Gunning Box
Antique 1820s English Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Brass
Antique 1830s English Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Brass
20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Boxes
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Antique 1890s American Folk Art Decorative Boxes
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Boxwood
2010s Pop Art Abstract Sculptures
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2010s Wrist Watches
Vintage 1960s British Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Tin
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Paper
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Antique Mid-19th Century English Campaign Decorative Boxes
Brass
Vintage 1910s Arms, Armor and Weapons
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary British Cufflinks
Sterling Silver
2010s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches
2010s Australian Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Engagement Rings
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Engagement Rings
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Engagement Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1770s English George III Dining Room Tables
Mahogany
2010s Australian Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Australian Romantic Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, Black Opal, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, Diamond, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Engagement Rings
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Opal, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, Garnet, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Brooches
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
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Gunning Box For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Gunning Box?
A Close Look at Contemporary Jewelry
Contemporary jewelry is inextricably linked with the moment in which it is created, frequently reflecting current social, cultural and political issues such as environmental consciousness, identity and sustainability. It’s informed by fashion trends, from the chokers of the 1990s to the large chain necklaces of the early 2000s.
Jewelry is one of the oldest forms of adornment. Lockets made of silver or gold have been treasured gifts for hundreds of years, for example, and charm bracelets, which have existed since prehistoric times, didn’t become especially popular until the 19th-century reign of Queen Victoria. For many centuries, fine jewelry was used primarily to express wealth or status through lavish materials. Then, in the 1960s, a concept known as the “critique of preciousness” emerged, with jewelers creating pieces that did not get their value from gemstones or precious metals. Instead, it was the jeweler’s artistic vision that was prized and elevated.
This shift still informs Contemporary jewelry being made by artists today. Whether they are using cheap, found materials and working with provocative geometric shapes or seeking out the rarest stones, they are imbuing their work with meaning through their skills, techniques and ideas. Innovative designers such as Elsa Peretti, who popularized sculptural sterling-silver jewelry for Tiffany & Co., and David Yurman, who twisted metal into the simple yet striking Cable bracelet, have also influenced the direction of Contemporary jewelry’s forms and aesthetics.
Meanwhile, technological advancements like metal alloys and laser engraving have led to new possibilities in jewelry design. Now, edgy makers and brands as well as minimalist designers are pushing Contemporary jewelry forward into the 21st century.
Find a collection of Contemporary rings, earrings, necklaces and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
The Legacy of Opal in Jewelry Design
Opals were discovered in 400 BC, and since then five types have been found throughout the world. Before you start shopping for mysteriously beautiful vintage opal rings and other opal jewelry, learn about the different varieties of the gem — and find out which historical figure was reportedly willing to trade his kingdom for a single stone.
Here is a little riddle for you: the month of October has two birthstones, but only one of them encompasses the colors of other birthstones. If you guessed opal, you’re right! (The other gemstone associated with the month of October is tourmaline.)
Opals are such unusual gemstones that there are too many old-wives tales associated with them, like if you’re a blond, wearing an opal necklace will protect your locks from losing color. Opals were also very fashionable in the early 19th century, up until the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein in 1829. The title heroine wears an opal and succumbs to an untimely death. However, the British monarchy, and in particular Queen Victoria, did not let this story get in their way, and they frequently gifted opals to friends and family members. October babies should disregard the noise and proudly wear their opals!
There are five types of precious opals: boulder opal, fire opal, crystal/water opal, black opal, and white/light opal. Each variety is distinguished by its color.
So, where does the name come from? The word opal is thought to originate from the Roman opalus or from the Sanskrit úpala (“precious stone”) or from the Greek opallios (“to see a color change”). So while there have been many names for the stones, opals were first discovered in 400 BC in Ethiopia. But the early reference that comes up most often in history books is from the Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder, who wrote about it in 75 AD. In his text he refers to it as opali. The Romans were big fans of opal, Mark Antony was so enamored by it that, as the story goes, he was willing to trade a portion of his kingdom for a single opal.
There's a wide variety of antique and vintage opal jewelry on 1stDibs (and you won't have to trade your kingdom for it).