Dalben Blue Rectangular Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Ring
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18k yellow gold semi lucid finishing ring with a 13,7 carat bezel-set wonderful rectangular Boulder Opal.
Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Rectangular Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold satin finishing ring with a 2,97 carat bezel-set rectangular green- pink Australian Boulder Opal .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Blue Green Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Ring
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18 kt yellow gold satin finishing ring with a blue green colors solid Australian Boulder Opal rhombus shape weight 4,63 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Blue Green Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18 kt yellow gold ring with a blue green colors solid Australian Boulder Opal weight 5,38 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Boulder Opal & Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14k yellow gold Diamonds: 5 round cut = 0.03cttw Color: J Clarity: SI1-2 Dimensions: ring measures 20.6mm wide Size: 6.5 (complimentary sizing available) ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal Silver Ring 5 carat anniversary opal wedding gift vintage style
Located in Berlin, DE
Scratched sterling silver ring with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.35 х 0.51 in / 9 х 13 mm opal weight - 5.3 carats ring weight - 8.5 grams ring ...
Opal, Silver
Boulder Opal Silver Ring Mens Statement Jewelry Gift birthday
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver ring with natural Boulder Opal Opal gemstone origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.47 x 0.85 in / 12 x 19 mm ring weight - 12.5 grams ring size - 8 3/4 US, diameter 18.7...
Opal, Silver
Sterling Silver Boulder Opal Cocktail Ring-925 Asymmetrical Triangle
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Metal Content: Sterling Silver Stone Information Natural Boulder Opal Style: Cocktail Solitaire Theme: Asymmetrical Triangle Measurements Face Height (north to sout...
Opal, Sterling Silver
Vintage 6 Carat Boulder Opal Gold Solitaire Halo Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Solitaire Boulder Opal Gold Vintage Halo Ring. Featuring a securely nestled Hand set 6 Carat Boulder Opal.
Opal, Gold, White Gold
Big Blue Boulder Opal Silver Ring Unisex Statement Natural Koroit Opal Jewelry
Located in Berlin, DE
Large beautiful nature Boulder - Koroit-type - Opal ring in sterling silver ring size - 9 US weight of the Opal 24 ct gemstone origin - Australia stone measurements - 18 х 20 mm ring...
Opal, Silver
Blue Boulder Opal Silver Ring large 8.75 size gift opal anniversary wedding
Located in Berlin, DE
An unisex ring showcasing a natural Australian boulder opal of impressive scale, measuring 0.55 × 0.75 in (14 × 19 mm).
Opal, Silver
Steven Battelle 11.3 Carats Boulder Opal 18K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A bright, electric blue, variegated 12 x 27 mm oval boulder opal is set vertically in an exquisitely handmade "hearts and jawan" ornamented setting in this beautiful ring design.
Opal, 18k Gold
Dalben Blue Green Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing ring with a 7,4 carat bezel-set oval shape magnificent Queensland mine Australian boulder opal .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Big Oval Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold satin finishing ring with a 14,78 carat bezel-set oval light blue Australian Boulder Opal.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Australian Boulder Opal 22 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
Australian Boulder Opal and solid 22k hand forged yellow gold solitaire cocktail ring with a split shank design.
Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Flowers Design Boulder Opal Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Flowers Design Boulder Opal Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal Multi-Colored Gemstones 18K Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A captivating cocktail ring featuring a mesmerizing opal with a multi-colored hue. The opal is set in a bold, organic design. Surrounding the opal are round-cut stones in vibrant mul...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$741Sale Price|55% Off
Boulder Opal 18K Gold Silver Ring Natural Blue opal gemstone gift for wife
Located in Berlin, DE
Matte finish silver 18K gold plated ring with fine quality blue Boulder Opal gemstone origin - Australia ring weight - 4.61 grams ring size - 8 1/2 US gemstone size - 0.12 х 0.16 x ...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, 18k Gold
Boulder Opal Scratched Silver Ring Cosmic Dust Australian Gemstone Jewelry
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Scratched silver ring with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia stone measurements - 0.16 x 0.35 x 0.75 in / 4 х 9 х 19 mm opal weight - 3.09 carats ring size - 7.5 US ring ...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Brutalist 14k Yellow Gold Boulder Opal Cocktail Ring, 1960s Vintage
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Condition: Very good Era: Brutalist Year: 1960s Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Gemstone: Boulder Opal Graded by GIA standards Ring Size: 5.75, sizing available Rise Above Finger: 7mm Rin...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold Signet Ring with Diamonds and Boulder Opal
By Amy Glaswand
Located in New York, NY
This center stone is a slice of multi-hued Boulder Opal surrounded by diamond geometric accents of diamonds Materials: 18 karat gold, diamonds (0.30ct), boulder opal Measuring 20mm ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
$1,980Sale Price|20% Off
18 Karat Gold Signet Ring with Diamonds and Boulder Opal
Located in New York, NY
This center stone is a slice of multi-hued Boulder Opal surrounded by diamond geometric accents of diamonds Materials: 18 karat gold, diamonds (0.30ct), boulder opal Measuring 20mm ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
Large Boulder Opal SIlver Ring Colorful Gemstone Statement ring gift 8 ct
Located in Berlin, DE
Indulge in the exquisite beauty of this singular piece – a sterling silver ring, meticulously crafted with a matte finish and showcasing an 8.45-carat oval cabochon Australian Boulde...
