$3,850 / item
Ethiopian Opal bead necklace
By Pamela Farland
Located in New York, NY
Faceted Ethiopian Opals mounted of hand fabricated links. The lovely mostly orange hued Opals shimmer with flashes of green and blue and sparkle due to the facets. In ancient Rome Op...
Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
17-Inch Faceted Ethiopian Opal Beaded Necklace 14K Gold Accents
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
This elegant 17" beaded necklace is crafted from shimmering, faceted Ethiopian opal beads, celebrated for their soft, iridescent flashes of color.
Opal, 14k Gold
Ethiopian Opal Bead Necklace, 680.00 Carats
Located in New Orleans, LA
Thirty-four solid opal beads totaling approximately 680.00 carats line the length of this eye-catching necklace. The graduated gems are an impressive size and perfectly matched, with...
Emerald, Onyx, Opal
$223Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Ethiopian Opal Beaded Bracelet 925 Sterling Silver African Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Natural Ethiopian Opal Beaded Bracelet 925 Sterling Silver African Opal Rainbow Color.
Opal, Sterling Silver
Natural 100Ct Ethiopian Opal Bead Single Strand Necklace 5 to 9MM , Silver Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Natural 100Ct Ethiopian Opal Bead Single Strand Necklace 5 to 9MM , Silver ClaspEthiopian Beads 18 Inch Long 1 layers of Natural opal Beads These are Smooth beads , have very much ...
Opal, Silver
92.00 Carat Natural Ethiopian Opal Beaded Necklace 14 Karat Clasp
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous Ethiopian Opal Necklace with beautiful flashes of color. This rare strand of Opals with colors ranging from orange, yellow, peach, tan, and coral have green, pink, yellow an...
Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Beaded Necklace 18 1/4" - 18k Beads
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Ethiopian Opals Cut: Beads Color: Yellow/Blue/Green/Pink Necklace Style: Beaded Fastening Type: Tab Clasp with Safety Bar ...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,575Sale Price|25% Off
Natural 114 Ct Ethiopian Opal Bead Single Strand Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
These are Ethiopian Beads 18.5" long 1 layers of Natural opal Beads These are Smooth beads , have very much Luster and shine Beautiful color reflection of red , pink and yellow ...
Opal, Yellow Gold
Natural 110 Ct Ethiopian Opal Bead Single Strand Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
These are Ethiopian Beads 20 to 21 inch long 1 layers of Natural opal Beads These are Smooth beads , have very much Luster and shine Beautiful color reflection of red , pink and ...
Opal, Yellow Gold
Natural Ethiopian Round Opal Beaded Necklace with 14k Gold Accents
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your jewelry collection with this stunning handcrafted 17" necklace featuring natural Ethiopian opal beads. Each bead showcases a captivating play...
Opal, 14k Gold
$747Sale Price|62% Off
27" Ethiopian Opal Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This 27" necklace features glowing round Ethiopian opal beads, each alive with flashes of rainbow fire.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Graduated Ethiopian Opal Necklace, 436.00 Carats
Located in New Orleans, LA
Thirty-three monumental Ethiopian opal beads totaling approximately 436.00 carats comprise this mesmerizing necklace.
Emerald, Onyx, Opal
$6,960Sale Price|55% Off
Michael Kneebone Opal Bead Golden Pearl Zircon Citrine Diamond Necklace Suite
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
A strand of richly colored Ethiopian opal beads with diamond rondelle spacers is decorated with a madeira citrine briolette of 35.45 carats, an oval golden zircon of 8.35 carats and ...
Citrine, Opal, Oriental Pearl, White Diamond, Zircon, Diamond, Pearl, 14...
Double Strand Ethiopian Opal Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold by Paula Crevoshay
By Paula Crevoshay
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Featuring 165.58 carats of graduated Ethiopian opal beads, each opal bursts with a mesmerizing play of color, radiating hues of fiery reds, lush greens, deep blues, and brilliant ora...
Opal, 18k Gold
Ethiopian Opal Round Bead Necklace, Handcrafted Fine Jewelry
Located in Westport, CT
Ethiopian opal, each bead with its own flash of color beneath the surface.
