Vintage 18K Gold Ring with Garnets and Opals
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This vintage 18K yellow gold ring features an elegant vertical arrangement of two deep red garnets accented by two small opals.
Garnet, Opal, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Mexican Fire Opal & Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A captivating vintage ring crafted in 18K white gold, centered with a glowing 3.55-carat Mexican fire opal.
Fire Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold 8.0ct Egyptian Opal Ring MF07-070826
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A luminous 8.0 carat Egyptian Opal adds warmth, color, and style to the center of this exquisite luxury ring.
Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Judy Geib Platinum 18k Yellow Gold Opal Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handmade opal ring in platinum and 18k yellow gold by New York jewelry designer Judy Geib.
Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
$1,384Sale Price|20% Off
7-across Opal & Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
7-across Opal & Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold This ring is crafted in 18k white gold and features prong-set mexican fire opal, with an engagement & 7-across design.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural 2.08cts Opal & 0.04cts Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
Specifications: Dimensions: Ring Size-7.75 US, Top 13*9MM Gross Weight: 2.180 gms Gold Weight: 1.756 gms Gold Purity: 18K Yellow Gold DIAMOND Weight: 0.04 cts OPAL Weight: 2.08 cts ...
Opal, 18k Gold
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
Ethiopian Opal & Diamond Surrounded By 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Ethiopian Opal & Diamond Surrounded By 18k Yellow Gold Ring Diamond - 0.33 CTS Opal - 1.1 CTS 18k Yellow Gold Custom Services Resizing is available.
Fire Opal, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Freeform Mexican Fire Opal 18K Gold Open End Ring R6807
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Freeform Mexican Fire Opal 18K Gold Open End Ring Organic Fluid Molten Style Matte Finish R6807 ♥ The face of the ring measures 6.9mm in length (North South) direction, 9.8mm in wi...
Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold 12.0ct Opal Cocktail Ring MF03-063026
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The stone is prong-set within a sculptural, organic openwork mounting crafted in 18K yellow gold, with textured, tree-bark-inspired shoulders that dramatically frame the gem.
Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$2,900Sale Price|20% Off
Opal with Diamond Halo Ring 18k White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Opal with diamond halo ring. Center white opal complimented by round brilliant diamonds, approximately G/H color and SI clarity. 18k white gold with filigree work, current ring size ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern Fire Opal Diamond 18k Yellow Gold “Ace” Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Made in 18k yellow gold and ready to be worn. Ring Size 7.25 Weight: 10.7 grams
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal and Ruby Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal 1.93 carats and Ruby 3.28 carats Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 1.1 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 8.14 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was...
Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold
18k Gold Multi Sapphire, Opal & Diamond Ring, New Creation
Located in jaipur, IN
Metal: 18k Gold Multi sapphire: OPAL: DIAMOND: Follow us on insta(divinejewellerylounge) Code: L
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Natural Opal 0.90cts & Diamond 0.20cts Ring in 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
GEMSTONE DETAILS Gold Purity: 18K Solid Gold OPAL: 0.90 CTS DIAMOND: 0.20 CTS 18K GOLD GROSS WEIGHT: 3.11 GRAMS NET WEIGHT: 2.88 GRAM code: k FOLLOW Monalisa Jewelry Inc.'s storef...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Natural Opal 1.05cts & Diamond 0.15cts Ring in 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
GEMSTONE DETAILS Gold Purity: 18K Solid Gold OPAL: 1.05 CTS DIAMOND: 0.15 CTS 18K GOLD NET WEIGHT: 1.90 GRAMS code: k FOLLOW Monalisa Jewelry Inc.'s storefront to view the latest...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Stunning 18K Gold Opal 0.90ct & Diamond 0.20ct Halo Ring, New
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a gemstone set within a halo of sparkling OPAL& DIAMOND.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Antique Platinum, 18K Gold, Black Opal, & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique platinum, gold, opal & diamond ring. In platinum & 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
18k Yellow Gold Opal Ring with 0.98ct Diamond Halo
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat YELLOW gold and features an OPAL ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Aura Opal 18K Gold Ring Australian Fine Sunset Gemstone Gabilo opal wedding gift
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Aura ring with natural Australian Opal in 18K white gold opal origin - Australia ring size - 9 US ring weight - 34 grams opal measurements 0.2 x 0.79 x 0.98 in / 5 х 20 x 25 mm opal ...
Opal, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Diamond Opal Ring, Necklace 18k Gold 11 TCW Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Natural Finely Faceted Quality Opal Diamond Necklace with Ring Pendant 18k Gold 11 TCW Certified $14,950 914672 This is a Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry MADE IN ITAL...
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Eye-catching 5-Stone Opal Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Set in warm 18K yellow gold, the design highlights the opals’ natural fire while adding a timeless charm.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 11.3 Carats Boulder Opal 18K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
This completely hand fabricated 18K gold ring has a substantial tapered wide band with complementary accents on the sides.
