Striped African Opal Blue and White Sapphires Gold Statement Earrings
By Lauren Harper
Located in Winnetka, IL
One of a kind striped Blue, Grey and White African Opals set in organic designed bands of blue and white Sapphires in 18k matte gold on posts.
Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Ceylon Blue Sapphires, Blue Opals & Diamonds Chandelier Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Blue Sapphires & Blue Opal Chandelier Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold|$9,800 / set
Blue Ethiopian Opals Earrings with 2.67 Carat Diamonds
By Coomi
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Affinity Earrings Set in 20 Karat Yellow Gold with 6.42 Carat Blue Ethiopian Opals and 2.67 Carat Diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Natural Doublet Opal, Emerald, Blue Sapphire & Diamonds Chandelier/Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and one of a kind doublet Opal, Blue Sapphire, Emerald Chandelier Earrings set in 18K Gold & Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Rubies, Blue Sapphires, Blue Opal & Diamonds Stud Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ruby, Blue Sapphires & Blue Opals Stud Earrings set in 18K Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Ruchi New York Blue Opal and Diamond Earrings
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
Ocean Bliss Opal Collection Blue Opal and Diamond Drop Earrings in 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruchi New York Blue Opal and Diamond Earrings
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
Ocean Bliss Opal Collection Blue Opal and Diamond Two Drop Earrings in 18K white gold.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Australian Opal Blue Sapphire Diamond Earring
Located in Bangkok, TH
The earring was made in 18K White Gold, set with Australian Opal 0.60 Carat and French cut Blue Sapphire from Thailand 0.55 Carat.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Boulder Opal Blue Topaz Gold Earrings by Lauren Harper
By Lauren Harper
Located in Winnetka, IL
Surrounded by marquis shaped faceted London Blue Topaz, the center Blue Opals have beautiful blue color and flash.
Opal, Topaz, 18k Gold
Black Opal, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Tsavorite Garnet Dangle Earrings
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The larger blue sapphire cabochons at the top of the earrings have a royal navy blue body color, while the smaller sapphire cabochons show off the lighter blues in the opals.
Garnet, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Black Opal, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Yello...
Ice Drops Clear Fire Opal Blue Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
Bursting with saturated colors, the ethereal Ice drops Clear Fire Opal Blue Sapphire and Diamond Earrings highlight the natural beauty of gemstones and showcase an innate sense of co...
Sapphire, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruchi New York Ethiopian Opal, Diamond and Blue Sapphire Earrings
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
Midnight Blue Collection Ethiopian Opal, Diamond and blue Sapphire everyday earrings set in 18K white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Ruchi New York Blue Sapphire and Ethiopian Opal Chandelier Earrings
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
Midnight Blue Collection Ethiopian Opal, gradient blue Sapphire and Diamond pavé chandelier dangle earrings set in 18K white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Australian Black Opal, Peridot and Blue Topaz Dangle Earrings
Located in Towson, MD
14 karat white gold earrings with 0.90 carat total weight of Australian black opal, 7 mm by 5 mm blue topaz, and 2mm round peridot.
Opal, Peridot, Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruchi New York Ethiopian Opal and Blue Sapphire C Shape Earring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
Midnight Blue Collection Ethiopian Opal and blue Sapphire C shape earrings set in 18K white gold.
Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Opal Studs Earrings silver Natural Australian Blue Green Gemstone
Located in Berlin, DE
Doublet Opal stud earrings in silver gemstone origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.12 x 0.31 x 0.43 in / 3 x 8 x 11 mm earrings weight - 2.62 grams
Opal, Silver
Blue Topaz and Opal Victorian Style Dangle Earrings in Solid 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Indulge in the enchanting allure of these Natural Blue Topaz Victorian Style Dangle Earrings, a masterpiece crafted in solid 9K gold.
Opal, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Earring with Blue and Yellow Sapphires Around in Silver and Gold
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and effortless organic shaped white opal in center earring with yellow and blue sapphires around is as unique as you are!
Opal, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Natural Blue Sapphire Opal Vintage Style Floral Cluster Drop Earrings in 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Crafted from luminous yellow gold, these vintage-style earrings boast a Floral Cluster Drop design. Each earring showcases a single floral cluster composed of round Blue Sapphires an...