Opal, 18k Gold
Syna Ethiopian Opal Peridot Yellow Gold Bead Necklace
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold 36 inch graduating length Ethiopian Opal 146 carats approx. Peridot 145 carats approx. 18kyg roundels 18kyg toggle clasp Strung on silk Limited editi...
Diamond, Opal, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giant Ethiopian Opal and Lapis Beaded 14K Statement Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Add a mesmerizing touch to any outfit with this deep blue Lapis Lazuli necklace with Welo Opals in 14K yellow gold. This stunning necklace is made with shimmering Ethiopian Opals and...
Opal, Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giant 175 Carat Ethiopian Fire Opal and Tanzanite Beaded Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Add a mesmerizing touch to any outfit with this lavender purple beaded necklace with Welo Opals and Tanzanites in 14K yellow gold.
Tanzanite, Fire Opal, Opal, Yellow Gold
Pink Sapphire and Ethiopian Opal Yellow Gold Beaded Citrine Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
This necklace features the following gemstones; • Sapphires • Ethiopian Fire Opal • Rainbow moonstone • Garnet • Citrine • Lace Agate • Golden Lepidolite • Sunstone • Pink opal • Bo...
Pink Sapphire, Citrine, Opal, Agate, Chalcedony, Moonstone, Morganite, R...
Giant Ethiopian Opal and Blue Sapphire Beaded Necklace in Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
Add a mesmerizing touch to any outfit with this deep blue Sapphire necklace with Welo Opals in 14K yellow gold. This stunning necklace is made with shimmering Ethiopian Opals and Rai...
Blue Sapphire, Opal, Rainbow Moonstone, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Ethiopian White Opal Necklace, Handcrafted Fine Jewelry
Located in Westport, CT
The cut adds sparkle to the stone's natural color play. Each bead flashes differently. Opal, 3.6mm x 4mm (Ethiopia) 22K gold filled sterling silver hook and extension (Vietnam) 16" ...
Opal, Vermeil
Double Strand Opal Bead Necklace, 170.45 Carats Total with Yellow Gold Accents
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an elegant double strand of colorful Ethiopian opal beads weighing 170.45 carats total!
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,592Sale Price|20% Off
Fossilized Druzy Shells Ethiopian Opals - Zara Necklace
By Karen Sugarman Designs
Located in Colleyville, TX
Although today, we think of the Sahara Desert as a desolate and dry place - millions of years ago it was covered in water and was the bottom of an ocean. The remnants of this fact a...
Opal, Gold Plate, Vermeil
3 Strand Ethiopian Opal Necklace with Diamonds & Silver
By Jen Proudman Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
3 Strand Opal Necklace Ethiopian Opals, Diamonds & Silver 3 Strands of round/ball Ethiopian Opals with silver and diamond rondelles and a gorgeous diamond and silver clasp.
Genuine Rainbow Sapphire and Turquoise with Ethiopian Opal 20 inch Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
** please note; this necklace can be customized in length, listed is for 20 inch, we also have it in 17 inch** Enriched with Semi-Precious Gemstones such as; • Arizona Turquoise • S...
Aquamarine, Citrine, Opal, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Turquoise, Chrysophrase,...
Opal Bead Graduated Triple Strand Necklace with Diamond White Gold Clasp
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This gorgeous opal necklace features 3 strands of Ethiopian crystal opal beads.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Belrose Jewelers Significant Opal Bead Strand Necklace 274 Carats
By Belrose Estate Jewelers
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
274 carats of pure Ethiopian opal—a strand of beaded beauty that moves like light itself.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ethiopian Opal and Chrysoprase with Diamonds Paradizia Earrings E3456
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description 18k yellow gold pave diamond posts with jumbo backs anchor fiery yellow Ethiopian opals, which descend to perfectly complement vivid, crisp green chrysoprase accented wit...
Chrysophrase, Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Ethiopian Opal and Colombian Emerald Earrings in 14K Solid Yellow Gold
By Renate Exclusive
Located in Naples, NY
Luxurious and opulent (4.8mm-5.5mm) Fine Ethiopian Crystal Opal Round Sphere Ball Beads and (3.7mm-4.2mm) Fine Colombian Emerald Smooth Rondelle Beads earrings with 14K Solid Yellow...
