Sold|$6,500
Boulder Opal, Sugalite and Gold Bracelet
Located in Dallas, TX
Combination of Boulder Opal and Sugalite. Handmade one of a kind piece. 18k Gold.
Opal, 18k Gold
Sold|$2,300
Boulder Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A top gem quality 2.23 carat boulder opal with exceptional play of color showing strong flashes of reds and other colors.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Sold|$795
18k Yellow Gold Boulder Opal Pendant
Located in Towson, MD
This elegant triangle pendant, crafted from 18-karat yellow gold, features a stunning 13x14x3.6mm boulder opal. Boulder opals are mined from ironstone boulders in the Australian outb...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,800
Vintage Carved Boulder Opal Owl C.1970s
Located in New York, NY
With that in mind, there may be no better way to represent this fiercely intelligent creature than through the carving of boulder opal. The second most valuable type of opal in the ...
Opal, 14k Gold
Sold|$1,995
Modern Boulder Opal Pendant Circa 1990s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
Modern pendant featuring a Queensland Boulder solid opal pendant with a 55cm curb link chain, imported into Sheffield UK in 1993.
Opal, 18k Gold
Sold|$5,900
Boulder Opal Ring 18 Karat 22 Karat Gold
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
Every boulder opal is unique. The variety of color play in an opal is extraordinary.
Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Sold|$994
Boulder Opal Silver necklace
Located in Berlin, DE
Sterling silver pendant with natural Boulder Opal gemstone origin - Australia gem size is 0.39 x 0.67 in / 10 x 17 mm stone weight - 6 carats pendant length - 1.14 in / 29 mm pendant...
Opal, Silver
Sold|$1,552
Boulder Opal and Diamond Abstract Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an 18ct yellow gold boulder opal and diamond abstract ring. The central opal is rub-over set, naturally shaped and has a wondrous play of colour.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Magnificent Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The finest boulder opal I have ever seen. Ring Size 8
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$10,150
Boulder Opal and Diamond Kite Pin
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
One of a kind kite pin featuring a beautiful blue and green boulder opal. The diamond accents create wonderful movement in this spectacular brooch.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Edwardian Boulder Opal Necklet Circa 1910-1920s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
A double chain drop holds a stunning natural lacquered Australian Queensland Boulder opal fob with a spectacular colour exchange seen from every angle of this beauty.
Opal, 15k Gold
Sold|$4,775
Boulder Opal Gold Pendant & Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A gorgeous 37 carat boulder opal in 18K yellow gold with twisted gold designs around its bezel setting.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lilly Fitzgerald Boulder Opal Golden Wave Ring
By Lilly Fitzgerald
Located in Dallas, TX
One-of-a-Kind Wave Ring handcrafted in 22k yellow gold with a gorgeous smooth-top boulder opal. Size 7.75 (Can be Sized).
Opal, 22k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal Pendant with Tsavorite and Sapphires
By Charles Skibell
Located in Dallas, TX
Charles Skibell Custom designed 62.5ct Boulder Opal in 18ct yellow gold with Tsavorites and Blue Sapphires on Black Silicone 16" cord.
Opal, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,485
Vintage Boulder Opal Necklace of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Materials: 14k gold, 18k gold, Boulder opal.
Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$2,335
Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Gold Pendant
By H & H Jewels
Located in Miami, FL
Embracing the 3.39ct boulder Opal are .23ct of J/K VS2 graded pave set diamond.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$1,360
Ocean Blue Australian Boulder Opal Gold Ring
By Vicki Orr
Located in Naples, FL
Modern, hand-fabricated blue and green Australian Boulder Opal and 22k yellow gold ring. Size 6 1/2.
Opal, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Sold|$2,400
Boulder Opal Diamond Platinum Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A lovey ring featuring a 5.87 carat boulder opal showing a unique pattern like a sunset over the ocean.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Boulder Opal Cuff Bracelet Sapphire 22 Karat 18 Karat
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
Boulder opal cuff bracelet with 5 boulder opals in the green, blues and some flashes of red. 18k gold arabesque design elements sprinkle the surface of a 18k gold cuff; accented wi...
Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Sold|$3,375
Australian Boulder-Opal Diamond Gold Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A luxurious pendant featuring a large Australian boulder opal weighing 27.92 carats. It has great play of color with strong flashes of green and blue across the opal.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Michael Kneebone Turquoise Zircon Boulder Opal Amazonite Dangle Earrings
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
Complimenting the turquoise are brilliant cut blue zircons (Myanmar), Boulder Opals (Boulder opal is one of the most valuable varieties of opal, second only to Australia's black opal.
Amazonite, Opal, Turquoise, Zircon, 18k Gold
Michael Kneebone Turquoise Zircon Boulder Opal Amazonite Dangle Earrings
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
Complimenting the turquoise are brilliant cut blue zircons (Myanmar), Boulder Opals (Boulder opal is one of the most valuable varieties of opal, second only to Australia's black opal.
Amazonite, Opal, Turquoise, Zircon, 18k Gold
Boulder Opal Diamond Cuff Bracelet 22k 18k Gold
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
What I love about Boulder Opal is not only the enormous variety in color, but also the pattern variety.
Opal, Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Sold|$16,500
Rare Ethiopian Boulder Opal Pendant
By Steven Fox Jewelry
Located in Greenwich, CT
Designed by Steven Fox, this rare oval Ethiopian cabochon boulder opal is bezel set with round cut diamonds, rubies, emeralds and paraiba tourmalines, highlighting the multicolored s...
Opal, 18k Gold
Black Opal Beads Boulder Opal Pendant 22 Karat Gold 18 Karat Gold
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
Boulder opals and black opals are not only beautiful, but each boulder opal is truly one of a kind.
Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Magnificent Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Platinum Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A seriously special cocktail ring featuring a large 37.73 carat boulder opal from Lightning Ridge Australian home to the finest opal in the world.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Platinum Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A lovely example of the beauty of Australian boulder opal. This piece weighs approximately 10 carats and shows just about every color in a soft brush stroke pattern.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A fine Australian boulder opal with excellent play-of-color! The opal weighs 2.72 carats and displays every color in the rainbow!
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Carolyn Tyler Fishnet Boulder Opal and Gold Necklace
By Carolyn Tyler
Located in Dallas, TX
Carolyn Tyler Fishnet Boulder Opal and Gold Necklace. 22k Gold with 140ct of Black Opal and Natural Ironstone Doublet This necklace hangs 17 inches
Opal, 22k Gold
Large Boulder Opal and Diamond Pendant Necklace in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
Large Boulder Opal and Diamond Pendant Necklace in Platinum Boulder Opal and Diamond Pendant features a 48.50 carat Boulder Opal with Natural Round Diamonds set in Platinum with a ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
14.51 Carat Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Platinum Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A true gem opal from Australia, this fine boulder opal rivals the best black opals at a fraction of the price.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Boulder Opal Necklace Diamonds 22k 18k 14k “Skinny Dipping”
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
Embrace nocturnal elegance with the "Skinny Dipping" boulder opal necklace. This captivating piece showcases a vibrant boulder opal—hand-selected for its luminous play of color—compl...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Art Nouveau Boulder Opal Pearl & Sapphire Necklace
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Found only in ironstone boulders in Queensland, Australia, these opals have a kaleidoscopic and mesmerizing coloration resembling a galaxy.
Opal, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Boulder Opal Ring with Diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Estate Boulder Opal Ring with Diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold Boulder Opal Ring features one Pear shaped Boulder Opal with color play of Blue, Green, and flashes of Orange accented wit...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$5,400
Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A fine Australian boulder opal weighing 7.62 carats takes center stage.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$7,750
Boulder Opal Ring 22k 18k Gold Wide Band
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
Boulder opal ring in 22k and 18k gold. The opal has great fire of blue, green, gold and orange.
Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Boulder Opal 22k 18k Gold Cuff Bracelet Diamond Tsavorite Garnet Andalusite
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
Boulder Opal cuff bracelet with a spectacular green matrix boulder opal.
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Boulder Opal Ring 22 Karat Gold 18 Karat Gold Aqua Flash
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
Boulder opal ring in a lovely aqua turquoise tone.
Opal, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Large 72.85 ct Boulder Opal and Diamond Pendant Necklace in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
Large Boulder Opal and Diamond Pendant Necklace in Platinum Boulder Opal and Diamond Pendant features a Large Boulder Opal weighing 72.85 carats set in Platinum accented with Natura...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
H & H Handmade Boulder Opal Slice Diamond Earrings
By H & H Jewels
Located in Miami, FL
Become entranced by the mystical blue and green tones of these 15.86 carat Boulder Opal Slices, enhanced by 0.90 carats in total weight of pave set diamonds (G/H-VS), set in a handma...
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Boulder Opal Necklace Black Opal Beaded 22 Karat Gold 18 Karat Gold
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
Boulder opal necklace on black opal beads & 18k gold beads.
Opal, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Modern Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A uniquely designed ring featuring a natural boulder opal from Australia weighing approximately 3 carats.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Indicolite Tourmaline & Boulder Opal Cabochon Dangle 18K Yellow Gold Earrings
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Boulder opal is colorful opal that includes part of the matrix, or host-rock in the finished gem.
Opal, Tourmaline, Indicolite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Boulder Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A fanciful cocktail ring featuring a 25.73 carat boulder opal. The opal shows layers of colors, blue green and some reds, which give it the appearance of the sun setting over the oce...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Boulder Opal Cuff Bracelet Sapphire Emeralds 22k 18k Sterling Silver
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
This is a stunning boulder opal with all the fire, color and jump one wants in an boulder opal.
Emerald, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Sterling Silver
Boulder Opal Pendant with Gemstones and Diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Boulder Opal Pendant with Gemstones and Diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold Large Boulder Opal Pendant features a 43.21 carat Boulder Opal with Blue, Aqua, and Yellow Play-of-Color in an 18...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Boulder Opal Cabochon and Diamond Necklace in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful estate necklace featuring a 8.86 ct Boulder opal cabochon and 0.68 ct of good quality pear and round white diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Black Opal Beaded Necklace with Boulder Opal in 22k Gold & 18k Gold
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
Black opal & boulder opal necklace with 18k gold spacers.
Lapis Lazuli, Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
2.61 Carat Australian Boulder Opal Gemstone Oval 13x7mm Loose Gemstone
Located in Columbus, OH
Presenting a 2.61 carat Australian boulder opal loose gemstone! Each piece is one-of-a-kind with patterns and colors as diverse as the Australian outback itself!
Opal
Sold|$1,500 / set
Boulder Opal Diamond Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Boulder opal and diamond yellow gold drop earrings circa 2000. * ABOUT THIS ITEM: #E-DJ612G.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Boulder Opal Conversion Necklace of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
At its center glows a vibrant boulder opal, shimmering with flashes of iridescent color, framed by delicate enamel detailing and luminous pearl accents.
Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel
Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Gold & Platinum Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stylish pendant featuring a natural Australian boulder opal set in a two-tone gold and platinum pendant.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Hand Forged Australian Boulder Opal Minimalist Gold Ring
By Vicki Orr
Located in Naples, FL
This beautiful Australian Boulder Opal has a natural separation of its green & blue coloration, which is accentuated with a gold bar set across the stone.
Opal, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Platinum Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A superb boulder opal from Australia with bright flashes of color.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
22.31 ct Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace in 18k & 14k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
22.31 ct Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace in 18k & 14k Yellow Gold Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace features a Natural Boulder Opal weighing 22.31 carats with Orange, Purple, and Green Pl...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.10 Carat Emerald Boulder Opal Diamond Pendant Necklace 18 Karat
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
The necklace measures 17" to the boulder opal and the total length is 18.5".
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Platinum Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large and impressive boulder opal from the famous opal fields of Australia.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
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).