Opal, 18k Gold
Estate Opal & Ruby Ladies Cocktail Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This Vintage Estate ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold. It features prong set oval shaped Opal and round cut Rubies.
Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fire Opal Garnet Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 18-karat gold, 2.31 carat fire opal, garnet and handset with .92 carats of sparkling diamonds. This one-of-a-kind piece has been sold. I...
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Opal Ring Size 6.5 #15380
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold and Opal Ring Size 6.5 JAGi Certified- This stunning ring features one oval opal (8.7 mm x 6.5 mm) set in beautifully detailed 18K yellow gold.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal 1.68 carats with Diamond 0.29 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 5.03 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Boulder Opal 18K Gold Silver Ring Natural Blue opal gemstone gift for wife
Located in Berlin, DE
Matte finish silver 18K gold plated ring with fine quality blue Boulder Opal gemstone origin - Australia ring weight - 4.61 grams ring size - 8 1/2 US gemstone size - 0.12 х 0.16 x ...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, 18k Gold
Black Opal Gold Ring 18K Natural Australian stone Engagement ring lotr style
Located in Berlin, DE
Black opal 18K gold ring 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 - US 8 / EU ...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal Multi-Colored Gemstones 18K Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A captivating cocktail ring featuring a mesmerizing opal with a multi-colored hue.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Cocktail Ring, 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
18K Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Ring, featuring one prong set oval cabochon opal weighing approx. 14.00 carats, surrounded by 26 prong set round brilliant cut diamonds weighing a total ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Munsteiner 11.17 CT Fire Opal 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Atelier Munsteiner
Located in Westport, CT
An original 18K yellow gold hand-forged Munsteiner fire opal ring, accompanied by an appraisal by Independent Laboratories.
Opal, Fire Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18k Gold Ring with Pink & Green Sapphire, Opal, Diamond
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a pink & green sapphire, opal and a diamond gemstone.
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold
1.56 Carat Opal 1.25 Carat Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in 台東区, JP
A beautifully sculptural opal and diamond cocktail ring crafted in 18K yellow gold.
Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Large Ethiopian Opal Vintage Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Large Ethiopian Opal Vintage Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold Vintage Opal Diamond Ring features a large dome Oval-shaped Ethiopian Opal in the center with Flashes of Green, Orange, a...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.37 Carat Australian Black Opal Diamond 18K White Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in 18k white gold, the ring is ready to be worn and loved.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Freeform Opal Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Discover the allure of contemporary elegance with our exquisite ring, crafted in the United States in the 21st century. This captivating piece, crafted in gold, features a striking ...
Gold
18k Yellow Gold Ring Opal and Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
Located in Berlin, BE
Elegant 18k Yellow Gold Ring with Australian Opal and Diamonds This stunning 18k yellow gold ring features a magnificent opal of approximately 5ct, showcasing a vibrant play of colo...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Two Tone Gold 26.76ct Fire Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 14.3 Grams Stone: Carved Mexican Fire Opal 26.76ct, Diamond 0.46ctw Measurements: 31.85 x 21.7 x 27mm Size: 6.25 Hallmark: K18 Metal: 18k Two-Tone Gold Item #: BR-1912-06022...
Diamond, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 2.02 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning vintage opal engagement ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 1.60ct Diamond and Opal Ring MF09-050126
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This exquisitely crafted ring is endlessly captivating. At the center, a stunning 15.0 carat Opal adds a stylish pop of color.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Ring - 18k Oval Cabochon 2.20ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $60 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Opal Carat(s): 2.10ct Cut: Oval Cabochon Origin: Austral...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Oval Opal and Diamond 21st Century Cocktail Ring
Located in Ocala, FL
A captivating expression of color and elegance, this 18-karat gold ring showcases a luminous oval cabochon opal measuring approximately 9.00 x 7.00 mm. The center stone displays an e...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold 12.60ct Tourmaline and Opal Ring MF20-011526
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, it features a 4mm wide band and a 14mm top height.This jewelry piece is offered in estate condition and includes a gift box.
Opal, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Opal Ring 8.50 carats Diamonds Vintage Cocktail Ring 18K Gold
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An impressive vintage cocktail ring centered by a magnificent natural Australian white opal displaying vivid flashes of green, orange, yellow, blue and violet across the entire face ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Jelly Opal, Fire Opal, and Diamonds by Paula Crevoshay
By Paula Crevoshay
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Indulge in the ethereal beauty of this exquisite 18K yellow gold ring by Paula Crevoshay, featuring a mesmerizing 6.88-carat jelly opal, 2.32 carats of fire opals, and 1.21 carats of...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giant Gem Opal Cocktail Ring Oval Cabochon 18K Yellow Gold Birthstone
Located in Dearborn, MI
Giant Gem Opal Cocktail Ring Oval Cabochon 18K Yellow Gold Featuring a GIANT Fiery 15 x 6.6mm Oval Cabochon Opal Gemstone Over $350 in Gold Value Alone Incredible Gem Opal Tons ...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Ruby Pearl Diamond 18k Gold Asymmetrical Cocktail Ring
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Claris-A presents this one-of-a-kind opal, ruby, pearl and diamond cocktail ring, crafted in 18k gold.
