Loose Boulder Opal - Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Boulder Opal Origin: Australia Measurements Condition: Pre-Owned
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
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BUNDA 24.21ct Boulder Opal in silver
By Ben Bunda
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A BUNDA 'Couture' Boulder Opal pendant in sterling silver, featuring an Australian boulder opal, predominately blue, red and brown in colour.
Category
2010s Australian Necklace Enhancers
Materials
Opal, Silver
Natural Australian Boulder Opal 7.48ct
Located in Nicosia, Cyprus
Details • Gemstone: Boulder Opal • Cut: oval/ cabochon • Weight: 7.48 ct • Origin: Australia • Treatment: No • Dimensions: 13x10x6.5 • Certificate: Not included ,Professionall...
Category
20th Century Art Deco Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Boulder opal pendent
$2,921
Boulder opal pendent
Located in Bad Kissingen, DE
The pendant features an impressive boulder opal adorned with a silver frog set with bright red sapphires.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Silver
1.68 cts, Boulder opal silver ring
$590 / item
1.68 cts, Boulder opal silver ring
Located in บางรัก, TH
Boulder opal silver ring sku712 Weight: 1.68 cts Size: 8x7 mm Ring size: 7 Very beautiful natural piece, not a duble stone.
Category
2010s Artisan Cocktail Rings
Materials
Opal, Silver
Boulder Opal Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A magnificent ring featuring a 14.15 carat boulder opal bezel with exceptional play of color.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal, Emerald and Lapis Earrings
By Tinguely Bijoux
Located in Boston, MA
Gorgeous trio of custom cut Boulder Opal, sliced Emerald and Afghani Lapis Lazuli set in 18 karat gold.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Earrings
Materials
Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, 18k Gold
Boulder Opal Silver Ring
$4,089
Boulder Opal Silver Ring
Located in Berlin, DE
This sterling silver ring features an elegant Boulder Opal sourced from Australia, selected for its refined color play and naturally sculpted form.
Category
2010s German Artisan Engagement Rings
Materials
Opal, Silver
Boulder Opal Ring with 18 Carat Yellow Gold
By Günther Weinz
Located in Kirschweiler, DE
This Boulder Opal Ring with 18 Carat Yellow Gold is totally handmade and cut of one extraordinary piece.
Category
2010s German Arts and Crafts Cocktail Rings
Materials
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing earrings with two bezel-set deep blue - green Australian boulder opal weight 7,85 carats . The australian boulder opals have an intense ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings
Materials
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Boulder Opal Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Striking vintage pendant featuring a large natural boulder opal set in rich 18K yellow gold. The opal displays a dramatic dark ironstone base enlivened by flashes of vivid green and ...
Category
20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal 18 Karat Yellow Gold Men’s Cufflinks
Located in Miami, FL
Showcasing a pair of rectangle prong-set boulder opals, weighing approximately, 21.70 carats.
Category
Vintage 1980s Cufflinks
Materials
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing ring with a 7,7 carat bezel-set cushion cut green and light blue Australian Boulder Opal . The Australian boulder opal has wonderful gr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Materials
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Australian Loose Boulder Opal of 9.00ct. 21mm x 14mm.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This Australian Loose Boulder Opal is of impressive 9.00ct (21mm x 14mm) displaying the superb & truly unique spectrum of colours Australian Boulder opal is the second most valuabl...
Category
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
19.82 carat Boulder Opal and Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
19.82 carat Boulder Opal and Diamond Ring in Platinum Diamond and Boulder Opal Ring features one Elongated Boulder Opal weighing 19.82 carats with Blue and Green play of color accen...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Cocktail Rings
Materials
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A fine boulder opal from Australia with excellent play-of-color.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Fashion Rings
Materials
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Australian Boulder Opal Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A fun and stylish gold ring featuring a fine 8.09 carat Australian opal! The opal is a natural boulder opal and has great play-of-color as is shows a dazzling array of blues and gree...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Fashion Rings
Materials
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Tanzanite, Boulder Opal and Emerald Drop Earrings
By Tinguely Bijoux
Located in Boston, MA
These bold but lithe cascading earrings feature a dazzling array of emeralds, boulder opals and tanzanites framed with hand crafted 18k gold bezels with closed backs.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Earrings
Materials
Emerald, Opal, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
10 Carat Australian Boulder Opal Freeform Cabochon
Located in New York, NY
A fusion of rugged nature and gem-quality aesthetics, this Boulder Opal is a testament to the geological artistry of the Outback.
Category
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Vintage 10k Yellow Gold Boulder Opal Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This striking vintage pendant is crafted in 10k yellow gold, showcasing a natural freeform boulder opal with captivating flashes of blue and green play-of-color.
Category
20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
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. This Australian Boulder Opal has the seabed c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Materials
Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum Diamond Boulder Opal Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage Platinum Diamond Boulder Opal Ring Approximate Dimensions: 7.5 (Ring Size) 13.45 mm x 12.46 mm (Opal) Approx. 0.5 carats (Diamond) 7.4 grams in weights. ** All dimensions l...