Opal, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
South Sea Pearl, Amethyst, Ethiopian Crystal Opal Earrings in 14K Solid Gold
By Renate Exclusive
Located in Naples, NY
Mixed with Lavender Amethyst, Ethiopian Crystal Opal, and South Sea Pearl. The earring is decorated with a 14K Solid Yellow Gold post with diamond accents.
Amethyst, Crystal, Opal, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
South Sea Pearl and Ethiopian Crystal Opal in 14K Solid Yellow Gold
By Renate Exclusive
Located in Naples, NY
Earwires: 10mmx16mm 14k Solid Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Accent Leverback Opals: 3.5mm-4.5mm Fine Ethiopian Crystal Opal Round Sphere Ball beads Absolutely gorgeous look!
Crystal, Opal, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal and Turquoise Earrings in 14K Solid Yellow Gold with Diamond Acc.
By Renate Exclusive
Located in Naples, NY
This gorgeous pair of earrings is made of natural Ethiopian opal and natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise beads.
Diamond, Opal, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal, Gold Pearl, Onyx & Diamond Chandelier Earrings, 18K Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The bead-shape Ethiopian Opals have the characteristic of iridescence, emitting red, orange, yellow, green color along with the random movements of the earrings.
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Opal, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pea...
Unavailable|$2,850
Exotic Ethiopian Opal Tassle Necklace
By Helen Ringus
Located in TRYON, NC
A stunning 3 3/4 inch multistrand tassle of 30.5 ct beautiful Ethiopian opal beads, silver and 2.4 ct diamonds is suspended from a 36 inch silver and opal bead chain.
Diamond, Opal, Silver
Unavailable|$29,350
177.36 Carat Ethiopian Opal Emerald and Diamond 18kt Yellow Gold Necklace
By Exquisite Color Kraft Pvt Ltd
Located in Jaipur, Jaipur
Presenting our limited edition necklace, quintessentially royal and absolutely exquisite featuring gorgeous Ethiopian opal beads weighing approximately 177.36 carats interspersed wit...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Naomi Sarna Orange Opal, Black Pearl, Chrome Diopside, Tsavorite, Gold Necklace
By Naomi Sarna
Located in New York, NY
Bold, vibrant colors in this beautiful beaded multistrand necklace. Bright orange Ethiopian opal beads with shimmering flecks of green brought by green tsavorites set in both the cus...
Opal, Black Pearl, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$989
Assana Crystal Quartz and Pearl glow in the dark necklace
By Madre Hija Design
Located in Leander, TX
Four large pear shaped crystal quartz, freshwater pearl nuggets alongside upcycled vintage translucent 70's acrylic beads and Ethiopian Opal beads details.
Crystal, Pearl, Quartz
Unavailable|$4,000
Ivory 'Vendela' Rose Beads with Ethiopian Opals
By Celeste Onorati
Located in Readington Township, NJ
I have created a hand-knotted 108-rose petal mala, interweaved with Ethiopian Opals, to aid you in your meditation practice and spiritual growth.
Opal, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$9,000
Australian and Ethiopian Opal Sliver Necklace
By Rebecca Koven
Located in Fifth Avenue, NY
An opal necklace composed of stacked Australian opal sliver discs separated by round faceted Ethiopian beads.
Opal, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$7,101
Thierry Vendome Ethiopian Opal and Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
By Thierry Vendome
Located in Paris, IDF
Ethiopian opal beads and gold pendants at Second Petale Gallery.
Opal, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$17,600
18k Gold Oval Ethiopian Opal Necklace with Coloured Sapphires and Emeralds
Located in Westmount, CA
The multi-hued faceted opal beads are highlighted by the grounding colours of the orange and yellow sapphires and emeralds that are set in Gloria’s signature 18k yellow gold coil wor...