Opal, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$3,500
Diamond Opal and Sapphire Dangle Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Spectacular dangle earrings crafted in yellow gold, showcasing 8 oval opals weighing approximately 3.5 carats total, 6 oval cut sapphires weighing approximately 1.5 carats total and ...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Gold
Opal Studs Silver Earrings Australian Natural Blue Green Gemstone Unisex Jewelry
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver stud earrings with natural Opal gemstone origin - Australia gem size is 0.079 х 0.2 x 0.28 in / 2 x 5 x 7 mm opals weight - 1 carat earrings weight - 1.30 grams
Opal, Silver
21st Century 18k Gold Earrings Enamels Flowers Birds Turquoise Opal Blue Topaz
By Vicente Gracia Art Jewellery
Located in Valencia, ES
21st Century 18 K Gold Earrings Enamels Flowers Birds Turquoise Opal Blue Topaz 21st Century 18k yellow gold Earrings, adorned with enamelled flowers of many vibrant colours, ename...
Opal, Topaz, Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Devta Doolan Reflective Fiery Blue Opal Doublet Handmade Gold Stud Earrings
By Devta Doolan
Located in Dallas, TX
One-of-a-Kind Stud Earrings handcrafted by acclaimed jewelry designer Devta Doolan with blue opal doublets exhibiting beautiful flashes of green, orange, blue, violet, and purple fi...
Opal, 22k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Crystal Opal Studs Earrings silver Natural Australian Red Blue Green Gemstone
Located in Berlin, DE
Matte finish silver stud earrings with Opal gemstone origin - Australia gem size is 0.079 х 0.16 x 0.24 in / 2 x 4 x 6 mm opals weight - 0.88 carat earrings weight - 1.88 grams
Crystal, Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
Boulder Opal, Kyanite and Blue Topaz Dangle Earrings in 18k Yellow Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These chic, one-of-a-kind earrings feature a beautiful color combination of blue boulder opals, blue topaz, and kyanite, a lovely mineral often mistaken for blue sapphire.
Opal, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Kyanite, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold,...
Fei Liu Opal Diamond Blue Topaz 18 Carat Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
Description: A pair of one-of-a-kind opal earrings by Fei Liu. Featuring mesmerising opals with a total weight of 6.33ct, 0.546ct diamonds, and special 'kite cut' topaz with a total ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Mismatched Blue Sapphire, Opal and Diamond Bar Earrings
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
Mismatched blue sapphire, opal, and diamond bar earrings in 18k white gold.
Opal and 18K Gold Hoop Earrings in 18K Blue Rhodium Plated Gold.
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
A pair of 18k Gold hoop earrings set with round cabochon Opals. This beautiful statement earrings are great present for yourself or loved ones.
Opal, 18k Gold, Rhodium
Petra Class Vivid Blue Electric Australian Opal Doublet Gold Drop Earrings
By Petra Class
Located in Dallas, TX
One of a Kind Drop Earrings intricately hand-fabricated by master jewelry artist Petra Class each earring showcasing two iridescent opals bezel-set in signature-finished 22k yellow g...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Mixed Metal
Devta Doolan Vibrant Red Fire Blue Violet Opal Doublet Gold Stud Earrings
By Devta Doolan
Located in Dallas, TX
One-of-a-Kind Stud Earrings handcrafted by acclaimed jewelry designer Devta Doolan with bluish violet opal doublets exhibiting a unique and vibrant rare red flash with electrifying a...
Opal, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Colombian Emerald Sugarloafs, Blue Opal & Diamonds Stud Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Blue Opal Stud Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold
Jennifer Kalled Opal Earring Drusy Sequoia Tsavorite Blue Zircon 22k 18k 14k
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
If she were a pair of earrings, she would look like these opal earrings!
Opal, Tsavorite, Zircon, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Fine Blue Ethiopian Opal Oval Cabochon Dangle Drop Earrings, Lola Brooks, 2022
Located in Dallas, TX
One of a Kind Earrings by jewelry maker Lola Brooks hand-fabricated in matte-finished 18k yellow gold featuring a truly phenomenal matched pair of oval Ethiopian opal cabochons total...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Custom 14kt Inlaid Opal/ Malachite & Onyx Earrings with Gemstones
Located in Towson, MD
The earrings contain inliad sections of black onyx, mother of pearl, black opal and white opal.