Category
20th Century Engagement Rings
Materials
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Fine Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This is a fine example of Australian opal; being a boulder opal or black opal this piece has fantastic play of color and pattern.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Materials
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Mexican Opal Boulder Opal Ring 22k 18k 14k Gold
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
Crafted in 22k, 18k, 14k gold, this is a ring for those who refuse to blend in. Mexican opal Boulder opal Ring 22k 18k 14k gold Size 8.25 Can be resized
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Cocktail Rings
Materials
Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Handmade Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Diamond Pave Drop Earrings
By H & H Jewels
Located in Miami, FL
Feel the luxurious power of 27.32 carats of stunning Boulder Opals embraced by the finest diamonds, 114 in total, surrounding the Opals and rising up the 18kt.
Category
2010s North American Drop Earrings
Materials
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Australian Boulder Opal and Peridot Pendant
By Angelina Fine Jewelry
Located in Amsterdam, NH
This could become your new talisman. Australian boulder opal is a type of opal that is found embedded within ironstone boulders.
Category
2010s Dutch Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Opal, Peridot, 18k Gold
18k Gold Australian Boulder Opal and Amethyst Pendant
By Angelina Fine Jewelry
Located in Amsterdam, NH
This could become your new talisman. Australian boulder opal is a type of opal that is found embedded within ironstone boulders.
Category
2010s Dutch Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Amethyst, Opal, 18k Gold
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.
Category
Late 20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings
Materials
Opal, Gold, White Gold
18k Gold Australian Boulder Opal and Diamond Pendant
By Angelina Fine Jewelry
Located in Amsterdam, NH
This pendant could become your new talisman. Australian boulder opal is a type of opal that is found embedded within ironstone boulders.
Category
2010s Dutch Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Natural Statement Boulder Opal Ring with 18 Carat Yellow Gold
By Günther Weinz
Located in Kirschweiler, DE
This Boulder Opal Ring with 18 Carat Yellow Gold is totally handmade and cut of one extraordinary piece.
Category
2010s German Arts and Crafts Cocktail Rings
Materials
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Michael Kneebone Boulder Opal Diamond Archaic Style Ring
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
Boulder opal forms the centerpiece of this archaic style ring.
Category
2010s Contemporary Cluster Rings
Materials
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Boulder Opal Silver Pendant gift 5ct australian opal
Located in Berlin, DE
This elegant silver pendant centers on a natural Australian Boulder Opal of refined beauty. Measuring 8 x 20 mm and weighing 5.20 carats, the opal displays a vivid natural play of co...
Category
2010s German Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Opal, Silver
18k Gold Short Pink Boulder Opal and Diamond Necklace
By Angelina Fine Jewelry
Located in Amsterdam, NH
A feminine, elegant and understated 18k gold short necklace with a soft pink Australian boulder opal and two small sparkling champagne coloured diamonds.
Category
2010s Dutch Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold
Wurzbacher 18k Yellow Gold Necklace with Boulder Opal
Located in Berlin, BE
Necklace by German master goldsmith Wurzbacher in 18k yellow gold Set with a fantastic boulder opal, showcasing exceptional natural play of color.
Category
20th Century German Chain Necklaces
Materials
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giant Australian Boulder Opal & Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
This exceptionally rare 19 inch boulder opal necklace features a mesmerizing gemstone sourced from the legendary Winton Opal Field — a region renowned among connoisseurs for producin...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18k rose gold matte finishing dangle earrings with 8 light blue bezel set Australian Boulder Opals weighing 12 carats. max width 16 mm height without l...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Materials
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Lauren Harper Boulder Opal, Diamond, Gold Statement Necklace
By Lauren Harper
Located in Winnetka, IL
Vibrant blue Boulder Opal doublets are surrounded by 18kt Yellow gold and Diamonds in feminine and geometric designs.
Category
2010s Unknown Artist Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Dalben Trilogy Boulder Opal Rose Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18 kt rose gold ring with three bezel-set blue-green-pink Australian Boulder Opals weight 4,34 carats . Ring size US 7 1/4 - EU 55 re-sizable .
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Materials
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Boulder Opal Pendant Mahogany Natural Unisex Necklace Ivy
Located in Berlin, DE
Boulder Opal necklace in sterling silver Opal origin - Australia Opal measurements - 0.16 x 0.51 x 0.94 in / 4 x 13 x 24 mm opal weight - 12.35 carats pendant length - 1.54 in / 39 ...
Category
2010s French Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Boulder Opal Sculpture from Queensland, Natural Ironstone Matrix, New
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Boulder Opal Sculpture from Queensland, Natural Ironstone Matrix, New
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Boulder Opal from Australia exudes sophistication with its delicate webbing of vibrant opal hues interlaced across a rich brown ironstone matrix.
