43 Ct Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold

By Renata Bernard

Located in Sydney, AU

Mysterious and ravishing is the wearer of the 'Sonata' opal pendant set in graceful 18K gold and is

Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold

Natural Black Opal Solitaire 18 Carat Gold Ring
Natural Black Opal Solitaire 18 Carat Gold Ring

Natural Black Opal Solitaire 18 Carat Gold Ring

Located in St Helens, GB

A stunning natural Black Opal and 18ct Gold solitaire ring. SIZE ; L 1/2 UK, 5 1/2 US 18 carat

Category

20th Century British Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold

18ct Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Earrings
18ct Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Earrings

18ct Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Earrings

Located in Sydney, NSW

Created Black Opals, crafted with eighteen karat yellow gold, featuring an elegant set of round

Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Black Opal Ring with Diamond Shoulders in 18 Carat Gold and Platinum
Art Deco Black Opal Ring with Diamond Shoulders in 18 Carat Gold and Platinum

Art Deco Black Opal Ring with Diamond Shoulders in 18 Carat Gold and Platinum

Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire

; 5mm. Band Width; 1.5mm. Materials: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Stones: Black Opal, Diamonds

Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

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Antique Ring 25ct natural Blue Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø 4.75 US /9.6gr
Antique Ring 25ct natural Blue Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø 4.75 US /9.6gr

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Category

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Very Rare 1990s Chanel Coco Mark Black Patent Vanity Heart Bag
Very Rare 1990s Chanel Coco Mark Black Patent Vanity Heart Bag

Very Rare 1990s Chanel Coco Mark Black Patent Vanity Heart Bag

By Chanel

Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta

Collector’s item chanel vintage heart vanity in black patent with gold hardware. Original condition. No touch ups or recoloring. Slight cloudiness to the patent surface due to storag...

Category

1990s Novelty Bags

Set in 18K Gold, 9.08 carat Kunzite, Mother of Pearl & Diamonds Engagement Ring
Set in 18K Gold, 9.08 carat Kunzite, Mother of Pearl & Diamonds Engagement Ring

Set in 18K Gold, 9.08 carat Kunzite, Mother of Pearl & Diamonds Engagement Ring

By JEWEL HUB

Located in Hong Kong, HK

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Category

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Materials

Diamond, Kunzite, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

18 Karat Gold 5.26 Carat Emerald-Cut Sapphire and Diamond Eternity Band Ring
18 Karat Gold 5.26 Carat Emerald-Cut Sapphire and Diamond Eternity Band Ring

18 Karat Gold 5.26 Carat Emerald-Cut Sapphire and Diamond Eternity Band Ring

By Gems Paradise

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Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

4.01ct Oval Cut Emerald Forget Me Knot ring with Emeralds in 18ct yellow gold
4.01ct Oval Cut Emerald Forget Me Knot ring with Emeralds in 18ct yellow gold

4.01ct Oval Cut Emerald Forget Me Knot ring with Emeralds in 18ct yellow gold

Located in Brisbane, AU

Glamorously bold and unabashedly seductive. This showstopper ring features an intense green oval cut Emerald embraced North, South, East, West by gold talons and embraced by diamon...

Category

2010s Australian Artisan Solitaire Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

9 Carat Oval Shape Ethiopian Opal Cocktail Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold
9 Carat Oval Shape Ethiopian Opal Cocktail Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold

9 Carat Oval Shape Ethiopian Opal Cocktail Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold

Located in New York, NY

approximately 9 Carat Oval Shape Ethiopian Opal Cocktail Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold size 5.5 Oval Natural Opal A classic, Cocktail ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Size of the opal...

Category

2010s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

2ct Emerald in Forget Me Knot Style Ring
2ct Emerald in Forget Me Knot Style Ring

2ct Emerald in Forget Me Knot Style Ring

Located in Brisbane, AU

*Custom design to order * Our showstopper Natural Emerald "Forget Me Knot" ring is smothered in diamonds set in a combination of 22ct yellow gold and platinum Please message ou...

