Vintage 1980s Tiffany & Co. Angela Cummings Opal & Jade Checkerboard Earrings
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K yellow gold with black Jade and Opal in a checkerboard pattern. Signed by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Opal, Black Jade, 18k Gold
Angela Cummings White Gold and Opal Snakeskin Bangle Bracelet
By Angela Cummings
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s Angela Cummings 18K White Gold and Opal inlay " Snake skin " Bangle Bracelet, having a curved wave design, the bracelet measures 7/8 inch at the widest part and tapers to...
Opal, 18k Gold
Angela Cummings 18k Yellow Gold Fire Opal, Jade 1986 Earrings
By Angela Cummings
Located in New York, NY
Experience the exquisite craftsmanship of Angela Cummings with these rare and collectible earrings.
Jade, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
ANGELA CUMMINGS 1983 Geometric Dots Bracelet 18Kt Gold With Opal & Black Jade
By Angela Cummings
Located in Miami, FL
Geometric bangle-bracelet designed by Angela Cummings. This is an extremely rare bangle-bracelet created in New York City by Angela Cummings, back in 1982-83.
Black Jade, Black Opal, Jade, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Angela Cummings Tiffany & Co. 18K Jade and Opal Button Earrings
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Houston, TX
A pair of vintage Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. black jade and opal mosaic domed button clip-on earrings, set in 18K yellow gold.
Opal, Black Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,985 / set
W 0.19 in Dm 1.02 in
TIFFANY & CO. 1977 Angela Cummings Round Lentils Earrings 18Kt Gold Opals & Jade
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Lentils earrings designed by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. This is a very rare pair of clips-on earrings created in New York City by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co., b...
Opal, Black Jade, Jade, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Angela Cummings Opal and Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Angela Cummings
Located in New York, NY
Angela Cummings: An Opal and Gold Bangle Bracelet, designed with white and black opals in the shape of petals, to the slightly wavy bangle, signed Angela Cummings, circa 1980s.
Opal, Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Angela Cummings Opal Bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with the exquisite Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Angela Cummings Opal Bracelet. This stunning piece is a testament to Angela Cummings' exceptional art...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Cummings Opal Black Jade 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cufflinks
By Angela Cummings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
These fabulous 18 karat yellow gold cufflinks are by designer Angela Cummings. The cufflinks feature opal and black jade inlayed gemstones.
Jade, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18k Yellow Gold Angela Cummings Opal Black Enamel Inlay Bracelet
By Angela Cummings
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. black enamel and opal inlay 18K yellow gold hinged bangle bracelet.
Opal, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Angela Cummings 1980s Large Opal Bead Gold and Diamond Necklace
By Angela Cummings
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s Angela Cummings Opal Bead Necklace, consisting of Fine Round Fire Opal Beads, possibly Australian measuring in size from 20 MM to 8.5 MM, each being match for color and s...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Angela Cummings Mother of Pearl Black Jade Opal Yellow Gold Earrings
By Angela Cummings
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Black Jade And Opal Earrings by Angela Cummings. From 1986.
Opal, Jade, Pearl, 18k Gold
Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. Mother-of-Pearl Opal Ear Clips
By Angela Cummings
Located in San Antonio, TX
18 kt. gold earclips in a basket weave design, set with opals and mother-of-pearl. Signed T & CO.
Opal, 18k Gold
Sold
W 0.95 in L 1.14 in
Angela Cummings Dots Clips Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Black Jade And Opal
By Angela Cummings
Located in Miami, FL
A magnificent pair of ear-clips designed by Angela Cummings. An exceedingly rare master piece, conceived back in the 1980's by the genius jewelry designer, Angela Cummings.
Jade, Opal, Black Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany Cummings Black Opal and Black Jade Button Earrings
By Angela Cummings
Located in New York, NY
Angela Cummings for Tiffany.
