14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Opal Vintage Style Cluster Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brilliant diamond sparkles at the heart of this vintage-style cluster ring, shining like a drop of morning light. Soft, iridescent opals encircle it in a floral-inspired arrangemen...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Opal Vintage Style Three Stones Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Three-stone ring features a radiant round natural opal prong-set at the center, showcasing its mesmerizing play of colors. Flanking the center stone are smaller opals on each side, s...
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Amethyst, Opal and Peridot Suffragette Ring, Chester 1906
Located in Brighton, GB
The opals, with their glittering brilliance, stand for the strength and resilience of the women who fought for their rights.
Peridot, Opal, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Gold
Opal Vintage Style Floral Filigree Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A true work of art, this vintage-style ring features a stunning natural opal, its radiant colors glowing like the petals of a rare flower in full bloom. Set in an exquisite filigree ...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Opal Vintage Style Swirl Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A luminous round opal rests at the center, radiating soft, iridescent hues that shift with every glance. Delicate swirl filigree motifs grace the shoulders, adding a romantic, nature...
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Opal & Diamond Oval Shaped Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Opal Cluster Ring 19ct Gold Stamped Circa 1890 Introducing a stunning Victorian 18ct gold cluster ring, featuring an exquisite oval opal at its centre, set in yellow gold...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Gold Natural Opal and Peridot Vintage Style Drop Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Bring a touch of nature-inspired elegance to your look with these Natural Opal and Peridots Vintage-Style Drop Earrings. A glowing opal sits at the center as the pistil, surrounded ...
Opal, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Topaz Opal Leaf Cluster Drop Earrings in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Designed with delicate leaf clusters, these opal blue topaz earrings showcase a brilliant pear-cut center gemstone enveloped by shimmering opals, creating an enchanting play of color.
Blue Topaz, Topaz, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Natural Opal Floral Cluster Ring in 9K Yellow Gold Vintage Style
Located in Bangkok, TH
Arranged in a graceful floral cluster, this Opal Cluster Ring showcases luminous natural opals that shimmer with enchanting flashes of color, beautifully set in solid 9K yellow gold....
Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal and Emerald Vintage Style Dangle Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
These stunning vintage-style dangle earrings feature a radiant round opal at the center, set in a delicate prong setting. Surrounding the opal, vibrant emeralds are arranged in a flo...
Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Natural Opal Diamond Vintage Style Three Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Capturing the delicate romance of the Edwardian era, this vintage-style tapered ring features a luminous emerald-cut natural opal at the center, accented by sparkling diamonds and fi...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal Vintage Filigree Elongated Cocktail Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Immerse yourself in heirloom quality craftsmanship with this breathtaking Natural Opal Ring. Expertly crafted in 9k yellow gold, this antique-inspired fine jewelry piece features vib...
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal Diamond Marquise Floral Ring in Solid 9K Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A graceful Opal Marquise Ring showcases a luminous natural opal framed by sparkling diamond accents in an elegant Victorian-inspired floral design. Crafted in solid 9K rose gold, the...
Opal, Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Garnet Cabochon and Opal Floral Halo Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Captivating botanical beauty defines this Garnet Opal Halo Ring, centered with a smooth oval garnet cabochon set in rich 9K yellow gold. Encircling the deep red gemstone, luminous ro...
Garnet, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal and Emerald Filigree Three Stone Ring in 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Bringing together luminous natural opals, vibrant emerald accents, and sparkling diamonds, this Opal Emerald Ring features an elegant Filigree Three Stone Ring design crafted in soli...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal Diamond Statement Ring with Filigree in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Discover the beauty of this Opal Statement Ring, featuring luminous natural opals, sparkling diamonds, and intricate filigree openwork. Inspired by antique jewelry craftsmanship, thi...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Garnet Vintage Style Floral Halo Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A luminous opal glows at the center of this vintage-style floral halo ring, its iridescent hues shifting with every movement. Deep red garnets encircle the opal in prong settings, fo...
Garnet, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 2.0 Ct Fire Opal Diamond Ring 18 KT Gold
Located in Napoli, IT
This more than exquisite antique ring is in transition between the Edwardian and Art Deco period 1910/1920 circa Elegantly designed for a timeless style getting more beautiful and ra...
