$11,615Sale Price|35% Off
Dark Opal White Gold Engagement Ring Australian Opal gift
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
14K white gold ring with natural Dark Opal with bright opalescence opal origin - Australia opal weight - 1.55 carats stone measurements - 0.28 х 0.35 in / 7 х 9 mm ring weight - 3.5...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$7,666Sale Price|35% Off
Opal Gold Ring Polychrome Gem Natural Harlequin Opal Unisex
Located in Berlin, DE
18K yellow gold ring with doublet of a natural black opal on a petrified wood base opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.12 х 0.35 х 0.94 in / 3 х 9 х 24 mm ring size - 7 US...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$220Sale Price / item|50% Off
Art Deco Inspired Opal and Diamond Convertible Brooch Pendant in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This captivating opal and diamond convertible brooch and pendant is crafted in 925 sterling silver. Showcasing a total gemstone weight of 4.95 carats, the luminous opal measures appr...
Diamond, Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau silver walking stick with dragon, by Eugène Lefebvre, France 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
A beautifully carved Art Nouveau silver cane knob depicting a dragon-lizard among flowers.
Opal, Silver, Brass, Iron
Vintage Carved Opal 4.80ct Ruby and Diamond Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The feature drop of this Art Nouveau necklace is comprised of a stunning carved opal, modelled in the form of a female portrait, held within a curvilinear setting replicating the det...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
ART NOUVEAU 1900 Stick Pin With Opalescent Butterfly Fossil In 14Kt Yellow Gold
By HENRY
Located in Miami, FL
An art-nouveau stick-pin in box. This is a very nice stick-pin created in America during the art nouveau period, back in the 1900. This stick-pin was hand-crafted in solid yellow go...
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$714Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Opaline Glass Vase by Cristallerie de Clichy, France
Located in Valencia, VC
Cristallerie de Clichy Art Nouveau Opaline Glass Vase with Aventurine Inclusions, France A very beautiful and charming Cristallerie de Clichy art glass vase featuring an elegant Art...
Opal, Gold Leaf
$32,522Sale Price|35% Off
Ocean Blue Opal Ring Gold Australian Blue Opal Statement Ring
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Large Boulder Opal 18K white gold and blackened silver ring Opal origin - Australia stone measurements - 0.51 х 1.06 in / 13 х 27 mm ring weight - 40 grams ring size - 8.5 US We shi...
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold
$1,429Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style Handcrafted 6.30 Carat Oval Cut Opal Pearl Yellow Gold Brooch
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Opal, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Opal & Enamel Stickpin of 14k Gold, Circa 1890
Located in Lewisburg, PA
An elegant antique stickpin dating to 1890–1910, centered with an oval opal framed by a delicate black enamel border in 14K gold. The opal displays attractive natural play-of-color, ...
Opal, 14k Gold, Enamel
$5,497Sale Price|35% Off
Opal Yellow Gold Pendant Multicolor Australian Stone
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold necklace with natural boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.16 х 0.55 х 1.34 in / 4 х 14 х 34 mm opal weight - 32 carats pendant weight - 10.79 ...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Louis Comfort Tiffany for Tiffany & Co. Black Opal Brooch
By Louis Comfort Tiffany
Located in New York, NY
Dating from circa 1915, this 18K gold and platinum brooch set with a black opal and Montana sapphires by Tiffany & Co. was designed and created under the direction of Louis Tiffany. ...
Opal, Sapphire, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
$15,099Sale Price|35% Off
Gold Ring Opal Waves Boulder ring Gemstone Unisex Jewelry
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Truly feel nature’s warm embrace with this exquisite, custom made unisex Art Nouveau statement ring that is hand-designed in brightly polished 14k yellow gold.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
$17,600Sale Price|20% Off
25 Carat Black Australian Opal "Lightening Ridge'' 4.71 Carat Designer Necklace
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Australian opal is considered to be the most valuable of all types of opal thanks to its captivating play-of-colour, beautiful patterning and superior quality. It's ethically mined t...