Emerald, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
New 28.96ct Ethiopian Opal & 0.38ctw Diamond Pendant Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Vienna, VA
Fashioned in warm 14K yellow gold, this graceful design features a pear-shaped Ethiopian opal wrapped in a beaded frame while nine round brilliant cut diamonds are set on each corne...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$9,100
Opal Bead Cage Geometric Necklace by Zoltan David
By Zoltan David
Located in Austin, TX
"Orion's Belt" pendant is an intriguing four sided frame made in Knightsteel with a 14.73 ct. floating bead Ethiopian Opal inside. Each of the four sides have 24K Gold inlay.
Diamond, Opal, 24k Gold
Unavailable|$250
Olympia Opal and Pearl Choker Necklace
By Madre Hija Design
Located in Leander, TX
Handwoven iridescent beaded sculptural flower shapes, silver matte handwoven leaves decorated with opal glass tear shape bead embroidery and authentic Ethiopian Opal fair trade bead...
Opal, Pearl
Natural Ethiopian Opal Bead Single Strand Necklace on Clearance Silver Clasp
Located in New York, NY
A great gift item Natural Opal single strand Bead Necklace with Silver Clasp 16" long 1 layers of Natural opal Beads These are natural smooth beads so has lots of shine and gla...
Opal, Silver
Ethiopian Opal Beaded Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Natural Ethiopian Opal Beaded Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold African Opal Rainbow Color.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$198,500
Graduated Ethiopian Opal Necklace, 490.80 Carat
Located in New Orleans, LA
Forty monumental Ethiopian opal beads totaling 490.80 carats comprise this mesmerizing necklace.
Emerald, Onyx, Opal
Sold|$275,000
Graduated Ethiopian Opal Necklace, 584.00 Carat
Located in New Orleans, LA
Thirty-three monumental Ethiopian opal beads totaling approximately 584.00 carats comprise this mesmerizing necklace.
Emerald, Onyx, Opal
Sold|$285,000
Graduated Opal Bead Necklace, 493.0 Carat
Located in New Orleans, LA
Thirty-one monumental Ethiopian opal beads totaling an extraordinary 493.00 total carats comprise this mesmerizing necklace.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Golden Ethiopian Round Opal Bead Strand Yellow Gold Necklace
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This eye-catching golden opal bead necklace will elevate any outfit, especially the gorgeous green and earth-toned colors that are so "in" this season! The strand measures 20 inches ...
Opal, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Ethiopian Opal Pink Spinel Yellow Gold Bead Necklace
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold 36 inch graduating length Ethiopian Opal 145 carats approx. Pink Spinel 45 carats approx. 18kyg roundels 18kyg circle clasp Strung on silk Limited ed...
Diamond, Opal, Spinel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$27,500
Opal Bead Necklace
Located in San Antonio, TX
Graduated opal bead necklace with platinum and diamond clasp. 16-1/2" length. Opal weight is approximately 177.00 carats.
Opal, Platinum
Double Strand Opal Bead Necklace, 170.45 Carats Total with Yellow Gold Accents
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an elegant double strand of colorful Ethiopian opal beads weighing 170.45 carats total!
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$228,500
Ethiopian Opal and Diamond Rondell Necklace
Located in New Orleans, LA
Twenty-nine rare and large opal beads totaling an extraordinary 554 carats comprise this mesmerizing necklace.
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
Pink Sapphire and Turquoise Beaded Necklace with Ethiopian Opal in 14K
Located in GOES, NL
This necklace is enriched with the following gemstones such as; • Sapphire • Swiss topaz • Ethiopian opal • Angel skin coral • Deep sea coral • Watermelon Tourmalines • Lapis Lazull...
Sapphire, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Australian + Ethiopian Opal Yellow Gold Necklace, Barbara Heinrich 2025
By Barbara Heinrich
Located in Dallas, TX
Created in rich 18k yellow gold, the piece weaves together a kaleidoscopic array of fiery Ethiopian opals and mesmerizing Australian opals, each bead meticulously selected for its br...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Atelier Zobel Black Ethiopian Opal Rich Burmese Gold Handmade Necklace
Located in Dallas, TX
One of a Kind Necklace handcrafted in Germany by Peter Schmid - Atelier Zobel featuring 91.65 total carats of exceptional quality Ethiopian black opals individually set between handm...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
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).
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
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.
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.