Diamond, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
9K Rose Gold Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Three Stones Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A mesmerizing trio of opals are arranged in a stunning three-stone design, enhanced by sparkling diamonds that bring additional shine and brilliance. The opal’s captivating play of c...
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unveil the delicate beauty of a snow flower with this Natural Opal and Diamond Vintage-Style Ring. The triple opals, radiating a soft, iridescent glow, forms the heart of the ring, i...
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Garnet and Opal Vintage Style Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A smooth cabochon garnet sits at the heart of this vintage-style floral ring, radiating a deep, rich warmth. Surrounding it, iridescent opals form a delicate halo, their soft glow mi...
Garnet, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9ct Gold Opal & Pearl Pendant on a 9ct Gold Chain
Located in London, GB
Vintage 9ct 375 Gold Opal & Cultured Pearl Pendant & 9ct 375 Gold 20" Chain Fully Hallmarked Pendant & (Chain stamped 9ct on clasp only - has been fully tested) Hallmark...
Opal, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold
Three Oval Opal and Emerald Three Stone Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Designed to celebrate graceful symmetry, this Opal Three Stone Ring features three luminous oval opals accented by vivid emeralds, creating the enchanting beauty of an Oval Opal Ring...
Emerald, Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, Gold
An Emerald, Opal And Ruby Blue Enamel 14k Gold Brooch
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an Emerald Opal Ruby Blue Enamel Gold Brooch. It depicts a shield like gold brooch with gold branches forming a wreath decorated with a blue enamel flowers bows. An oval Opal...
Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Natural Opal Foliate Scrollwork Wide Band Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by cherished heirloom jewelry, this Opal Wide Band Ring is crafted in solid 9K yellow gold and features luminous natural opals set along a gracefully sculpted band with eleg...
Opal, Yellow Gold, Gold, 9k Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Opal Vintage Style Five Stones Band Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style five-stone band ring showcases five shimmering natural opals, each glowing with a unique play of colors. The stones are gracefully set in a classic design that hig...
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Gold Natural Amethyst and Opal and Diamond Crescent Moon Pendant
Located in Bangkok, TH
Embrace mystical charm with this Natural Amethyst and Opal Crescent Moon Victorian-Style Pendant. A glowing opal rests gracefully within a delicately curved crescent moon, while a ri...
Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Solid Gold Amethyst and Opal Vintage Style Cluster Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Dreamily captivating, this Amethyst and Opal Vintage Style Cluster Ring blends rich color with luminous beauty. A regal amethyst anchors the design, while shimmering opals surround i...
Amethyst, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Solid Emerald Opal Vintage Style Three Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Enchantingly elegant, this Natural Emerald Opal Vintage Style Three Stone Ring blends vibrant color with luminous beauty. A rich green emerald pairs gracefully with glowing opal, cre...
Emerald, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 9K Yellow Gold Opal and Pearl Heart Shaped Stick Pin
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian opal, seed pearl, and yellow gold stick pin, comprising one oval opal cabochon, and two half seed pearls, set in 9 karat yellow gold, with a 9 karat yellow gold pin. Th...
Opal, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Gold-Filled Longuard Chain Necklace with a 14k Opal Cabochon Slide
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The slide with a bezel-set opal cabochon framed by gold leaf, berry, and flower devices.
Opal, 14k Gold, Gold-filled
Antique Australian Black Opal Ring 14k Gold Round Bezel Set Split Shank 6 / L.5
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This elegant ring features a striking round Australian solid black opal of approximately 1.0ct, its cabochon cut revealing a mesmerizing play of vivid blue and green hues that shimme...
Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Cabochon Amethyst Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Pendant
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by delicate floral beauty. At the center lies a smooth oval cabochon amethyst, glowing with rich purple hues and calming energy. Surrounding it, opals shimmer with soft irid...
Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Vintage Style Carving Three Stones Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A natural opals, each stone radiating an ethereal play of color. The opals are set in an elegant arrangement, creating a stunning focal point. The band is beautifully carved with in...
Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A round natural opal takes center stage in this Natural Opal Sapphire Ring, displaying soft blue-green play-of-color against warm 9K yellow gold and deep blue sapphire accents. Symme...