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
$12,002Sale Price|35% Off
Gold Opal ring Statement Valentine's Day gift Engagement ring
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Truly feel nature’s warm embrace with this exquisite, custom made unisex Art Nouveau statement ring that is hand-designed in brightly polished 14k yellow gold.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Natural Opal Diamond Chandelier Earrings
Located in Westport, CT
An original pair of Art Nouveau 14K yellow gold diamond and opal chandelier earrings.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$11,228Sale Price|35% Off
Black Opal Titanium Gold Earrings Deep Neon Blue Fantasy Shape
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Titanium and 18K yellow gold earrings with natural Black Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.47 х 0.55 in / 12 х 14 mm stone weight - 2 carats earrings measurements - ...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Titanium
$6,039Sale Price|35% Off
Black Opal Gold Ring Neon Blue Australian Engagement ring
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold ring with natural Black Opal opal origin - Australia opal weight - 5.93 carats stone measurements - 0.24 х 0.35 х 0.51 in / 6 х 9 х 13 mm ring weight - 4.53 grams rin...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,039Sale Price|35% Off
Black Opal Gold Ring Neon Blue Australian Engagement ring
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold ring with natural Black Opal opal origin - Australia opal weight - 5.93 carats stone measurements - 0.24 х 0.35 х 0.51 in / 6 х 9 х 13 mm ring weight - 4.53 grams rin...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,019Sale Price|35% Off
Boulder Opal Silver Pendant gift Multicolor Natural Australian Stone necklace
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver pendant with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.2 х 0.51 х 1.06 in / 5 х 13 х 27 mm opal weight - 19.45 carats pendant weight - 6.54 grams pen...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
$3,019Sale Price|35% Off
Boulder Opal Silver Pendant Nacreous White Multicolor Natural Australian Stone
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver pendant with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.2 х 0.51 х 1.06 in / 5 х 13 х 27 mm opal weight - 19.45 carats pendant weight - 6.54 grams pen...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
$12,389Sale Price|35% Off
Opal Ring Gold Engagement Jewelry Australian Valentine's Day Gift
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Yellow 14K gold ring with natural Black Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.079 х 0.43 х 0.55 in / 2 х 11 х 14 mm opal weight - 2.32 carats ring size - 7 US (this r...
Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Big Australian Neon Opal Silver Ring Medusa Gorgon Iridescent
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver ring with natural freeform Neon Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.39 x 0.51 x 0.98 in / 10 х 13 х 25 mm opal weight - 20.10 carats ring size - 7.5 US ring we...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
$6,969Sale Price|35% Off
Opal Gold Pendant Boulder Australian Nature Inspired Necklace
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold pendant with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.24 х 0.71 х 1.38 in / 6 х 18 х 35 mm stone weight - 13.65 carats pendant length - 1.73...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.78 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Halo Platinum Filigree Ring
Located in Miami, FL
2.78 carat natural black opal and round cut diamond halo ring. Set in a smooth textured platinum 900 ring setting. The center stone bears a rich, vibrant color pattern that radiated ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
$9,679Sale Price|35% Off
Boulder Opal Gold Earrings Triangle Australian Gemstone Rainbow gemstone
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold earrings with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opals measurements - 0.16 х 0.55 x 0.79 in / 4 х 14 х 20 mm opals weight - 14.40 carats earrings lengt...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique opal and diamond earrings, Austria-Hungary, early 20th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Origin: Austria-Hungary, early 20th century. Art Nouveau style. Weight: 3.99 g Dimensions: 19 x 9 mm Very good condition, consistent with the age of the piece.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fire Opal & Pave Diamonds Bracelet Made in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18kt:6.08gms, Diamond:2.2Cts, Silver:4.26gms, OPAL:6.4Cts
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
12.49 Carat Australian Black Opal Certified "Lightening Ridge" Mine 18K Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Black opals from Lightning Ridge are among the most prized gems in the world. The name is inspired by their solid black bodies, upon which a spectrum of strong, vibrant colours stand...