Onyx, Opal, 18k Gold
Sold
H 1.04 in W 1.04 in D 0.47 in
TIFFANY & CO. 1980 Angela Cummings Earrings In 18Kt Gold, Black Opals & Jades
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of bombe earrings designed by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. This is a beautiful and rare pair of clips-on earrings created in New York City by the designer Angela Cummings ...
Black Jade, Black Opal, Jade, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
TIFFANY & CO. 1978 Angela Cummings Black Opal & Black Jade 18Kt Gold Bracelet
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Geometric bangle-bracelet designed by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. This is a very rare bangle-bracelet created by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. back in 1978-79.
Black Jade, Black Opal, Jade, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany and Co Angela Cummings Earrings
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Tiffany & Co 18K Gold Angela Cummings Black Jade Australian Opal Disk Clip Earrings Circa 1970s, Tiffany & Co 18K Gold Angela Cummings Black Jade Australian Opal Disk Clip ...
Black Jade, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Angela Cummings Mother of Pearl Opal Inlaid Yellow Gold Necklace
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Mother Of Pearl Opal Inlaid Necklace by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Opal, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 0.71 in Dm 0.71 in L 0.71 in
Tiffany & Co 1977 Angela Cummings Round Lentils Earrings 18Kt Gold Opal And Jade
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Lentils earrings designed by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. These pair is one of the very early works by Angela Cummings for the Tiffany & Co. studios, back in the 1970's These p...
Jade, Opal, Black Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Checkerboard Bangle by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in San Francisco, CA
From one of the finest design houses in the world, comes this exquisite Opal & Mother of Pearl Checkerboard Bangle Bracelet by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 1975 Angela Cummings Large Lentil Earrings 18Kt Gold Black Jade
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Geometric earrings designed by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. These are one of the very early works of Angela Cummings for the Tiffany & Co. in the early 1970's This pair of clip...
Jade, Opal, Black Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany Opal Lotus Earclips
By Angela Cummings
Located in San Antonio, TX
18 kt. gold earclips with carved opal flowers. Signed T & Co.
Opal, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. by Angela Cummings Mother of Pearl Opal Checkboard Bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A truly eye-catching bracelet. Maker's mark for Angela Cummings. The 18k gold hinged bangle features inlaid mother-of-pearl and opal, marked for Angela Cummings and Tiffany & Co.
Opal, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. by Angela Cummings Rooster Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cockadoodledoo. This colorful representation of the morning farm bird is perfectly done by finessing color and expertise. An 18k yellow gold palette that is filled with red carnelian...
Opal, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Opal and Onyx Earrings
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in San Antonio, TX
Tiffany & Co. checkered earrings made of Opal and Onyx inlaid in 18k yellow gold in a checkered pattern, designed by Angela Cummings.
18k Gold
Fabulous Angela Cummings Opal Green Gold Earrings
By Angela Cummings
Located in New York, NY
These fabulous Angela Cummings earrings feature an elegant curved teardrop shape crafted 18k green gold and bezel-set with sparkling multicolor opals.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Angela Cummings Opal Black Jade Gold Set
By Angela Cummings
Located in San Antonio, TX
18 kt. gold cuff and earclips, inlaid with Opal and black jade in a checkerboard pattern. Cuff signed ANGELA CUMMINGS, and TIFFANY & CO.
Jade, Opal, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Angela Cummings Opal and Black Jade Bangle Bracelet 18K Yellow
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
15mm Wide, with a weight of 54.77 grams. Made with Opal and Black Jade gemstones.
Onyx, Opal, 18k Gold
Angela Cummings Checkerboard Earrings
By Angela Cummings
Located in Darnestown, MD
Angela Cummings checkerboard earrings of black onyx and black opal.
Onyx, Black Opal, 18k Gold
Sold
W 0.89 in Dm 6.75 in L 6.75 in
Angela Cummings Bangle Bracelet 18Kt Yellow Gold with Inlaid Opals & Black Jade
By Angela Cummings
Located in Miami, FL
A magnificent bracelet designed by Angela Cummings. An extremely rare master piece, conceived back in the 1980's by the genius jewelry designer, Angela Cummings.
