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Kabana Amethyst, Opal, and Diamond Ring, 14 Karat Gold Oval .95 Carat
Kabana Amethyst, Opal, and Diamond Ring, 14 Karat Gold Oval .95 Carat

Kabana Amethyst, Opal, and Diamond Ring, 14 Karat Gold Oval .95 Carat

By Kabana

Located in Greensboro, NC

shimmering diamonds. Inlaid opals with stunning blue-green fire adorn cathedral-style shoulders that arch

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Opal and Ruby Ring
Art Deco Opal and Ruby Ring

Art Deco Opal and Ruby Ring

Located in Litchfield, CT

This stunning twenties confection is set with a scintillating 7.5 carat opal. Deliciously vivid

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold

Antique Opal and Diamond Gold Ring
Antique Opal and Diamond Gold Ring

Antique Opal and Diamond Gold Ring

Located in Litchfield, CT

Circa 1905, 14k, American. The scintillating 4.5 carat opal in this gorgeous antique ring is

Category

20th Century American Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, White Diamond, 14k Gold

Sixties Opal and Diamond-set Gold Ring
Sixties Opal and Diamond-set Gold Ring

Sixties Opal and Diamond-set Gold Ring

Located in Litchfield, CT

is visually delightful." SIZE: Ring size 6 3/4 WEIGHT: 4.3 grams STONES: 2.50-carat opal

Category

Vintage 1960s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond and Opal Vintage Cocktail Ring
Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond and Opal Vintage Cocktail Ring

Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond and Opal Vintage Cocktail Ring

Located in Addison, TX

Dibs family. This ring can be sized up or down 3 sizes for no additional fee. If you wish to have a

Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, White Gold

Victorian Navette Shaped Opal Statement Ring with Old European Cut Diamonds
Victorian Navette Shaped Opal Statement Ring with Old European Cut Diamonds

Victorian Navette Shaped Opal Statement Ring with Old European Cut Diamonds

Located in Addison, TX

to Top of Ring: 5.20mm Gem Details: Type: Opal Shape: Navette Carat Weight: Aprox .97Ct Color

Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1880 Antique Ring In 14Kt Gold With 8.95 Ctw In Opal And Diamonds
Victorian 1880 Antique Ring In 14Kt Gold With 8.95 Ctw In Opal And Diamonds

Victorian 1880 Antique Ring In 14Kt Gold With 8.95 Ctw In Opal And Diamonds

Located in Miami, FL

of color that surpasses the fire of diamond. The best opals command prices per carat that rival

Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

6ct Natural Opal Diamond Ring Vintage 14k White Gold Oval Cocktail Jewelry 6.75
6ct Natural Opal Diamond Ring Vintage 14k White Gold Oval Cocktail Jewelry 6.75

6ct Natural Opal Diamond Ring Vintage 14k White Gold Oval Cocktail Jewelry 6.75

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish vintage natural opal & diamond ring (circa 1950s to 1960s) crafted in 14 karat white gold

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 14K Yellow Gold East West Diamond Shape Opal and Seed Pearl Ring
Victorian 14K Yellow Gold East West Diamond Shape Opal and Seed Pearl Ring

Victorian 14K Yellow Gold East West Diamond Shape Opal and Seed Pearl Ring

Located in Addison, TX

east west, diamond shape. This diamond shape is made up of opals and seed pearls, the subtle fire of

Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Opal Cabochon, with Rose Cut Diamond Halo Fashion Ring
Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Opal Cabochon, with Rose Cut Diamond Halo Fashion Ring

Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Opal Cabochon, with Rose Cut Diamond Halo Fashion Ring

Located in Addison, TX

crown looking gallery that holds an opal cabochon that has soft fire giving the piece an subtle, gentle

Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Mexican Fire Opal Diamond 14 Karat Gold Whiplash Pendant Necklace
Art Nouveau Mexican Fire Opal Diamond 14 Karat Gold Whiplash Pendant Necklace

Art Nouveau Mexican Fire Opal Diamond 14 Karat Gold Whiplash Pendant Necklace

By Wiener Werkstätte

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Pendant is designed as scrolling whiplash featuring two oval Mexican fire opal cabochons Smaller

Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

15.30 Carat Fire Opal Diamond Ring
15.30 Carat Fire Opal Diamond Ring

15.30 Carat Fire Opal Diamond Ring

By EstatebyJR

Located in New York, NY

Introducing our stunning 15.30 Carat Fire Opal Ring, a true masterpiece that effortlessly combines

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Fire Opal, Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold

Mexican Fire Opal Diamond 3-Stone Platinum Ring
Mexican Fire Opal Diamond 3-Stone Platinum Ring

Mexican Fire Opal Diamond 3-Stone Platinum Ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A classic 3-stone ring featuring a fine Mexican fire opal. It weighs an impressive 7.08 carats and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum

1.59 Carat Diamond and 1.93 Carat Fire Opal Platinum Ring
1.59 Carat Diamond and 1.93 Carat Fire Opal Platinum Ring

1.59 Carat Diamond and 1.93 Carat Fire Opal Platinum Ring

By EstatebyJR

Located in New York, NY

Introducing our mesmerizing Diamond and Fire Opal Ring, a true masterpiece that seamlessly marries

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum

Hubert 27.20 Carat Fire Opal Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Hubert 27.20 Carat Fire Opal Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

Hubert 27.20 Carat Fire Opal Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

One Hubert 27.20 Carat Fire Opal Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring. Featuring one

Category

2010s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Kai Nora Oval Fire Opal Eternity Band
Kai Nora Oval Fire Opal Eternity Band

Kai Nora Oval Fire Opal Eternity Band

Located in Newport Beach, CA

preference. Gemstone Splendor: Encrusted with mesmerizing fire opals, the ring features natural gemstones

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Fire Opal, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.90ctw Orange Fire Opal Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold Size 7.25
0.90ctw Orange Fire Opal Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold Size 7.25

0.90ctw Orange Fire Opal Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold Size 7.25

Located in McLeansville, NC

Gemstone Information: - Natural Fire Opal - Size - 6 x 8 mm Cut - Oval Brilliant Color - Orange

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Bochic “Orient” Rose Rodorite & Fire Opal Cocktail Ring, 18K White Gold & Silver
Bochic “Orient” Rose Rodorite & Fire Opal Cocktail Ring, 18K White Gold & Silver

Bochic “Orient” Rose Rodorite & Fire Opal Cocktail Ring, 18K White Gold & Silver

By Bochic

Located in New York, NY

Rodorite - 2 carats Natural Fire Opal - 5 carats Natural White Topaz - 3 carats 16.3 gram This Ring is

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Topaz, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver

Padparadscha Sapphire Coral Fire Opal Pink Diamond White Diamond Pave Ring
Padparadscha Sapphire Coral Fire Opal Pink Diamond White Diamond Pave Ring

Padparadscha Sapphire Coral Fire Opal Pink Diamond White Diamond Pave Ring

By Joke Quick

Located in Antwerp, BE

hues, alongside vibrant Coral Cabochons that echo the very essence of oceanic beauty, Fire Opals and

Category

2010s Belgian Artist Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire , ...

12.55 ct. Fire Opal & Pave' Diamond Designer Ring in 18K Gold By Assor Gioielli
12.55 ct. Fire Opal & Pave' Diamond Designer Ring in 18K Gold By Assor Gioielli

12.55 ct. Fire Opal & Pave' Diamond Designer Ring in 18K Gold By Assor Gioielli

By Assor Gioielli

Located in Honolulu, HI

12.55 carats large oval cabochon orange fire opal set in a well crafted 18k white gold ring pave' set

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Oval Opal Diamond 4.30 Carat Cocktail Engagement Ring Cluster Statement
Vintage Oval Opal Diamond 4.30 Carat Cocktail Engagement Ring Cluster Statement

Vintage Oval Opal Diamond 4.30 Carat Cocktail Engagement Ring Cluster Statement

Located in Santa Barbara, CA

fiery, pinfire opal at it's heart. The sizable 3 carat gemstone glows with an inner fire, having a

Category

Mid-20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Diamond Opal and Russian Demantoid Garnet Ring
Antique Diamond Opal and Russian Demantoid Garnet Ring

Antique Diamond Opal and Russian Demantoid Garnet Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1910 14k Yellow Gold Ring, the top measures 3/4 X 5/8 inch, centrally set with a domed Opal

Category

Vintage 1910s American Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Opal, 14k Gold

Bochic “Orient” Opal, Ruby & Sapphire Ring, Set 18K Yellow Gold & Silver
Bochic “Orient” Opal, Ruby & Sapphire Ring, Set 18K Yellow Gold & Silver

Bochic “Orient” Opal, Ruby & Sapphire Ring, Set 18K Yellow Gold & Silver

By Bochic

Located in New York, NY

Bochic “Orient” Opal, Ruby & Sapphire Ring, Set 18K In Yellow Gold & Silver Natural Fire Opal - 10

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Circa 1900's Victorian 10K Yellow Gold Antique Three Stone Opal Fashion Ring
Circa 1900's Victorian 10K Yellow Gold Antique Three Stone Opal Fashion Ring

Circa 1900's Victorian 10K Yellow Gold Antique Three Stone Opal Fashion Ring

Located in Addison, TX

Finger to Top of Ring: 4.19mm Gem Details: Type: Opal Quantity: 3 Shape: Round Cabochon Carat Weight

Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Opal and Diamond Pendant of Beguiling Beauty on Cut Steel Chain
Victorian Opal and Diamond Pendant of Beguiling Beauty on Cut Steel Chain

Victorian Opal and Diamond Pendant of Beguiling Beauty on Cut Steel Chain

Located in Northampton, MA

I have always loved opals. One of the first pieces of jewelry I ever purchased was an opal ring at

Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Silver, Cut Steel

3 Carat Mexican Fire Opal Ring with Sapphires, Emeralds and Diamonds in 18k Gold
3 Carat Mexican Fire Opal Ring with Sapphires, Emeralds and Diamonds in 18k Gold

3 Carat Mexican Fire Opal Ring with Sapphires, Emeralds and Diamonds in 18k Gold

By Zahira Fine Jewellery

Located in Bangkok, TH

enthusiasts. This item comes with the original gem and jewellery certificate. Mexican Fire Opal: 3 ct

Category

2010s Thai Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Sapphire, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gorgeous 18 Karat Gold 7 Carat Fire Opal Ring
Gorgeous 18 Karat Gold 7 Carat Fire Opal Ring

Gorgeous 18 Karat Gold 7 Carat Fire Opal Ring

Located in New York, NY

This ring has a gorgeous 7carat fire opal center set in an ornate 18 karat gold setting. You can

Category

Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold

LeVian Ring Fire Opal Vanilla Diamonds Chocolate Diamonds 14K Strawberry Gold
LeVian Ring Fire Opal Vanilla Diamonds Chocolate Diamonds 14K Strawberry Gold

LeVian Ring Fire Opal Vanilla Diamonds Chocolate Diamonds 14K Strawberry Gold

By Le Vian

Located in Great Neck, NY

Le Vian Chocolatier® Ring featuring 1/3 cts. Neon Tangerine Fire Opal®, 1/3 cts. Chocolate Diamonds

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold

Antique Victorian Opal Diamond Ring 15 Carat Gold Natural Opal, circa 1900
Antique Victorian Opal Diamond Ring 15 Carat Gold Natural Opal, circa 1900

Antique Victorian Opal Diamond Ring 15 Carat Gold Natural Opal, circa 1900

Located in Lancaster, Lancashire

This fabulous natural Opal and Diamond trilogy ring is set in 15ct Gold, Circa 1900. The central

Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 15k Gold

Antique Edwardian Opal Diamond Trilogy Ring 18 Carat Gold, circa 1915
Antique Edwardian Opal Diamond Trilogy Ring 18 Carat Gold, circa 1915

Antique Edwardian Opal Diamond Trilogy Ring 18 Carat Gold, circa 1915

Located in Lancaster, Lancashire

boasts 3 shimmering Opal gemstones, each surrounded by sparkling Diamonds. Circa 1915. This is a

Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage White Gold Opal and Diamond Halo Ring, White Opal Diamond Ring, 1960s
Vintage White Gold Opal and Diamond Halo Ring, White Opal Diamond Ring, 1960s

Vintage White Gold Opal and Diamond Halo Ring, White Opal Diamond Ring, 1960s

Located in Rottedam, NL

Timeless and classy vintage opal cluster ring. Designed with a natural oval opal of 7mm x 5mm. The

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modernist Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, White Gold, 18k Gold

Opal and Diamond Gold Ring with Scrolled Gallery
Opal and Diamond Gold Ring with Scrolled Gallery

Opal and Diamond Gold Ring with Scrolled Gallery

Located in Madison area, WI

- Classic Vintage 5-Stone Opal Ring with Scrolled Gallery and Diamond Accents - dated 1981 - 18k

Category

Vintage 1980s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

3.14 Carat Fire Opal Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Ring
3.14 Carat Fire Opal Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Ring

3.14 Carat Fire Opal Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Ring

By DGI

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This strong and sharp Fire Opal ring will look like sunshine on your hand! It has a blazing

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Brown Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique 14 Karat Gold Pinwheel Ring Diamond and Australian Opal Blue Green Fire
Antique 14 Karat Gold Pinwheel Ring Diamond and Australian Opal Blue Green Fire

Antique 14 Karat Gold Pinwheel Ring Diamond and Australian Opal Blue Green Fire

Located in Lauderdale by the Sea, FL

This stunning Victorian style 14K yellow gold ring features six antique Australian Opals set in a

Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Opal Diamond Ring 18 Carat Gold, circa 1900
Antique Victorian Opal Diamond Ring 18 Carat Gold, circa 1900

Antique Victorian Opal Diamond Ring 18 Carat Gold, circa 1900

Located in Lancaster, Lancashire

This fabulous Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Victorian natural Opal and Diamond ring is Circa 1900. A

Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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3 Carat Fire Opal Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate 3 carat fire opal ring for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and 14k Gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 52 vintage or 127 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. You’re likely to find the perfect 3 carat fire opal ring among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing 3 carat fire opal ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but Roshe Jewels, DGI and Le Vian each produced a popular version that is worth a look. Take a look at a 3 carat fire opal ring featuring Opal from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. An oval cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also cabochon and cushion cut versions for sale. When shopping for a 3 carat fire opal ring, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a 3 Carat Fire Opal Ring?

On average, a 3 carat fire opal ring at 1stDibs sells for $2,975, while they’re typically $600 on the low end and $60,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.

The Legacy of Opal in Jewelry Design

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).

Finding the Right Rings for You

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 ringsvintage 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.