Boulder Opal Pendant
20th Century North American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Arts and Crafts Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s American Retro Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
2010s French Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s German Artist Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Dutch Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
20th Century Japanese Modern Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2010s Australian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Late 20th Century Brazilian Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Necklace Enhancers
Opal, Silver
2010s American Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Garnet, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Arts and Crafts Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s German Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s North American Retro Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold
2010s French Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s German Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces
Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold
2010s German Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Silver
2010s German Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Silver
2010s Dutch Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
2010s Dutch Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Peridot, 18k Gold
2010s Dutch Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Opal, 18k Gold
2010s German Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Chrysocolla, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Silver
2010s German Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s German Artist Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
- 1
Boulder Opal Pendant For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Boulder Opal Pendant?
The Legacy of Opal in Jewelry Design
Opals were discovered in 400 BC, and since then five types have been found throughout the world. Before you start shopping for mysteriously beautiful vintage opal rings and other opal jewelry, learn about the different varieties of the gem — and find out which historical figure was reportedly willing to trade his kingdom for a single stone.
Here is a little riddle for you: the month of October has two birthstones, but only one of them encompasses the colors of other birthstones. If you guessed opal, you’re right! (The other gemstone associated with the month of October is tourmaline.)
Opals are such unusual gemstones that there are too many old-wives tales associated with them, like if you’re a blond, wearing an opal necklace will protect your locks from losing color. Opals were also very fashionable in the early 19th century, up until the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein in 1829. The title heroine wears an opal and succumbs to an untimely death. However, the British monarchy, and in particular Queen Victoria, did not let this story get in their way, and they frequently gifted opals to friends and family members. October babies should disregard the noise and proudly wear their opals!
There are five types of precious opals: boulder opal, fire opal, crystal/water opal, black opal, and white/light opal. Each variety is distinguished by its color.
So, where does the name come from? The word opal is thought to originate from the Roman opalus or from the Sanskrit úpala (“precious stone”) or from the Greek opallios (“to see a color change”). So while there have been many names for the stones, opals were first discovered in 400 BC in Ethiopia. But the early reference that comes up most often in history books is from the Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder, who wrote about it in 75 AD. In his text he refers to it as opali. The Romans were big fans of opal, Mark Antony was so enamored by it that, as the story goes, he was willing to trade a portion of his kingdom for a single opal.
There's a wide variety of antique and vintage opal jewelry on 1stDibs (and you won't have to trade your kingdom for it).
Finding the Right Pendant-necklaces for You
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021An Australian boulder opal is an opal mined from a large ironstone boulder under the ground. This type of opal is the second most valuable opal behind the black opal. Spot an Australian boulder opal by checking for a solid layer of brown ironstone left on the back of the stone. Shop Australian boulder opals on 1stDibs.
Read More
This Victorian Necklace Features a Rainbow of Gems
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal
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.
This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
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.
Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels
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.