Opal, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal Ruby Cabochon Serpent Statement Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A graceful symbol of everlasting love, this Serpent Opal Ring is crafted in solid 9K yellow gold with a luminous natural opal embraced by an elegant snake bypass design. Ruby cabocho...
Ruby, Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, Gold
2.00 Carat White Opal and Diamond Five Stone Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 2.00 carat white opal and 0.16 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold five stone ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fi...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal Sapphire White Sapphire Floral Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by the romance of heirloom jewelry, this Opal Floral Ring is crafted in solid 9K yellow gold and features a luminous natural opal surrounded by sapphires and white sapphires...
Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K White Gold Solid Natural Amethyst Opal Vintage Style Drop Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Create a graceful look with these Natural Amethyst Opal Vintage Style Drop Earrings, designed to embody elegance and charm. Featuring rich amethyst stones paired with luminous opal a...
Amethyst, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Opal and Pearl Vintage Style Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style floral ring features a luminous round natural opal at its center, radiating a captivating play of colors. The opal is delicately encircled by lustrous pearls, enha...
Opal, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Gold Natural Pink Tourmaline and Opal Halo Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Delight in feminine elegance with the Pink Tourmaline and Opal Halo Vintage Style Ring. A radiant oval pink tourmaline takes center stage, surrounded by shimmering opal solitaires th...
Opal, Tourmaline, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Butterfly Stud Earrings in Solid 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A natural oval opals as the delicate wings, radiating soft, colorful hues. The lower wings are adorned with sparkling diamonds, adding a brilliant touch of elegance. A timeless desig...
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Amethyst and Opal Vintage Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Add a regal touch to your style with this Natural Amethyst and Opal Vintage-Style Cocktail Ring. Designed in a graceful crown shape, a rich amethyst sits proudly at the top, while a ...
Amethyst, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire and Opal Vintage Style Cluster Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
At its heart, a deep blue sapphire, with a velvety, satiny luster, is set vertically to create an elegant focal point. This captivating gem is beautifully framed by a halo of etherea...
Blue Sapphire, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
20k Yellow Gold Tiffany & Co Pearl and Opal Brooch, Circa 1900s - VHK#214
Located in Hicksville, NY
20k Yellow Gold Tiffany & Co Pearl and Opal Brooch, Circa 1900s - VHK#214 Item Details: Metal Type: 20K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 7.5 grams Center Opal Details: ...
Opal, Pearl, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Amethyst Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A captivating baguette-cut amethyst, with its deep and regal purple, forms the centerpiece. This striking gem is beautifully flanked by ethereal opals on all sides, creating a unique...
Opal, Diamond, Amethyst, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal and Ruby Vintage Style Cocktail Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A stunning opal at the center, decorated by vibrant rubies that add a rich pop of color. The intricate vintage-inspired design enhances the natural beauty of the gemstones, with deli...
Opal, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal and Diamond Openwork Solitaire Ring in 9K Yellow Gold Vintage Style
Located in Bangkok, TH
A luminous natural opal sits at the heart of this Opal Openwork Ring, framed by sparkling diamonds and an elegant geometric setting in solid 9K yellow gold. Its refined silhouette cr...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Floral Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A true masterpiece, this vintage floral ring features a captivating natural opal as the heart of the design, delicately shaped like a blooming flower. The opal’s vibrant play of colo...
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Amethyst Opal Vintage Style Three Stone Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Three oval amethysts take center stage in this vintage-style cluster ring, each set gracefully in prongs that showcase their rich purple hue. Iridescent opals surround the stones, fo...
Amethyst, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Garnet and Opal Vintage Style Cocktail Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A stunning natural garnet at the center, surrounded by delicate opal accent that create a beautiful design. The deep red hue of the garnet is perfectly complemented by the shimmerin...
Opal, Garnet, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Opal and Pearl Floral Cluster Ring in 9K Yellow Gold Vintage Style
Located in Bangkok, TH
A graceful Opal Cluster Ring crafted in 9K yellow gold showcases luminous opals arranged in a charming floral cluster with a delicate pearl at its center. The softly glowing gemstone...
Opal, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Garnet and Opal Vintage Style Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Discover timeless beauty with this Vintage Style Ring, designed to captivate and inspire. At its center lies a striking natural cabochon garnet, its deep, wine-red hue exuding warmth...
