Australian Crystal Opal Diamond Art Deco Platinum Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Australian Crystal Opal and Diamond Platinum Art Deco Pendant Necklace.
Diamond, Opal, Crystal, Platinum
Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond 18K Gold Pendant Blue Green
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This stunning pendant features a natural solid Australian opal, in cabochon oval shape, weighing estimated 0.3ct. The colour is bright and vivid, mixed with a charming blue and green...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
FINE 3.57ct Australian Coober Pedy Opal Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Natural Australian Coober Pedy Opal & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace. 3.57ct total. 3.22 Carat opal with beautiful play of colour, lots of colour flashes under direct...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Freeform Australian Gray Broad Flash Opal Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Miami Beach, FL
1960s Custom pendant made to showcase this fine quality gray opal which features blue, green, red & yellow broad flashes. This gorgeous Australian opal in mounted in a handmade 14k ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Gold
$6,360Sale Price|20% Off
Australian Opal & Diamond Pendant
Located in Sausalito, CA
Australian semi-black opal with play of color mostly green 37 X 22 X10mm in size. Adorned with 38 round diamonds. Consisting of 1 Opal approximately 37.60 ct. 38 round brilliant...
Australian 15ct Large Boulder Opal Pendant Gold Over 999 Silver
Located in SYDNEY, AU
An astonishing Australian boulder opal pendant with incredible river / beach like colour patterns, set in an organic design frame made in solid 999-silver with high quality gold plat...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
Giant Layered Australian Lightning Ridge Opal & Diamond 14K Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Large sparkling layered Australian lightning ridge opal necklace, methiciously hand knotted , finished with an 14K gold and sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Simple Oval Shaped Australian Solid Opal Pendant Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Simple Oval Shaped Australian Solid Opal Pendant Necklace 14k Yellow Gold.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcraft Australian Opal 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Emeralds Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
79.63 Carat Trapezoid Australian Opal and Diamond Gold Pendant Necklace Estate
Located in Montreal, QC
Elegant and finely detailed Gold Pendant Necklace. Hand set with a securely nestled 79.63 Carat Trapezoid Australian White Opal and surrounded by Brilliant-cut Diamonds, weighing app...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Edwardian 1.6ct Australian Black Opal Lavaliere Pendant in 9ct Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Stunning 9t gold antique opal pendant featuring an Australian black opal exhibiting excellent spectrum of colours of red, violet, yellow, and green. Item Details: - Stones : 1 x Au...
Black Opal, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique Edwardian 1.5ct Australian Solid Black Opal Lavaliere Pendant 9ct Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Stunning 9t gold antique opal pendant featuring an Australian solid black opal exhibiting lots of red, orange, yellow, blue, and green through the whole stone. The excellent spectrum...
Black Opal, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold
$6,266Sale Price|40% Off
Fountain of life Large Boulder Opal Silver necklace fine quality australian gem
Located in Berlin, DE
Large silver pendant with natural fine quality Boulder Opal gemstone origin - Australia gem size is 0.87 x 1.10 in / 22 x 28 mm stone weight - 32 carats pendant length - 1.54 in / 39...
Opal, Silver
Magnificent Australian Opal Diamond Gold Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A contemporary pendant featuring a large and impressive 39.76 carat Australian opal in a 18K white gold setting. The oval shaped gem shows strong play of color with bright flashes of...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$1,880Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Antique Australian Opal 14K Pendant Natural Vintage Necklace Solid Gold Fine
Located in Sylvania, GA
Old South Jewels proudly presents GIA CERTIFIED ANTIQUE AUSTRALIAN OPAL VINTAGE 14K SOLID GOLD PENDANT! BEAUTIFUL NATURAL SOLID OPAL.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Australian Solid 1.0ct White Opal Diamond Pendant 18k Yellow Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A strikingly beautiful 18ct gold pendant featuring an oval cabochon cut, Australian solid white opal with rainbow play of colours, with three brilliant cut diamonds on the frame. - ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
RUCHI Australian Opal with Baguette Diamond Halo Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold Opal: 8.82ct total weight. Diamond: 0.33ct total weight. All diamonds are G-H/SI stones. 16"-18" Adjustable Chain
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
Australian Opal Pendant Necklace Micro Set Diamond Pendant Necklace 14kt Gold
Located in Jupiter, FL
Australian opal pendant necklace with micro diamond setting in 14KT yellow gold.