Ruby, Pearl, Opal, White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Abstract Opal Ring - VHK#27
Located in Hicksville, NY
18K Yellow Gold Abstract Opal Ring - VHK#27 Item Details: Year: 1990s Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: 14k White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.0 grams Opal Details: Type: Abstrac...
Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Lightning Ridge Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond 18k Gold Ring
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Expertly crafted in solid 18ct yellow gold, this striking ring showcases a breathtaking Australian black opal from Lightning Ridge.
Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Multi Sapphire, Tanzanite & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ethiopian Opal, Multi Sapphires & Tanzanites Cocktail Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Steven Battelle 1.7 Carats Australian Opal 18K Gold/Sterling Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two 4 x6 mm oval, one 4mm round, and one 3 mm round cabochon Australian opals are set in 18K gold bezels with intricate 18K gold "wire and jawan" handwork surrounding atop a wide tap...
Opal, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
18k Gold Ring with Pink Sapphire, Opal, and Diamond Gemstones
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a pink sapphire, opal and a diamond gemstone.
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
11.80Grams Black Opal & Diamonds Ring, Set in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
These round brilliant diamonds feature an H color and VS clarity, ensuring their superior quality. The opulent cocktail ring is beautifully set in 18k yellow gold, making it a true s...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid Australian Opal Modernist Design 18K Gold Chunky Ring V1118
Located in Osprey, FL
This captivating 18K gold chunky ring features a modernist design in a hand-carved organic style, set with a solid Australian opal and brilliant diamonds in bezel setting.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal & Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k Gold, Circa 1890
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique opal ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Silver
Handmade 18k Yellow Gold Black Opal Band Ring, 1.28 Carats, USA
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Featuring a 1.28 carat opal with beautiful play-of-color, this chic and sophisticated ring was handmade in 18k yellow gold by our Master Jewelers in Los Angeles using old-world artis...
Black Opal, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 5.5 #23551
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 5.5 This stunning 18K yellow gold ring features five oval opal gemstones and five round single cut diamonds set in a sculptural branch-lik...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Australian Opal Ring, 0.4ct, Size 7.5, New
Located in Berlin, DE
18K yellow gold ring with natural Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.16 х 0.16 х 0.24 in / 4 х 4 х 6 mm stone weight - 0.4 carats ring weight - 4.88 grams ring size...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.56ctw Opal, Diamond & Ruby Cocktail Ring, 18k Yellow Gold, Ring Size 7.5
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: opal oval cab 14.3 x 10.6 mm diamond single cut round approximately .24 total carats G-H color, SI1-I1 clarity ruby round approximately 1.32 total carats Ring Size: 7.5 Ris...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal with Green Tourmaline Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal 9.79 carats with Green Tourmaline 4.43 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.5 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 11.35 grams "We first opened doors in 198...
Opal, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
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.
Opals were discovered in 400 BC, and since then five types have been found throughout the world. Before you start shopping for mysteriously beautiful vintage opal rings and other opal jewelry, learn about the different varieties of the gem — and find out which historical figure was reportedly willing to trade his kingdom for a single stone.
Here is a little riddle for you: the month of October has two birthstones, but only one of them encompasses the colors of other birthstones. If you guessed opal, you’re right! (The other gemstone associated with the month of October is tourmaline.)
Opals are such unusual gemstones that there are too many old-wives tales associated with them, like if you’re a blond, wearing an opal necklace will protect your locks from losing color. Opals were also very fashionable in the early 19th century, up until the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein in 1829. The title heroine wears an opal and succumbs to an untimely death. However, the British monarchy, and in particular Queen Victoria, did not let this story get in their way, and they frequently gifted opals to friends and family members. October babies should disregard the noise and proudly wear their opals!
There are five types of precious opals: boulder opal, fire opal, crystal/water opal, black opal, and white/light opal. Each variety is distinguished by its color.
So, where does the name come from? The word opal is thought to originate from the Roman opalus or from the Sanskrit úpala (“precious stone”) or from the Greek opallios (“to see a color change”). So while there have been many names for the stones, opals were first discovered in 400 BC in Ethiopia. But the early reference that comes up most often in history books is from the Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder, who wrote about it in 75 AD. In his text he refers to it as opali. The Romans were big fans of opal, Mark Antony was so enamored by it that, as the story goes, he was willing to trade a portion of his kingdom for a single opal.
There's a wide variety of antique and vintage opal jewelry on 1stDibs (and you won't have to trade your kingdom for it).
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.
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.