Opal, Silver
Dalben Design Blue Green Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
This Australian Boulder Opal has the seabed colors Ring size 6 3/4 - EU 54 re-sizable to most finger sizes.
Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal and precious opal ring in silver with gold-plated setting sapphire
Located in Berlin, DE
A vibrant one-of-a-kind gemstone ring, handcrafted from 925 silver with rich 18K gold bezels. This unique cluster design features two natural opals shimmering with blue and green fir...
Opal, Sapphire, Gold Plate, Silver
Steven Battelle 9.2 Carats Australian Boulder Opal 18K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A beautiful electric blue and green, approximately 10 x 20 mm, semi-rectangular Australian boulder opal from the Quilpie opal fields in Queensland is surrounded by 2 rows of stacked ...
Opal, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 4 Carats Boulder Opal Sterling 18k Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Very affordable when mounted on a simple matte-finish tapered sterling shank sized 7. This ring is resizable. Bright Opal Blues!
Opal, 18k Gold
Three Stone Boulder Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Three Stone Boulder Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 2.45ct Australian Black Boulder Opal 9k Yellow Gold Oval Signet Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural Australian Black Boulder Opal 9k Yellow Gold Signet Ring. A stunning 2.45 carat natural black boulder opal with a beautiful blue, purple and green play of colour and an exce...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare 3.02ct Australian Matrix Boulder Opal 18k Yellow Gold Cushion Signet Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural Australian Boulder Matrix Opal 18k Yellow Gold Cushion Signet Ring.
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 1.56ct Australian Black Boulder Opal 18k Yellow Gold Oval Signet Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural Australian Black Boulder Matrix Opal 18k Yellow Gold Oval Signet Ring.
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 3.45ct Australian Black Boulder Opal 18k Yellow Gold Oval Signet Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural Australian Black Boulder Matrix Opal 18k Yellow Gold Oval Signet Ring.
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Boulder Opal and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold and Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
Boulder Opal and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold and Platinum Boulder Opal and Diamond Ring features Natural Boulder Opal weighing 12.32 carats in an elongated shape with Pink, Gre...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Large 50ct Australian Solid Boulder Opal Sterling Silver Ring T / 9.5
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Striking and one of a kind, this vintage sterling silver ring showcases an impressive estimated 50-60ct Australian natural solid boulder opal.
Opal, Sterling Silver
Vintage Large 50ct Australian Solid Boulder Opal Sterling Silver Ring U / 10
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Striking and one of a kind, this vintage sterling silver ring showcases an impressive estimated 50-60ct Australian natural solid boulder opal.
Opal, Sterling Silver
11.69 Carat Natural Australian Boulder Opal and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 11.96 Carat, Natural, Australian Boulder Opal and 0.46 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
11.32 Carat Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Sunburst 18k White Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A superb platinum ring featuring a very fine Australian boulder opal.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Boulder Opal Cabochon Ring with Tsavorite Garnet Accents: Solid 14K Gold, 10x8mm
Located in Columbus, OH
A solid natural boulder opal cabochon flashes with vivid play of color across this solid 14K white gold ring, accented by green tsavorite garnets.
Tsavorite, Opal, Garnet, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Australian Boulder Opal Modernist Design Statement Ring 18K Gold 14.2g V1112
Located in Osprey, FL
Behold this exquisite statement ring, crafted with a unique Australian boulder opal, set in a modernist organic floral head of solid 18K gold.