White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
4.7 Carat Australian Black Opal Certified "Lightening Ridge" Mine 18K Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Black opals from Lightning Ridge are among the most prized gems in the world. The name is inspired by their solid black bodies, upon which a spectrum of strong, vibrant colours stand...
White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
Louis Comfort Tiffany Black Opal and Plique a Jour Brooch
By Louis Comfort Tiffany
Located in Riverdale, NY
Tiffany Arts and Crafts Era Black Opal and Plique a Jour Brooch circa 1910's by Louis Comfort Tiffany with Julia Munson in 18k gold. Large peacock Black Opal round measuring .75" x 5...
Opal, 18k Gold
$14,712Sale Price|35% Off
Big Opal Ring Gold Engagement Ring Large Wedding Band
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Natural boulder Opal 14K yellow gold ring Opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.16 х 0.59 х 1.18 in / 4 х 15 х 30 mm gemstone weight - 16.50 carats ring weight - 10.44 grams...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
7.12 Carat Mexican Fire Opal Tweety Bird PT 900 Cocktail Pendant
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Our tweety bird pendant comprises a 7.12-carat orange opal decorated with a 0.21 carat, pear-shaped ruby and a 0.21-carat, oval-shaped amethyst, and white diamonds. Opals are extrem...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Fire Opal, Platinum
$22,456Sale Price|35% Off
Black Opal earrings white gold Neon Blue Special person wedding gift jewelry
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
18K white gold earrings with natural Black Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.31 x 0.39 in / 8 х 10 mm stones weight - 2.15 carats earrings height - 1.81 in / 46 mm e...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$332Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Elegant 8.9ct Fire Opal Silver Tennis Bracelet in Round Zircons Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This 925 sterling silver tennis bracelet showcases a luminous line of natural oval opals, each 7x5 mm, displaying soft flashes of pastel color with every movement. Thirty-two opals t...
Opal, Zircon, Fire Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
$292Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 925 Silver Moonlit White Opal & Diamond Peacock Plume Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This striking 10.9 Carat opal and diamond moonlit brooch pendant is meticulously crafted in 925 sterling silver. The captivating gemstone at center measures approximately 18 x 13 mm,...
Diamond, Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
$22,843Sale Price|35% Off
Large Australian Opal Ring Cascading Waves Neon blue wedding gift special person
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Cascading Waves Natural Dark Neon Electric Opal Ring Inspired by the sun as it breaks through the dark night, this magnificent ring features fantastical blackened silver waves pains...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
$5,420Sale Price|35% Off
Opal Gold Ring Blueprint Woody Musk Tree Natural Australian Gem
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold ring with Boulder Koroit Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.24 х 0.98 х 1.18 in / 6 х 25 х 30 mm stone weight - 44.43 carats ring weight - 16.9 grams...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,484Sale Price|35% Off
Opal Black Silver Earrings Dangle Large Gemstone LOTR Gothic style wedding
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Boulder Koroit Opal earrings in blackened and gold plated silver opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.55 х 0.91 in / 14 х 23 mm opal weight - 23.10 carats earrings length - ...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
$322Sale Price / set|50% Off
Silvorra Antique-Inspired Opal & Diamond Silver Stud Earrings for Everyday Wear
Located in New York, NY
These elegant stud earrings are crafted in 925 sterling silver and feature natural round opal gemstones measuring 6 mm, with two stones totaling 1.13 carats, beautifully framed by sp...
Diamond, Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Gold Filled Locket Chain Necklace with Pearl Opal Slide Lorgnette
Located in Webster, SD
These chains are referred to as a watch chain, slide chain, muff chain or guard chain. These were worn with a watch, locket, fob or lorgnette. It looks gorgeous as a necklace when at...
