Art Nouveau Platinum Opal and Diamond Filigree Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A lovely opal and diamond filigree ring from the Art Nouveau (ca1910) era! Crafted in platinum, the
Vintage 1910s Art Nouveau Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Art Nouveau Platinum Opal and Diamond Filigree Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A lovely opal and diamond filigree ring from the Art Nouveau (ca1910) era! Crafted in platinum, the
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
3.50 Carat Black Opal & Diamond Halo Platinum Filigree Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Natural 3.50 Carat Australian Black Opal & Diamond Set Platinum 900 Statement Ring, Size 7.75
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
2.78 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Halo Platinum Filigree Ring
Located in Miami, FL
2.78 carat natural black opal and round cut diamond halo ring. Set in a smooth textured platinum
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Art Deco 14k Opal, Onyx, and Diamond Filigree Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A fabulous opal, onyx, and diamond ring from the Art Deco (ca1920s) era! Crafted in 14k white gold
Diamond, Onyx, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White 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
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau 7 Carat Boulder Opal 14k Filigree Dinner Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A lovely Art Nouveau 7 carat boulder opal dinner ring straight from a great estate collection of
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold Natural Cabochon Opal Filigree Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold Natural Cabochon Opal Filigree Ring. This gorgeous
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Opal Trio ring. Triple OPAL Crystal and Filigree leaves statement ring.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Beautiful Trilogy Opal Ring. Accented with beautiful gold leaves. 14k Yellow gold Details: 5mm by 7mm opals
18 Karat Opal Diamonds and Enamel Vintage Ring Filigree Design Blue Enamel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Opal Ring with Diamonds and Enamel. the finger size currently is 11.5 (it is possible to
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique 8k Yellow Gold 0.36tcw Old Mine Cut Diamond and Opal Filigree Ring
Located in New York, NY
This antique ring is crafted in 8k yellow gold and features a beautifully detailed filigree setting
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
1.98 Carat Oval Opal & Diamond Halo Pave 14K White Gold Filigree Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This stunning cocktail ring features a vibrant oval-cut opal set in 14K white gold and framed by a
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Opal Vintage Style Cocktail Filigree Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal Vintage Style Cocktail Filigree Ring. Meticulously crafted with an open yellow gold lacey band
Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Opal & Emerald Filigree Victorian Style Ring
Located in Chesham, GB
This ring is made from Solid 9K Yellow Gold with Natural Opal & Emeralds. YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR SIZE
Emerald, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Belais Art Deco Opal Ring 14k White Gold Filigree Fine Jewelry
By Belais
Located in Torrance, CA
detailing and intricate filigree work, a hallmark of Art Deco era jewelry. The opal is a later addition to
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 4 Carat Opal Ring 14 Karat Gold Hollywood Regency Antique Filigree
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a stunning Antique Art Deco - Hollywood Regency Opal Ring with a gorgeous central 4
Opal, 14k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold
Natural Square Citrine Opal Vintage Style Filigree Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Discover the exquisite beauty of our natural square citrine vintage style filigree ring in solid
Citrine, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal Emerald Diamond Vintage Style Filigree Three Stone Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Introducing our stunning Natural Opal Emerald Diamond Vintage Three Stone Ring, a breathtaking
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterling Silver Amethyst & Opal Victorian Filigree Trilogy Promise Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This Beautiful Victorian Inspired Solid Sterling Silver Ring is hand set with a stunning selection
Amethyst, Opal, Sterling Silver
Natural Square Blue Topaz and Opal Vintage Style Filigree Ring in Solid 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Add a delicate and unique aesthetic to your hand with this filigree ring by GEMMA FILIGREE. Our
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
9K Yellow Gold Opal Vintage Style Cocktail Poison Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
. Surrounded by glowing round opals and detailed with intricate filigree shoulders, this ring is a true
Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
$1,840Sale Price|20% Off
9K Yellow Gold Amethyst Cabochon and Opal Poison Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This stunning Amethyst Cabochon and Opal Poison Ring features a beautifully smooth amethyst
Amethyst, Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
$480Sale Price|20% Off
9K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Full of vintage charm, this ring showcases a round prong-set opal that shimmers with soft
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Opal and Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Floral ring features a radiant round natural opal at its center, beautifully encircled by
Opal, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal Vintage Style Carved Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Add a delicate and unique aesthetic to your hand with this ring by GEMMA FILIGREE. Our antique
Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow 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
Pearl, Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Opal and Blue Sapphire Vintage Style Cluster Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A cluster of round natural opals bead-set at the center, surrounded by vibrant round blue sapphires
Blue Sapphire, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 9k 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
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Floral Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Indulge in timeless elegance with our Opal and Diamond Vintage Floral Ring in yellow gold
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal Diamond Vintage Style Cluster Carved Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
The vintage ring showcases a cluster of natural opals at its center, each displaying a mesmerizing
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal Vintage Style Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
style ring, crafted in yellow gold. Featuring a stunning oval cabochon white opal as its centerpiece
Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal Diamond Vintage Style Floral Clover Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Floral Clover Ring. Meticulously crafted in radiant yellow gold, this captivating piece features opals
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Filigree Ring Set with Australian Opal and Diamonds
Located in Warrington, PA
Incredible Antique Filigree Ring set with Australian Opal and Diamonds. The opal is emerald cut in
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Opal and Diamond Filigree Vintage Style Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Vienna, VA
Opal and Diamond Filigree Vintage Style Ring in 14K Opal and Diamond Filigree Vintage Style Ring
Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
18k Yellow Gold 1.83 Carat Black Opal Victorian Cocktail Ring Diamond Filigree
By Dianna Rae Jewelry
Located in Lafayette, LA
color, which is a perfect contrast to the bold hues of the opal. This beautiful ring has a flattened
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ornate circa 1970's 18kt Yellow Gold Filigree Ethiopian Opal Exotic Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This breathtaking ring features four oval Ethiopian opal cabochons totaling 4ctw. The center round
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Art Deco Opal and Diamond Filigree Ring
Located in London, GB
: Used (Very Good) Weight: 4.7 grams Ring Size: L (52) Band Width: 2mm - 1mm Opal Weight: Approx. 3.00ct
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2.84 Ct. Opal Filigree Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal is a gemstone that inspires awe and wonder. This natural opal weight 2.84 carats, and is a
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Oval Opal Filigree Navette Statement Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 14 karat yellow gold oval opal filigree navette statement ring. This ring features an
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Oval Opal Filigree Navette Statement Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: - opal, 1 stone - oval cabochon - 18.82 x 8.7 mm Ring Size 6.5 Ring Length: 25.4 mm
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 14k Yellow Gold Two Tone Black Opal Filigree Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
A gorgeous Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Two Tone Black Opal Filigree Ring. This beautiful ring
Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold
Filigree Engagement Ring: Semi-Black Opal Diamond Band 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Exquisite Filigree Engagement Ring: Australian Semi-Black Opal Diamond Band in 18K Yellow Gold
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Garnet and White Opal Filigree Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a fantastic 14k yellow gold ring featuring a stunning fiery white opal center stone flanked
Garnet, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal Vintage Style Floral Filigree Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Add a delicate and unique aesthetic to your hand with this filigree ring by GEMMA FILIGREE. Our
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
c1920s Art Deco Black Opal Ring Vintage 14k White Gold Filigree Sz 7 Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed Art Deco black opal ring crafted in 14 karat white gold (circa 1920s to
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Deco Opal Cocktail Filigree Ring Vintage 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Estate
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed Art Deco era ring (circa 1920s to 1930s), crafted in two tone 14 karat yellow and
Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Three Stone Art Deco Style Opal Filigree Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
An Art Deco style filigree three stone ring with 6.0 mm. opal in the center and two 3.0 mm
Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.58ct Opal 18K Gold Filigree Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
Art Deco 18K white gold filigree opal ring. The ring features a genuine earth mined opal weighing
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Opal and Pearl Filigree Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Feminine and delicate, this 14 karat white gold filigree ring is set with a lustrous opal cabochon
Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Jelly Opal Cabochon Diamond Platinum Lotus Vintage Filigree Dinner Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a bezel set oval-shaped jelly opal cabochon measuring 7.0 x 9.0 mm Transparent black
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Art Deco Opal Ring .12ct Original 1920's Antique Diamond Filigree 18K Gold
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Art Deco Antique from 1920's Opal Ring .12ct with Diamonds and Filigree 18K White
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Blue Sapphire Opal Vintage Style Filigree Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
of this enchanting filigree ring. CHARACTERISTICS Origin: Thailand Metal: Solid 9K Yellow Gold Ring
Opal, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ring 25ct natural Blue Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø 4.75 US /9.6gr
Located in SE
Luxurious Antique Ring in Renaissance style, band and crown tested solid 18K Gold,not hallmarked, European, ca. XVIII - early XIX centuries. Huge cabochon of natural Light - Blue Sa...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Aquamarine Blue Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Style Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This breathtaking ring features a tranquil aquamarine centerpiece, framed by deep blue sapphires and radiant old-cut diamonds. Its Art Deco design captures timeless sophistication wi...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Georgian Rose Diamond Cluster Ring 1790's
Located in Firenze, IT
The oval blue enamel plaque with applied old brilliant, single and rose-cut diamond floral and foliate decoration, closed back settings throughout, with engraved bright-cut decoratio...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Silver, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Carved Opal & Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Victorian Carved Five Stone Opal Ring 18ct Gold Victorian Circa 1880 Beautiful Hand Carved Ring Set with Five Fabulous Opals & Old Cut Diamonds Face of The Ring Measures Appr...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Natural Black Opal 3.77 carats and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
Natural Black Opal 3.77 carats and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum Black Opal and Diamond Ring features a Center Oval Cabochon Black Opal with flashes of Green and Blue play of co...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Edwardian 18k Moonstone and Diamond Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
An exquisite moonstone and diamond ring from the Edwardian (ca1910) era! Crafted in 18k white gold with a yellow gold bezel, the silvery-grey moonstone cabochon is surrounded by a h...
Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold
Art Deco Inspired Platinum Ring with 0.97ct Diamond & 40 Sapphires
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Center Stone: Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Weight: 0.97 Carat Color: J Clarity: SI Accent Stone: 40 Sapphires Cut: Calibre Cut Weight: Approximately 0.5 Carats Color: Blue Accent...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$3,850
W 0.33 in D 0.11 in L 0.58 in
Natural 2.75 Ct Australian green and pink black boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 2.75 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut ...
Opal, Black Opal
$35,000
H 2.76 in W 3.55 in D 2.76 in
Victorian Opal and Diamond Crown Tiara Haircomb Necklace, circa 1880s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Victorian Opal and Diamond Crown Haircomb Necklace, ca. 1880s A very unusual and stunning Victorian crown, set with fiery opal cabochons and old-mine cut diamonds, from the 1880s. T...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Silver
Original Art Deco Natural Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Original Art Deco Natural Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster Ring mounted in Platinum. A refreshingly cool light blue hue colors the billowy cushion-cut aquamarine that glistens. The gem...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Onyx and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classically styled plaque ring crafted during the pinnacle of the Art Deco movement. This 14ct white gold piece features a single round faceted old European cut diamon...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.65 Carat Elongated Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This unique ring, boasts an approximate 3.65 carat elongated cushion cut diamond mounted in collet style claw prongs, in a beautiful flush setting. Perfect for the heirloom seeker! ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 7.0 Carat Heart Shape Pink Diamond Cocktail Ring
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
Heart Shape Diamond weighing 7.0 Carat with GIA certificate stating the Diamond is of Fancy Pink color and VS2 Clarity. Surrounded by reverse set White Diamonds weighing 5.02 Carats....
Pink Diamond, Platinum
$11,996Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent GIA 4.63 Natural Black Opal Diamond Estate Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Conroe, TX
Magnificent GIA 4.63 Natural Black Opal Diamond Estate Ring in 18K White Gold Material: 18K Gold Ring Size: 7.50 Hallmarks: 18K Ther Total Weight (grams): 8.00 PRIMARY STONE Type: ...
Black Opal, White Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum, Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire Bombe Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Step back into the elegance of the Edwardian era with this stunning bombe/domed oval-shaped ring, designed to provide e...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Late Victorian Opal and Diamond Tiara
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian opal and diamond tiara/necklace, consisting of seven knife-edge gold bars graduating from the centre, each set with two round cabochon-cut opals and an old-cut diamo...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Opals were discovered in 400 BC, and since then five types have been found throughout the world. Before you start shopping for mysteriously beautiful vintage opal rings and other opal jewelry, learn about the different varieties of the gem — and find out which historical figure was reportedly willing to trade his kingdom for a single stone.
Here is a little riddle for you: the month of October has two birthstones, but only one of them encompasses the colors of other birthstones. If you guessed opal, you’re right! (The other gemstone associated with the month of October is tourmaline.)
Opals are such unusual gemstones that there are too many old-wives tales associated with them, like if you’re a blond, wearing an opal necklace will protect your locks from losing color. Opals were also very fashionable in the early 19th century, up until the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein in 1829. The title heroine wears an opal and succumbs to an untimely death. However, the British monarchy, and in particular Queen Victoria, did not let this story get in their way, and they frequently gifted opals to friends and family members. October babies should disregard the noise and proudly wear their opals!
There are five types of precious opals: boulder opal, fire opal, crystal/water opal, black opal, and white/light opal. Each variety is distinguished by its color.
So, where does the name come from? The word opal is thought to originate from the Roman opalus or from the Sanskrit úpala (“precious stone”) or from the Greek opallios (“to see a color change”). So while there have been many names for the stones, opals were first discovered in 400 BC in Ethiopia. But the early reference that comes up most often in history books is from the Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder, who wrote about it in 75 AD. In his text he refers to it as opali. The Romans were big fans of opal, Mark Antony was so enamored by it that, as the story goes, he was willing to trade a portion of his kingdom for a single opal.
There's a wide variety of antique and vintage opal jewelry on 1stDibs (and you won't have to trade your kingdom for it).
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.