Jade, Opal, Black Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co Black Opal Earrings
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Two fancy shaped black opals of penetrating depth and high luster anchor the Angela Cummings' design of these chic earrings.
Opal, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Angela Cummings Checkerboard MOP & Opal Inlay 18k Gold Pendant
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in University Place, WA
Highly collectible and seldom encountered in this configuration of mother-of-pearl paired with black opal. Details: 18k yellow gold Checkerboard / weave inlay design Mother-of-pearl...
Opal, 18k Gold
Sold
W 1.02 in D 0.2 in Dm 1.02 in L 1.02 in
Tiffany & Co. 1975 Angela Cummings Lentils Earrings 18Kt Gold with Black Opal
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Lentils earrings designed by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. These pair is one of the very early works by Angela Cummings for the Tiffany & Co. studios, back in the early 1970's T...
Opal, Black Jade, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co, 1975 Angela Cummings Large Lentil Earrings 18Kt Black Jade & Opal
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Geometric earrings designed by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. These pair is one of the very early works by Angela Cummings for the Tiffany & Co. studios, back in the early 1970's...
Jade, Opal, Black Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Angela Cummings Checkerboard Earrings 18kt Gold with Black Jade
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Checkerboard Earrings designed by Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. Beautiful vintage squared geometric pair created by Angela Cummings in New York, back in the early 1980's.
Opal, Black Jade, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Cummings Opal Inlay Gold Fish Scale Motif Earrings
By Angela Cummings
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A pair of 18k white gold oval earrings, crafted by Angela Cummings, featuring inlay opal gemstones set in fish scale motif design.
Opal, 18k Gold
1980s Angela Cummings Opal Onyx Inlay Gold Checkered Earrings
By Angela Cummings
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Iconic checkered inlay design earrings, crafted by Angela Cummings in 1984, set with onyx and opal. Earrings are 23mm x 22mm and weigh 24 grams.
Onyx, Opal, 18k Gold
Angela Cummings for Tiffany Opal and Black Jade Earrings
By Angela Cummings
Located in Chicago, IL
These are wonderfully colored dome shaped earrings by Angela Cummings for Tiffany.
Opal, 18k Gold
Angela Cummings mother of pearl-Opal-Onyx earclips
By Angela Cummings
Located in Miami, FL
Marked Angela Cummings
Sold
H 0.95 in W 1.97 in Dm 2.37 in
1980s Angela Cummings Bangle Bracelet in Yellow Gold and Polychrome Inlays
By Angela Cummings
Located in Torino, IT
This recognizable Angela Cummings Bracelet is and exquisite piece of work crafted in 1980s, an 18K polished Yellow Gold wavy bombé Bangle adorned with perfectly inlaid white Mother...
Opal, Black Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
ANGELA CUMMINGS An Opal and Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Angela Cummings. An opal and 18k yellow gold bangle bracelet, signed Angela Cummings.
Angela Cummings Onyx Opal Earrings
By Angela Cummings
Located in Atlanta, GA
A bold disc of black onyx is accented with inlayed opal, clean and geometric. Just shy of 3/4 of an inch in diameter.
Onyx, Opal, 18k Gold
ANGELA CUMMINGS Onyx Opal Mother of Pearl Earrings
By Angela Cummings
Located in Southampton, NY
Beautiful Angela Cummings earrings with inlaid onyx, mother of pearl and opal set in 18K yellow gold.
Onyx, Opal, 18k Gold
Angela Cummings Onyx Mother-of-Pearl and Opal Polka Dot Earrings
By Angela Cummings
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a rare pair of Angela Cummings earrings. The small polka dot pattern using black onyx white mother of pearl and opal is a brilliant playful design.