Opal, Pearl, Gold-filled
$22,456Sale Price|35% Off
Boulder Opal Earrings Middle-Earth Tolkien Lord of the Rings
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Inspired by the luscious dewy drops that fall on the ivy and looming trees in the forest during morning time, allow these custom made Boulder Opal dangle earrings to call in the esse...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Dragonfly Brooch in Gold with Diamonds Emeralds Opals, 1930’s
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Exceptional circa 1930-1940 European dragonfly brooch, most likely of French origin, crafted in silver-topped 12k yellow gold and richly set with 251 diamonds, 8 emeralds, and 2 opal...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Gold, Silver
6.8 carats Australian Opal ''Head Turner'' 18K Ring With Diamond and Sapphire
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Experience the epitome of elegance with this breathtaking 6.8-carat Australian Opal "Head Turner" ring, a true masterpiece of artistry and luxury. Set in radiant 18K gold, the center...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Opal Silver Ivy Ring Natural Australian Gem Boulder Gem Bicolor Blue Pink Unisex
Located in Berlin, DE
Patinated gold-plated silver ring with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia stone measurements - 0.47 х 0.71 in / 12 х 18 mm stone weight - 6.90 carats ring weight - 5.35 gra...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
$3,502Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby, Sapphire & Blue Opal Necklace - 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Baroque” Ruby, Sapphire & Blue Opal Set In 18K Gold and Silver Natural Pink / Red Ruby 20 Carats Origin Africa Blue Opals - 8 Carats Origin Australia Natural Sapp...
Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
A Sculptural Modernist Asymmetric Ring: Mother-of-Pearl, Opal, and Diamonds 14k
Located in Den Haag, NL
This striking piece defies convention, offering a masterclass in asymmetrical balance and organic modernism. The design is anchored by a dramatic, tapered sweep of carved Mother-of-P...
Fire Opal, 14k Gold
14.90 Carat Ethiopian Opal & 5.67 Carat Vivid Red Round Burma Ruby Cocktail Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
An artful combination of 14.90 carat of Ethiopian Opal and 5.67 carat of vivid red round Burma Ruby is set together in this One Of A Kind Cocktail ring. The ring has been made in 18K...
Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold
Three Antique Vases in Hand-Painted Mouth-Blown Opal Art Glass in Shades of Blue
Located in København, Copenhagen
Three antique vases in hand-painted mouth-blown opal art glass in shades of blue and turquoise. Approx. 1900. Largest measures: 27 x 11.5 cm. In excellent condition.
Art Glass
Opal, Blue Sapphire and Diamond Necklace Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal 7.57 carats, Blue Sapphire 14.43 carats and Diamond 1.0 carat Necklace set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 5.0 cm Length: 51.0cm Total Weight: 37.1 grams "We first opened d...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Arts and Crafts 14k Yellow Gold and Silver Opal Diamond Floral Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This antique floral brooch features an impressive 19.90ct opal at its center, radiating a stunning play of color that shifts beautifully in the light. Surrounding the opal are delica...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$10,320Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Tiffany & Co. Antique Opal Ring with Old Mine cut Diamonds in 14k
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Sausalito, CA
A rare and historically important 19th-century Victorian Tiffany & Co. ring, dating from the 1850s–1880s, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of early Tiffany design. At it...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Doublet Opal Dangle Earring With Pave Diamonds Made in 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:6.862g, Diamond:1.13ct, Opal:8.24ct, Size: 47X15 MM"
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sliced Opal & Emerald Earring With Pave Diamonds Made In 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18Kt:1.94g, Diamond:6.550ct, SiIver:22.63g, Emerald:1.350ct, Opal:8.55ct Size: 32*80
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Black Opal and Old Mine Cut Diamond Silver on Gold Brooch, circa 1880
Located in London, GB
This fabulous antique brooch, masterfully designed with elegant Art Nouveau accents, features a wonderful black opal cabouchon measuring 20 x 17mm, rub-over set in the centre in an 1...
Opal, Black Opal, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, S...
Tangled Opal Doublet Earring in Pave Dimaond Set Made in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18kt:3.480gms, Diamond:4.73Cts, Silver:13.48gms, Opal Doublet:17.60cts Size: 70X34MM"
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Vase in Mouth-Blown Opal Art Glass with a Motif of Young Woman
Located in København, Copenhagen
Antique vase in mouth-blown opal art glass with the hand-painted motif of young woman and foliage. Approx. 1900. Measures: 28 x 14.5 cm. In excellent condition.