Category
2010s Australian Natural Specimens
Materials
Opal
15.04 Carat Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Platinum Pendant Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Metal: PT900 Platinum Gross Weight: Approx. 30.80 grams Metal Weight: Approx. 27.5 grams Main Stone: Natural Australian Boulder Opal Boulder Opal Weight: Approx. 15.04 carats Diamond...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Brooke Gregson 18K Gold Boulder Opal Ring
Located in Venice, CA
Designed by Brooke Gregson, this 18k gold ring features a rectangular boulder opal in a simple bezel setting. The ring’s opal was clearly chosen for its cosmic color pattern with swi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings
Materials
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Boulder Opal and Diamond Pendant Necklace in Platinum & 18k White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Boulder Opal and Diamond Pendant Necklace in Platinum & 18k White Gold Boulder Opal Necklace features one elongated Boulder Opal weighing 11.37 carats set vertically with Round ...
Category
20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Boulder Opal 19.57 ct and Diamond Pendant in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
19.57 ct Boulder Opal and Diamond Pendant in 18k Yellow Gold Boulder Opal Pendant features a long Oval Boulder Opal with Blue and Green Play-of-Color, weighing 19.57 carats, accent...
Category
20th Century North American Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal Sculpture from Queensland, Natural Ironstone Matrix, New
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Boulder Opal Sculpture from Queensland, Natural Ironstone Matrix, New
Located in New York, NY
Interesting Facts: Boulder opals are uniquely formed in Queensland, Australia, where opal veins naturally grow within ironstone.
Category
2010s Australian Natural Specimens
Materials
Opal
Pear-shaped Boulder Opal and Diamond Pendant Necklace in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
Pear-shaped Boulder Opal and Diamond Pendant Necklace in Platinum Boulder Opal and Diamond Pendant Necklace features one Pear-shaped Boulder Opal with a mix of light and dark backg...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
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 . The Australian Boulder Opal have deep...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Materials
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold Signet Ring with Diamonds and Boulder Opal
$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 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Fashion Rings
Materials
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, 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 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Fashion Rings
Materials
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Art Nouveau Boulder Opal Ring of 10k Gold, Circa 1910
Located in Lewisburg, PA
In very good condition, this piece embodies the graceful artistry of early 20th-century design, brought to life with the distinctive vibrancy of boulder opal. Materials: opal, gold,...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Fashion Rings
Materials
Opal, 10k Gold
Lauren Harper Boulder Opal Diamond Gold Necklace
By Lauren Harper
Located in Winnetka, IL
This boulder opal doublet and .68cts Diamond necklace is delicate yet bold.
Category
2010s Artist Choker Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Opal, 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...
Category
20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings
Materials
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Brazilian Boulder Opal Pendant in Sterling Silver & 18K Gold, 1988
$790Sale Price|20% Off
Brazilian Boulder Opal Pendant in Sterling Silver & 18K Gold, 1988
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
Unique Brazilian Boulder Opal Pendant in Sterling Silver and 18K Gold Discover the elegance of our one-of-a-kind Brazilian boulder opal pendant, expertly crafted in sterling silver a...
Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Opal, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Boulder Opal Sapphire Pendant. 18k White Gold Opal Diamond Sapphire Necklace.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Details: 17mm by 31mm Pendant -- 3ct Genuine Australian Boulder Opal Natural Diamonds and Sapphires 18in 18k Box Chain Necklace.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Boulder Opal Diamond Pendant - 14k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Boulder Opal Natural Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Stone Note: (1) small Style: Solitaire with Accent Measurements Tall ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal silver pendant gift 25005
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver pendant with natural Boulder Opal gemstone origin - Australia gem size is 10 x 16 mm Opal weight - 5.20 ct pendant length - 25 mm pendant weight - 2.17 gr ref No 25005 All pic...
Category
2010s German Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Opal, Silver
18 Karat Yellow Gold Cabochon Aquamarine Boulder Opal Cuff Bracelet
By Joon Han
Located in New York, NY
A one-of-a-kind cuff bracelet of an oval cabochon aquamarine and four boulder opals, handcrafted in 18 karat yellow gold.
Category
2010s Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Materials
Aquamarine, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
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Boulder Opals For Sale on 1stDibs
Browse a vast assortment of boulder opals for sale on 1stDibs. These distinct designs — crafted with great care and often made from gold, 18k gold and yellow gold — can elevate any look. Our selection of items includes 260 vintage examples as well as 1200 contemporary versions. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 18th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 21st Century. contemporary and artisan are consistently popular styles when it comes to boulder opals. Versions of these items have been a part of the life’s work for many jewelers, but those produced by Renata Bernard, Laura Dalben and Jennifer Kalled are consistently popular. There are many cabochon, oval cut and mixed cut boulder opals for sale. When shopping our range of boulder opals, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men today than there are for women.
How Much are Boulder Opals?
On average, boulder opals at 1stDibs sell for $4,384, while they’re typically $1 on the low end and $350,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.
Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship
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.
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).
Questions About Boulder Opals
- 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.
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