Genuine 110 Carat Pink Sapphire and Australian Opal Beaded Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A stunning statement necklace with blush pink Australian and Peruvian opals that glint with bright 14k solid gold beads and clasp.
Opal, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Boulder Opal Ruby & Diamond Gold Pendant
Located in GOES, NL
Discover a (OOAK) One Of A Kind treasure born from the heart of Australia! This exceptionally rare 4.85ct vivid boulder opal pendant features a mesmerizing gemstone sourced from Que...
Ruby, Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$2,920Sale Price|20% Off
14k Gold 3.95ct Australian Opal Diamond Halo Pendant 18" Cable Link Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Lively - Australian - White Base w/ Nice Play of Red & Orange Colors - 12.3x10.2mm - 2.67ct (exact) (16) Natural...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
One-of-a-Kind 11.7 CTW Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Platinum Pendant Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This extraordinary one-of-a-kind platinum pendant necklace showcases a mesmerizing 11.37 carat natural Australian boulder opal displaying exceptional play-of-color with vivid flashes...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Antique Edwardian .8ct Australian Solid Black Opal Lavaliere Pendant in 9ct Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Stunning 9t gold antique opal pendant featuring an Australian solid black opal exhibiting rolling flashes of firey red, orange, yellow, blue, and green.
Black Opal, Opal, 9k Gold, Gold
$59,100
Opal Rock Crystal Necklace
Located in New Orleans, LA
Eighty-nine Australian opals dance with color in this stunning necklace.
Opal, Rock Crystal, 14k Gold, White Gold
“Snow White’s Apple” Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond 18ct Gold Pendant
Located in SYDNEY, AU
The Snow White’s Apple pendant is beautifully defined by its perfectly rounded, apple-shaped body, formed by a 1.75ct Australian black opal. The opal displays a rare and captivating ...
Opal, Black Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
19 Carat Australian Black Boulder Opal Gold Vintage Pendant Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Elegant Finely detailed Australian Black Boulder Opal Gold Necklace Featuring a securely Hand set 19 Carat Australian Black Opal.
Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
An Exquisite Australian Black Opal & Diamond 18k Pendant
Located in bangkok, TH
A simply Gorgeous Australian Black Opal & Diamond pendant handcrafted in 18k yellow gold. Approximately 20-30 years old. The star of the show is unquestionably the central Opal -...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
$688Sale Price|40% Off
Pastel Boulder Opal Silver Pendant Natural Australian opal Unisex Jewelry gift
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver pendant with natural Boulder Opal gemstone origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.12 x 0.79 x 1.02 in / 3 x 20 x 26 mm opal weight - 20.36 carats pendant length - 1.46 in /...
Opal, Silver
Sky Blue Green Australian Boulder Opal Pendant 14k Gold Bezel Set
Located in SYDNEY, AU
An incredibly beautiful Australian solid boulder opal 14ct gold pendant with sky-blue and green play of colours. Item Details: - Stone: 1 x Australian Natural Solid Boulder Opal, ...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Four Strand Cultured Akoya Pearls with Australian Opal Gold Necklace
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
The clasp has an Australian Opal The necklace is 16.75" Length The necklace weighs 49.0 grams
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
24.08 Carat Australian Opal Diamond Platinum Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A very special piece featuring a super fine Australian opal weighing an impressive 24.08 carats. What makes the opal special, other than its large size, is it's fantastic play-of-col...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
14k Gold Lightning Ridge Australian Black Opal Doublet Diamond Pendant Charm
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A petite Australian opal pendant from Midsomer Jewellery's "Black Lightning" collection. Mined in the 1980s, this vintage opal is newly set in 14ct gold, featuring vibrant play of bl...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Lightning Ridge Australian Blue Green Opal Doublet Diamond Pendant
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A petite Australian opal pendant from Midsomer Jewellery's "Black Lightning" collection. Mined in the 1980s, this vintage opal is newly set in 14ct gold, featuring vibrant play of bl...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Vintage Large 17ct Australian Boulder Opal Pendant in Gold Over Sterling Silver
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This striking pendant showcases a premium, large 17-carat solid Australian boulder opal, alive with astonishing colour play of vivid pink, blue, green, and yellow. The opal is set in...