Opaline Glass
Antique Vase in Mouth-Blown Opal Art Glass with Hand-Painted Flowers and Foliage
Located in København, Copenhagen
Antique vase in mouth-blown opal art glass with hand-painted flowers and foliage on a blue background, circa 1900. Measures: 32 x 16.5 cm. In very good condition. Small chip.
Opaline Glass
Doublet Opal Dangle Earrings With Pave Sapphire & Diamonds In 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:11.425g, Diamond:0.98ct, Opal:13.51ct, Sapphire:1.60ct, Size: 50X14 MM"
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$100Sale Price / item|50% Off
925 Silver Natural Opal with Cubic Zirconia Everyday Wear Ring Gift for Partner
Located in New York, NY
Natural Opal with Cubic Zirconia Everyday Wear Ring in 925 Solid Sterling Silver. You shall need these statement ring to make a statement with your look. Each piece features dazzling...
Opal, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau — generally considered to have begun in the late 1800s and ended with the start of World War I — was a movement in the decorative arts that drew inspiration from natural forms, such as trees, flowers and, of course, the human figure. The three main themes present in Art Nouveau jewelry and watches were flora, fauna and women.
Art Nouveau, which reached its pinnacle in the year 1900, spawned from artists who rejected the historicism of their predecessors to create an entirely new visual vocabulary. As compared to Art Deco jewelry’s geometric patterns and sharp lines, the extravagant style of antique Art Nouveau jewelry is characterized by curvilinear forms and whiplash lines, vibrant materials and dramatic imagery.
The first art and design movement of the 20th century, Art Nouveau was also a reaction against the Industrial Revolution, and took its inspiration from the theories of the Symbolists, the art of the Pre-Raphaelites, the ideas of John Ruskin and his follower William Morris and, most importantly Japanese crafts. (The country was a fertile ground for inspiration after it was opened to the West in 1854.) The Art Nouveau style touched all manners of the arts, including the most exultant jewelry.
Nature was a favorite muse for artists going back to the 18th and 19th centuries, but in the hands of 20th-century artists, it was depicted in new ways. For example, a withering flower was considered just as beautiful as one in full bloom. Winged creatures, such as insects and birds, were also a popular subject. Dragonflies and butterflies were particular favorites because they morphed so dramatically in different life stages.
This was also a reference to women, whose role in society was evolving. It was not uncommon to see a piece of jewelry that would at once reference a woman as a winged creature (think René Lalique’s famous Dragonfly brooch, circa 1897–98, at the Gulbenkian Collection in Lisbon). However, just as women’s roles were ambiguous, so was their image, as the femmes nouvelle were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized.
In addition to Lalique, vital figures in Art Nouveau jewelry included Louis Comfort Tiffany in the United States, Vladimir Soloviev, who designed jewelry for Peter Carl Fabergé in Russia, Fuset Grau of Spain, Karl Rothmuller of Germany and Philippe Wolfers of Belgium.
Art Nouveau jewelers used every “canvas” imaginable, looking beyond brooches and necklaces to belt buckles, fans, tiaras, dog collars (a type of choker necklace), pocket watches, corsages and hair combs. Multicolored gems and enamel could complete this vision better than diamonds. Jewelers also favored pearls, particularly baroque pearls, for their large size and irregular shape. However, opal was the most popular stone — its iridescence harmonized perfectly with the enamel, and it could be carved into any shape. Art Nouveau jewelry was primarily set in yellow gold.
Find a range of antique Art Nouveau jewelry today 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).
Aside from his iconic commercial prints, the Czech artist endeavored to make works that spoke to the soul.
From vibrant to subtle, elegant to cheeky, enamel jewelry encompasses a wide range of colors and styles, and there are almost as many techniques for creating these distinctive pieces.
The first art and design movement of the 20th century was all about celebrating beauty of women and nature.