Malachite, Onyx, Opal, Blue Topaz, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fiery Blue Opal and Diamond Kabana Earrings, 14k Gold Round Brilliant .15 Carat
By Kabana
Located in Greensboro, NC
Ornate milgrain work beautifully frames the diamonds and adds to the earrings’ stunning presentation. Metal Content: Guaranteed 14k Gold as stamped Stone Information: Genuine Op...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Fiery Blue Opal Doublet Yellow Gold Dangle Drop Earrings, Petra Class 2022
By Petra Class
Located in Dallas, TX
Drop Earrings handcrafted by acclaimed jewelry maker Petra Class featuring a stunning matched pair of bright blue Australian opal doublets with strong electric green fire bezel-set i...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
AJD Elegant Blue Kyanite and Opal Dangle Earrings in 14K Glowing White Gold
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
Unique Opal and Kyanite Earrings in 14K White Gold Discover the beauty of these one-of-a-kind earrings, expertly crafted to showcase the captivating combination of Opal and deep blue...
Opal, Kyanite, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sterling Silver, Australian Opal and Diamond Shooting Star Earrings
By Martha Seely
Located in Carlisle, MA
With two 7mm Australian opals, 22 - 1.3mm white diamonds; 60 -0.9mm blue diamonds.
Diamond, Blue Diamond, Opal, Sterling Silver
Fiery Electric Green Deep Blue Opal 22k Gold Drop Earrings, Petra Class 2023
By Petra Class
Located in Dallas, TX
Earrings handcrafted by acclaimed jewelry maker Petra Class featuring a fabulous matched pair of deep blue Australian opal doublet with strong electric green fire complemented by fla...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Devta Doolan One of a Kind Fiery Blue Opal Doublet Gold Drop Earrings
By Devta Doolan
Located in Dallas, TX
One of a Kind Earrings handcrafted by acclaimed jewelry maker Devta Doolan in signature finished 22k yellow gold showcasing a beautiful matched pair of Australian blue opal doublets ...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Meira T 1E8795/WO 14K White Gold Blue Opal and Diamond Drop Dangling Earrings
By Meira T
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Meira T 1E8795/WO 14K white gold earrings with two blue opals weighing 0.45 carat total and diamonds weighing 0.25 carat total.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Multi-Color Sapphire and Fire Opal Drop Earrings
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
Bursts of Lava Collection Fire Opal, multi color Sapphires (pink, orange, blue, green and purple) and Diamond drop earrings set in 18K yellow gold in a floral design.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Ye...
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Boulder Opal Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These captivating vintage drop earrings are crafted in 14k yellow gold and feature a pair of striking freeform boulder opals, celebrated for their mesmerizing play of color.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rosior Fire Opal Long Drop Earrings set in Yellow Gold
By Rosior
Located in Porto, PT
Convertible Earrings in 19.2k Yellow Gold with Fire Opals, Sapphires, Diamonds, Tsavorites, Emeralds & Amethysts – Unique Creation by Rosior A vibrant celebration of color and versa...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Sapphire,...
18K gold Ethiopian Opal and carved Burmese Sapphire studs/dangler earring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
One of its kind, Ethiopian Opal and Burma Blue Sapphire Earrings, that can be worn as studs or as dangler earrings.
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Lauren Harper 1.36 Carats Diamonds Boulder Opals Gold Statement Earrings
By Lauren Harper
Located in Winnetka, IL
These spectacular earrings were inspired by ocean waves, with 1.36 Carats of white Diamonds embellishing Lauren Harper's signature 18kt Matte Gold finish, with luminescent blue Bould...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Beautiful Mexican Fire Opal & Tsavorite Drop Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Beautiful Mexican Fire Opal Blue & Tsavorite Drop Earrings 18K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Tsavorite, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruchi New York Ethiopian Opal, Multicolored Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
Iridescence Collection Colorful Ethiopian Opal, multi colored Sapphires and Diamonds make up a mosaic masterpiece in these chandelier earrings. Set in 18K yellow gold. Ethiopian ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Ye...