Onyx, Opal, 18k Gold
Dalben Australian Opal Yellow Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18k yellow gold satin finishing ring with a 3,4 carat bezel-set lovely Australian Lightning Ridge Opal . The stone colors looks like a Sardinia bay sea ...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,095Sale Price|25% Off
W 1 in L 1 in
Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Floral Petal Clip-On Earrings, 20g
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Timeless Expression of Luxury and Heritage Elevate your jewelry collection with these exquisite Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Floral Petal Shaped Clip-On Earrings. Steeped in the...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Massive Estate 18K Yellow Gold Rigato Statement Bracelet, 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous, massive 18K yellow gold cuff statement bracelet in the Rigato technique, synonymous with fine Italian craftsmanship 1970's Weight: 93.8 grams Marks: 750, 18K, Italy The Rig...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. Yellow Gold & Enamel Dome Earrings
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
18K Yellow Gold & Black Enamel T&Co Positive Negative Earrings Designed By Angela Cummings. 18.20 Grams
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18kt Yellow Gold Australian Opal & Diamond Pendant
Located in San Francisco, CA
If you're looking for an Australian opal with phenomenal play of color, then look no further. This absolutely stunning piece features a natural wavy Australian boulder opal that disp...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$30,372
W 0.75 in L 7.88 in
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Turquoise, Onyx, Diamond & Gold Bracelet Circa 1965
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A vintage turquoise, onyx & yellow gold bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1965. This bracelet is designed as a double row of turquoise beads with polished black onyx rondelles an...
White Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, 18k Gold
$10,998
H 1.1 in W 0.64 in
Seaman Schepps Fifties 18k Gold Bezel Multi Color Gemstones Omega Hoop Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- Numerous Natural Genuine Gemstones - Multi Shapes - Bezel Set - Multi Colors Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 28.68 Grams Backing: Posts w/ Omega Closures (Pier...
18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Ruby Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels ring contains 12 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.25 carats total and 36 round mixed cut rubies mounted in yellow gold. Engraved Van Clee...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Cummings Studios Vintage 18k Large Cuff Braclet
By Angela Cummings
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1984 Angela Cummings Studios 18k yellow Gold Cross over Design Cuff Bracelet, measuring 2 3/4 inches in length, 2 3/4 inches wide and weighing 55.3 Grams. inside measurement of...
18k Gold
Vintage Cartier Amber Cabochon Collar Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
Cartier Vintage Signed Jewelry Style: Tubugas Yellow Gold Collar Necklace with Amber Cabochon Serial Number: 745623 Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Size: 14 Inches Dimensions: 14 - 15 ...
Amber, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Trilogy Boulder Opal Rose Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18 kt rose gold ring with three bezel-set blue-green-pink Australian Boulder Opals weight 4,34 carats . Ring size US 7 1/4 - EU 55 re-sizable . Be...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Estate Tiffany & Co. 18K Two Tone Hammered Link Bracelet - VHK#1002
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Tiffany & Co. 18K Two Tone Hammered Link Bracelet - VHK#1002 Item Details: Year: 1970s Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 64.5 grams (All Items Tota...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,880Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Yellow Gold Large Square Cushion Brown Enamel Clip-Ons Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Immerse yourself in the bold sophistication of these David Webb cushion-shaped clip earrings, a striking expression of the designer’s iconic style and masterful craftsmanship. Crafte...
Yellow Gold, Enamel
Hermes Kelly 35 Malachite Shiny Crocodile Porosus Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the epitome of luxury and sophistication, the Hermes Kelly 35 Malachite Shiny Crocodile Porosus Gold Hardware handbag. Crafted in 2018, this iconic handbag is a testament...
JAR Large Aluminum and 18k Gold Pink Purple Hydrangea Flower Earrings
By JAR
Located in New York City, NY
JAR: A Burst of Floral Fantasy in These Large Aluminum and 18k Gold Hydrangea Earrings Embrace the whimsical beauty of JAR with these captivating large earrings. A unique fusion of ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Cone Losange Green Enamel Bangle Bracelet 138 gm 18K
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
SERVICED BY TIFFANY & CO NY IN 2026 AND THEY APPRAISED IT FOR 100,000 COMES WITH PAPER FROM TIFFANY Stunning Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Cone Losange Bracelet, crafted in 18k...
18k Gold, Enamel
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).