Garnet, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Solid Natural Cabochon Garnet Opal Vintage Style Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Captivating look with this Natural Cabochon Garnet Opal Vintage Style Floral Ring, inspired by the beauty of a blooming flower. Featuring a smooth cabochon garnet at the center, the ...
Garnet, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Gold Solid Natural Amethyst and Opal Vintage Style Marquise Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Graceful look with this Natural Amethyst and Opal Vintage Style Marquise Floral Ring, inspired by the elegance of a blooming flower. Featuring a striking marquise-cut amethyst at the...
Opal, Amethyst, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Amethyst and Opal Vintage Style Halo Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Framed by a halo of iridescent cabochons, this amethyst cluster ring showcases an oval purple gemstone set within an ornate floral cluster. Designed as an amethyst opal gold ring, it...
Amethyst, Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Garnet and Opal Three Stone Band Ring with Milgrain in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Rich heritage elegance anchors this Garnet Opal Three Stone Ring, featuring a trio of glowing red garnets set in solid 9K yellow gold. Small round opals are intricately nestled betwe...
Garnet, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Topaz & White Opal Halo Set Vintage Style Floral Halo Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Ring Information Style: Edwardian Metal: 9K Yellow Gold Total weight: 2.13 g.
Opal, Blue Topaz, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Garnet Opal Pearl and Diamond Vintage Style Floral Chandelier Pendant
Located in Bangkok, TH
This exquisite vintage-style chandelier pendant is a poetic blend of natural gemstones and floral elegance. At the top rests an oval garnet, leading into a graceful floral design fea...
Pearl, Opal, Garnet, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Three Stone Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Three Stone Ring features three opals arranged to resemble a beautiful flower. Sparkling diamonds are added to each flower, enhancing their radiance with a touch of twinkling brillia...
Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Edwardian jewelry is named for King Edward VII of Great Britain, who ruled from 1901 until 1910. Classic Edwardian necklaces, engagement rings, earrings and other jewelry are often overshadowed by the more popular style of the era, Art Nouveau, which is a shame. At its best, Edwardian jewelry was all about the exquisite diamond, platinum and pearl creations made by such famous names as Cartier and Boucheron.
Edward introduced incredibly formal Buckingham Palace court presentations, balls and soirées, resulting in a huge demand for diamond jewels starting with his coronation in 1902. Dozens of tiaras and formal jewels in an updated 18th-century style were purchased from French jewelers Boucheron and Chaumet and from Russia’s Fabergé. The court jewelers Asprey, Garrard, Carrington and the newly opened London branch of Cartier were all overwhelmed with orders for sumptuous diamond jewelry to be worn at the king’s elaborate coronation.
During the Edwardian era, pearls were more valuable than diamonds. The pear-shaped pearl La Peregrina, for example, belonged to some of the most fabulous and strongest women in history and bounced among royal courts in Spain, France and Russia for several centuries. So while today the scale and clarity of a diamond ring matters, back then the size and quantity of your pearls was more important a declaration of wealth. And just as Victorian notions of propriety and femininity began to change after Queen Victoria died in 1901, jewelry design also evolved but there was some overlap with late Victorian styles.
Women of the Edwardian period sported bejeweled headpieces like tiaras and bandeaus with feathered aigrettes. Another popular piece of jewelry that is said to have been directly inspired by Queen Alexandra were colliers de chien, or dog collars — today's choker necklaces — which consisted of either a ribbon decorated with a brooch, a gemstone or several strands of pearls strung closely together.
Two major jewelry houses, Cartier and Boucheron, were founded in the mid-1850s, and by the beginning of the 20th century, the wealthy considered them household names. The Cartier brand became even more desirable once the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Cartier took this title seriously and designed some of the most innovative jewelry of its day, since it was willing to experiment with new materials like platinum and because it was mindful of fashion trends. Filigree settings also became popular. This saw-piercing technique was decorative and at the same time created a sense of lightness.
Perhaps even more important than Cartier’s use of platinum was the founding of De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited in 1888. The discovery of new diamond mines made the stone more affordable and prompted the introduction of new gemstone cuts. It is not uncommon to see Edwardian jewels with baguette or briolette diamonds.
Find antique Edwardian rings, bracelets, watches and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
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).
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Get to know the looks that defined this period of glamour and frivolity.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.