Peter Suchy 1.85 Carat Oval Opal Triplet Yellow Gold Earrings
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Oval opal earrings. Blue green oval triplets with red flash in 14k yellow gold four prong basket settings, with open work swirl gallery.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruchi New York Ethiopian Opal, Color Sapphire and Diamond Chandelier Earrings
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
Play of Colors Collection Ethiopian Opal, Color Sapphire and Diamond chandelier earrings set in 18K yellow gold. Color Sapphire: 19.32ct total weight. Ethiopian Opal: 9.81ct tota...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Ye...
Ruchi New York Ethiopian Opal, Multicolored Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
Iridescence Collection Ethiopian Opal cabochon complimented by multi colored Sapphires and Diamond accents. Set in 18K yellow gold. Ethiopian Opal: 5.47ct total weight. Multi Co...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Ye...
3.33ct Sapphire, Tourmaline, Opal, Pearl & Diamond Earrings, 18K Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Product Details: Diamond - 56 pcs - 0.67ct Blue Sapphire - 46pcs - 0.70ct Ruby - 56 pcs - 0.79ct Blue Sapphire - 4 pcs - 3.33 cts Opal - 2 pcs - 1.71cts Tourmaline - 2 pcs - 9.92cts ...
Diamond, Opal, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Rubelite, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sa...
Opal and Sapphire Earrings Come Studs in 18 Karat Gold with Diamonds
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A modern and unique natural opal, blue sapphire and diamond earrings which can be converted to studs with an easy screw mechanism.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold
Sold|$11,000
Ruchi New York Opal Flower Clip on Earrings
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
Ocean Bliss Opal Collection Flower shaped Blue Opal Diamonds Earrings in 18K white gold.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.50 Carat Boulder Opal Sapphire Diamond Gold Clip Post Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
Natural Boulder Opal set in oval clip post handmade 14k yellot gold wire earrings with Sapphire and diamond halos. 2 oval blue green Opals with red flash, 10.50 x 8.59 x 3.12mm, app...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Fei Liu Opal, Diamond and Sapphire 18 Carat Yellow Gold Stud Flower Earrings
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
These exquisite earrings are adorned with enchanting opals at their centre, exuding a mesmerising play of colours that captivate the eye.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...
Geometric Hexagon Shaped Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
We use 100% Natural & Ethically opal stones (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. --------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PRODUCT 14K Y...
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).
In the United States, ear piercing didn’t really become popular until the 1950s and ‘60s, but our desire for a dazzling pair of vintage earrings has deeper roots than that. In fact, wearing earrings actually goes back thousands of years, and you can find many tangible connections between now and then in how we continue to talk about these treasured accessories.
Women wore ornamental earrings — studs and hoops at the very least — in Ancient Egypt, which is home to mines that are among the earliest sources of emeralds in the world. Emerald earrings are highly prized today, and their quality lies in their rich, saturated color. The highest-quality emeralds are green or bluish-green. Earrings worn by the affluent in early Roman civilizations were set with precious stones such as diamonds and pearls, and a clean-looking pop of pearl on the front of the lobe is as timeless as ever. Hoop earrings are imbued with symbolism and cultural significance for many, and on view in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Near Eastern Art Gallery is a pair of simple gold hoops from Mesopotamia dating to between 2600 and 2500 B.C.
Today, ear piercing is very popular all over the world, and, as a result, it is difficult to overstate how much everyone pines for a good pair of earrings — modernist drop earrings, glamorous Victorian hoops, geometrically complex chandelier earrings, you name it. Sure, jewelry trends and the fashion darlings of social media come and go, but earrings have a staying power that seems impenetrable: The still-strong love affair between British royals and Cartier earrings is more than a century old, glossy 1970s hoops from legacy houses such as Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels remain the statement makers they’ve always been and although people have been stacking earrings for many moons, the allure of an expertly mismatched stack of charms and studs still feels fresh and new.
While there is no shortage of modern earring designs to choose from, the classics, like coral earrings, Art Deco–style earrings and diamond drop earrings are still heavy hitters. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of antique, new and vintage earrings today.
Someone wanted to “modernize” the Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. masterworks, but Mahnaz Collection came to their rescue. Here, the dealer explains precisely why they’re such an extraordinary find.
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
The mismatched, multiple-earring look may have started with fashion jewelry, but A-list fans have taken it to the next level.
From buttons to chandeliers, here are the top styles to get or give in 2020.
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.
The classic circle has appeared in countless variations over the centuries.