Opal, Diamond, Tourmaline, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
Vintage Platinum Large Boulder Nice Play of Color Opal w/ Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Brown Color w/ Violet & Green Play of Color - 17.4x14.8mm - 9ct (exact) (26) Natural Genuine Diam...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Magnificent Two Colors Boulder Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Magnificent Two Colors Australian Boulder Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Platinum 2.29ctw Oval Bezel Boulder Opal w/ Diamond Cluster Accents Modern Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Oval Cut - Bezel Set - Black Color w/ Green, Orange & Blue Play of Color - 10.8x7mm - 2.17ct (exact) (6) Natural Genuine Diamonds - R...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
3.7cts Boulder Opal Statement Ring with Natural Diamonds Accents: Solid 14k Gold
Located in Columbus, OH
3.7cts boulder opal statement ring showcasing vibrant natural play-of-color with diamond accents.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Oval Bezel Fiery Boulder Opal w/ Diamond Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Gray Color w/ Nice Play of Orange & Red (3) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Channel...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 23.3 Carats Koroit Boulder Opal Oxidized Sterling 18K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Koroit boulder opal is only found in one region of Queensland, Australia.
Opal, 18k Gold
$24,000Sale Price|56% Off
NWT $55, 000 Rare 18KT Gold Large Boulder Black Opal Fancy Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold Glistening Australian Black Opal and Diamond Gorgeous Pendant. Pendant features a Magnificent Rare Color Cha...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Australian Boulder Opal Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Bypass Ring Size N / 6.5
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A stunning 14ct yellow gold bypass ring featuring a beautiful natural Australian solid boulder opal with vivid blue and green play of colours.
Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Fremonti 14K Yellow Gold Oval Boulder Opal and Round Diamond Halo Crossover Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Fremonti Material: 14K yellow gold Boulder Opal: 1 oval cut= 1.53ct Diamonds: 44 single cut= 0.28cttw Color: G Clarity: VS2-SI1 Dimensions: the ring measures 12.70mm wide a...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum 1.43ctw GIA Oval Boulder Opal w/ Step Cut Diamond Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Oval Double Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Brown Base / Nice Play of Red Green Blue & Orange Colors - 1.05ct (exact) ** See Certifica...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Boulder Opal Gold Ring Shimmering Australian Stone Cobalt Zinc Blue Space Unisex
Located in Berlin, DE
14k yellow gold ring with Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.12 х 0.24 х 0.35 in / 3 х 6 х 9 mm stone weight - 2.5 carats ring weight - 3.52 grams ring siz...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal Gold Ring Shimmering Australian Stone Cobalt Blue Colour gift wife
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold ring with Boulder opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.12 х 0.24 х 0.35 in / 3 х 6 х 9 mm stone weight - 2.5 carats ring weight - 3.52 grams ring siz...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
One-of-a-Kind 9.29 Carat Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This striking one-of-a-kind ring centers a mesmerizing 9.29 carat Australian boulder opal displaying vivid electric blue and green play-of-color with exceptional natural vibrancy.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum, Gold, 18k Gold
Solid Australian Blue Green Boulder Opal Diamond Oval Halo Ring 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This one-of-a-kind opal and diamond ring is set in a halo cluster design, expertly crafted in 18ct yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,236Sale Price|55% Off
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
Aurora Boulder Opal 18K gold and silver ring red blue green yellow opalescences
Located in Berlin, DE
A captivating “Aurora” ring featuring a natural Australian opal, glowing with a full spectrum of colors that shift like the northern lights—vivid reds, blues, greens, and violets shi...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, 18k Gold
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Yellow Gold One-of-a-Kind Ring, Just Jules 2025
By Julie Romanenko
Located in Dallas, TX
This stunning ring by designer Just Jules showcases a magnificent pear-shaped Australian boulder opal ablaze with vibrant flashes of electric blue, green, and violet - reminiscent of...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Blue Australian Opal Silver Ring Valentines gift female friend wife anniversary
Located in Berlin, DE
Boulder "crystal pipe" Opal silver ring Opal origin - Australia size of the ring - 7 3/4 US, diameter 18 mm, N 16.5, 56.5 circumference ring weight - 4.6 grams stone measurements - 0...
Opal, Silver
Opal Silver Ring Triangle Multicolor Neon Sea Green Natural Australian Gemstone
Located in Berlin, DE
Large matte finish silver ring with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia ring weight - 11.5 grams ring size - 10 1/4 US / 62.5 EU opal measurements - 0.28 х 0.55 x 0.94 in /...
Opal, Silver
Big Opal Silver Ring gift Triangle Multicolor Neon Sea Green Natural Australian
Located in Berlin, DE
Large matte finish 925 solid sterling silver ring with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia ring weight - 11.5 grams ring size - 10 1/4 US / 62.5 EU opal measurements - 0.28...
Opal, Silver
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).
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
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.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.