Opal, Sterling Silver
Vintage Australian 4ct Solid White Opal Diamond 18k Gold Teardrop Pendant
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Striking Australian solid white opal in cabochon cut teardrop shape, exhibiting dreamy orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet colour plays. This beautiful opal is set in solid 18ct ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Lightning Ridge Solid Black Opal Diamond 14k Gold Pendant Blue Green
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This elegant pendant features a solid Lightning Ridge black opal, expertly set in 14ct yellow gold. Renowned for its exceptional quality, this Australian black opal reveals mesmerisi...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Large Australian Crystal Opal Diamond Platinum Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large and impressive pendant featuring a 6.70 carat Australian opal with excellent play-of-color. The opal displays a wide range of colors which include red, orange, green, yellow ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
14.80 Ct Kaleidoscopic Australian Opal Diamond Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
Queen of Gems One of the world most amazing and magic stone on earth, who inspired writers describing Opals as volcano lava flows, galaxies and fireworks. Some Opali carry such a col...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
“Paradise Waves” Australian 1.7ct Solid Semi-Black Opal Pendant 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This 1.70ct cabochon-cut natural Australian semi-black opal takes centre stage in this stunning 18ct yellow gold pendant. The opal displays a mesmerizing play of colour, with flashes...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
One-of-a-Kind 7.59 CTW Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Platinum Pendant Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This vibrant platinum pendant necklace centers a mesmerizing 7.59 carat natural Australian boulder opal displaying exceptional play-of-color with vivid electric blues, luminous green...
Diamond, Opal, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 18k Gold Electric Blue Green Solid Australian Boulder Opal Pendant
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A striking 18ct gold vintage pendant featuring a natural Australian solid boulder opal showcasing electric flashes of violent, blue, and green with touches of bright red, arranged in...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$4,940Sale Price|40% 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
Violet Blue Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond 18k Gold Pendant Charm Triangle
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A beautiful triangle freeform shaped Australian solid black opal pendant with violet, light blue, and green play of colours, set in 18ct gold accented with a natural diamond. Item D...
Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Green Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond 18k Gold Oval Pendant Charm
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A strikingly beautiful 18ct gold pendant featuring an oval cabochon cut, Australian solid black opal with blue and green play of colours, with one brilliant cut diamond on the frame....
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Opal Ruby Diamond Platinum Pendant, GIA
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A special 34.84 carat kite shape double cabochon natural opal is bordered by 2.18 crats of round rubies. Revered as a symbol of hope, fidelity and purity, opal was dubbed the Queen o...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Platinum
Boulder Opal Silver Pendant Terracotta Red Natural Australian Opal Unisex gift
Located in Berlin, DE
Natural boulder opal silver pendant opal origin - Australia opals measurements - 0.16 х 0.71 х 1.22 in / 4 х 18 х 31 mm opals weight - 17.15 carats pendant length - 1.65 in / 42 mm ...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
Australian Opal Shell Pendant with Emerald & 14k Gold
By Jen Proudman Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
The gold ring bail can accommodate a chain, cord or beaded necklace up to 6mm in width. This Australian Boulder Opal is mined from a family opal mine in Queensland, Australia.
Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold
Australian Black Opal Diamond Halo Platinum Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A classic and gemmy Australian black opal weighing 2.85 carats takes center stage of this platinum pendant. It has amazing play-of-color as bright intense flashes of red, orange, yel...
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Australian Opal Pink Sapphire Diamond Gold Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This futuristic pendant features a 30 carat Australian opal bezel set in the center of this pendant. The luscious Australian opal is accented by 0.51 carats of princess cut pink sapp...
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Australian Opal Starfish Pendant with Emerald & 14k Gold
By Jen Proudman Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
The gold ring bail can accommodate a chain, cord or beaded necklace up to 6mm in width. This Australian Boulder Opal is mined from a family opal min in Queensland, Australia.
Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold
14k Gold Vintage Art Deco Style Australian Black Opal Triplet Pendant
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A striking opal triplet pendant displaying beautiful colours, set in Art Deco style 14ct gold frame. This unique piece, crafted in the 1980s, is in new, unworn condition. - Stones: ...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Crystal Opal Diamond 9ct Gold Heart Pendant Flush Gypsy Set
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This charming 9ct gold heart pendant is adorned with ten natural Australian Coober Pedy solid crystal opals that display a breathtaking rainbow play of colour — vivid flashes of red,...
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique Edwardian 2.2ct Australian Semi-Black Opal Lavaliere Pendant in 9ct Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Stunning 9t gold antique opal pendant featuring an Australian solid semi-black opal exhibiting red, orange, yellow, green, and blue rainbow colours through the whole stone. The excel...
Opal, 9k Gold, Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Australian Opal & Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This vintage pendant is a striking and highly collectible gemstone piece, centered by a remarkable 2.61ct Australian opal with a semi crystal body and full spectrum play of color. Au...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$104,366Sale Price|40% Off
Big Opal Boulder Australian Fine gemstone Freeform 47 ct Neon Blue SSEF cert
Located in Berlin, DE
Boulder Opal from Queensland, Australia is one of the rarest gemstones on earth.
Opal
"Little Planet" Solid Australian Blue Green Boulder Opal Pendant in 14k Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
An astonishing Australian boulder opal pendant featuring intense blue and green play of colours, with a naturally formed round pattern in the middle, like a little planet in the gala...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lightning Ridge Australian Black Opal Doublet Pendant Charm 14k Gold Green Blue
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A petite Australian opal pendant from Midsomer Jewellery's "Black Lightning" collection. Mined in the 1980s, this vintage opal is newly set in 14ct gold, featuring vibrant green and ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lightning Ridge Australian Green Teal Blue Opal Doublet Pendant Charm 14K Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A petite Australian opal pendant from Midsomer Jewellery's "Black Lightning" collection. Mined in the 1980s, this vintage opal is newly set in 14ct gold, featuring vibrant green and ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Lightning Ridge Australian Black Opal Doublet Pendant Charm Teal Blue
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A petite Australian opal pendant from Midsomer Jewellery's "Black Lightning" collection. Mined in the 1980s, this vintage opal is newly set in 14ct gold, featuring vibrant teal blue ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow 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).
Whether you’re layering multiple jewelry pieces or opting for a single strand, vintage pendant necklaces are versatile accessories that can elevate your casual wear as easily as they can add a creative flourish to your formal attire.
The earliest jewelry was less about accessorizing than it was about wearers arming themselves with amulets. In Ancient Egypt, some amulets featured a loop so that they could be strung around one’s neck. While rubies have long been one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money, members of some ancient civilizations valued the stones from the get-go, donning ruby pendants as well as other stones with the belief that these adornments would bring protection, healing powers or strength. Today, we still wear our charm bracelets and charm pendants around our necks for good luck.
Later, pendant necklaces, like most fine jewelry, were worn strictly by royalty or the upper class and conferred wealth and prestige. This changed over time, thankfully, as wearing jewelry became more widespread, a democratized means of personal expression.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, pendant necklaces evolved from their status as spiritual amulets, but the jewels still carried deep personal significance. Victorian pendants, in particular, were part of the “mourning jewelry” tradition. Wearers would embed their pendants with locks of hair from a deceased loved one as a way of grieving in the wake of a loss. In the case of cameo jewelry, some pendants were even decorated with miniature hand-carved portraits in a detailed raised relief. Today, portraiture is still a characteristic of many of the hand-carved pendant necklaces offered by Italian jewelry house Scala Gioielli.
Luxury fine jewelry brands such as Cartier, BVLGARI and David Yurman offer their own unique interpretations of the cherished accessory, embellishing platinum or gold pendant necklaces with diamonds, sapphires and other stones.
On 1stDibs, find an extraordinary range of vintage pendant necklaces and other necklaces today.
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
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.
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.