Category

2010s Australian Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 22k Gold, Platinum

HRD 14K 5.01 ct  Natural Color Play Black Opal Diamonds Cocktail Ring
HRD 14K 5.01 ct  Natural Color Play Black Opal Diamonds Cocktail Ring

HRD 14K 5.01 ct Natural Color Play Black Opal Diamonds Cocktail Ring

Located in Kaohsiung City, TW

"HRD 14K 5.01 ct Natural Color Play Black Opal Diamonds Cocktail Ring" This ring features a 5.01-carat natural black Opal with a color-play effect. It is set on the 14K white gold b...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Taiwanese Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Alexander Beverly Hills GIA 6.33 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace 18k White Gold
Alexander Beverly Hills GIA 6.33 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace 18k White Gold

Alexander Beverly Hills GIA 6.33 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace 18k White Gold

By Alexander Beverly Hills

Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA

Exquisite and timeless round diamond tennis necklace with dangling asscher cut and GIA certified pear brilliant diamond. High jewelry by Alexander Beverly Hills. 6.33 carats total di...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1ct Emerald in Forget Me Knot Style Ring
1ct Emerald in Forget Me Knot Style Ring

1ct Emerald in Forget Me Knot Style Ring

Located in Brisbane, AU

*Custom design to order * Our showstopper natural Emerald "Forget Me Knot" ring is smothered in diamonds set in a combination of 22ct yellow gold and platinum Please message our...

Category

2010s Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 22k Gold, Platinum

Black Opal Yellow Gold Ring Nacreous Gemstone gem Space Odyssey Style Minimalism
Black Opal Yellow Gold Ring Nacreous Gemstone gem Space Odyssey Style Minimalism

Black Opal Yellow Gold Ring Nacreous Gemstone gem Space Odyssey Style Minimalism

Located in Berlin, DE

Black opal gold ring 18K yellow gold opal origin - Australia stone measurements - 0.12 х 0.31 х 0.43 in / 3 х 8 х 11 mm opal weight - 1.65 carats ring weight - 2.72 grams ring size ...

Category

2010s German Contemporary Engagement Rings

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HERMES Rose Pourpre pink Togo leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Palladium RARE
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HERMES Rose Pourpre pink Togo leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Palladium RARE

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Hermes 'Birkin 30' bag in Rose Poupre pink Veau Togo leather with palladium hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front and a zipper po...

Category

2010s French Tote Bags

4ct Emerald Cut Forget Me Knot in 18ct yellow gold
4ct Emerald Cut Forget Me Knot in 18ct yellow gold

4ct Emerald Cut Forget Me Knot in 18ct yellow gold

Located in Brisbane, AU

Glamorously bold and unabashedly seductive. This showstopper ring features an 4ct emerald cut Zambian emerald poised between sharp eagle style talons and embraced by powerful golden ...

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18.28ct Fancy Vivid Yellow Radiant Cut Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
18.28ct Fancy Vivid Yellow Radiant Cut Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring

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Located in New York, NY

This extraordinary three-stone diamond engagement ring is nothing short of breathtaking - a true masterpiece of color, light, and craftsmanship. At its heart an 18.28-carat Fancy Viv...

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Roman Malakov 100.19 Carats Total Graduating Mixed-Cut Diamond Fringe Necklace
Roman Malakov 100.19 Carats Total Graduating Mixed-Cut Diamond Fringe Necklace

Roman Malakov 100.19 Carats Total Graduating Mixed-Cut Diamond Fringe Necklace

By Roman Malakov

Located in New York, NY

An elegant necklace, showcasing 307 pear, marquise, and round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 100.19 carats total. Exquisitely set in an intricate fringe design made of 18K white gol...

Category

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A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace
A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace

A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace

Located in London, GB

A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace, the flexible tapering yellow gold body formed of three rows of scale-like collets each set with a round cabochon-cut turquoise, the h...

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Antique 1840s British Early Victorian Link Necklaces

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Turquoise, Gold

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18ct Black Opal For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 18ct black opal you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, 18k gold and yellow gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 13 vintage editions and 92 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a 18ct black opal from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. A 18ct black opal from Renata Bernard, Cynthia Scott and Stephen Webster — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. See these pages for a cabochon iteration of this accessory, while there are also oval cut cut and mixed cut cut versions available here, too. When shopping for a 18ct black opal, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a 18ct Black Opal?

The price for a 18ct black opal starts at $800 and tops out at $53,700 with these rings, on average, selling for $8,300.

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.