Modernist Opal Ring
Vintage 1960s Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Fire Opal
20th Century American Modernist Signet Rings
Opal, Gold, Sterling Silver
2010s American Engagement Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Engagement Rings
Opal, Diamond, Tourmaline, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Modernist Cluster Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century German Modernist Cocktail Rings
Fire Opal, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Late 20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Late 20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1970s Unknown Modernist Cocktail Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings
Opal, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 10k Gold
Late 20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Platinum
20th Century British Modernist Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Modernist Dome Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s American Modernist Cluster Rings
Garnet, Opal, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s American Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
20th Century Belgian Modernist Cocktail Rings
Opal, Fire Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary More Rings
Beryl, Diamond, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Platinum
1990s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Recent Sales
20th Century North American Artisan Cocktail Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Portuguese Modernist Band Rings
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold
Vintage 1970s American Modernist More Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage 1960s Unknown Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage 1960s American Modernist Solitaire Rings
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1950s American Modernist Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modernist Fashion Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Modernist Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1960s Unknown Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Israeli Modernist Cocktail Rings
Opal, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970s Unknown Modernist Cocktail Rings
Opal, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970s Modernist Cluster Rings
Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage 1960s German Modernist Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Hong Kong Modernist Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Modernist Cocktail Rings
Black Opal, Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1980s Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Late 20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Late 20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
20th Century British Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, 14k Gold
Late 20th Century American Modernist Fashion Rings
Blue Sapphire, Opal, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s American Modernist Cocktail Rings
Opal, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s American Modernist Cocktail Rings
Quartz, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s Unknown Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
20th Century American Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1970s Israeli More Rings
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Hong Kong Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Hong Kong Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Mexican Modernist Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Citrine, Opal, Cultured Pearl, Peridot, Ruby, Green Sapphire, ...
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modernist Band Rings
Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Modernist Solitaire Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Silver
Vintage 1970s British Modernist More Rings
Emerald, Opal, Turquoise
Vintage 1980s American Modernist Band Rings
Aquamarine, Opal, Peridot, Quartz, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century More Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
20th Century American More Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
20th Century Modernist Fashion Rings
Opal, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Italian Modernist Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, White Gold, 18k Gold
1990s German Modern Cocktail Rings
Tsavorite, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s American Modernist Fashion Rings
Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage 1970s American Modernist Fashion Rings
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1980s Finnish Modernist Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s American Modernist Fashion Rings
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1980s Brazilian Modernist Dome Rings
Opal, 18k Gold
20th Century German Modern Cocktail Rings
18k Gold
Mid-20th Century German Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Australian Modernist Band Rings
Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage 1980s American Modernist Engagement Rings
Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage 1960s American Modernist Solitaire Rings
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
People Also Browsed
2010s American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Turkish Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Stud Earrings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Modernist Fashion Rings
Agate, Bronze
2010s French Art Deco Fashion Rings
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Artisan Fashion Rings
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 22k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1950s More Rings
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 22k Gold
Vintage 1960s Danish Modernist Cocktail Rings
Crystal, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, 18k Gold
2010s German Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Art Nouveau Engagement Rings
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, White Diamond, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Modernist Opal Ring For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Modernist Opal Ring?
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).
Finding the Right Rings for You
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023No, opals aren't bad for engagement rings. One drawback of the gemstone is that it isn't as hard as many other popular gems, like diamonds, emeralds and sapphires, so it may be more susceptible to scratches. However, you can still choose an opal engagement ring if you wish. Taking it off before you engage in activities that could damage the ring can help extend its life. Shop an assortment of opal engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- Do opal engagement rings last?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023Yes, an opal engagement ring can last if you care for it properly. Generally, opals are more delicate than other gemstones commonly used in engagement rings, like diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. As a result, they can be easily damaged, making it important that you take your ring off before performing household chores, exercising, playing sports or doing other activities where you'll use your hands a lot. Find a collection of opal engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- Can you wear an opal ring everyday?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021No, you cannot wear an opal ring everyday. Since they are relatively fragile compared to other stones, opals are not durable for daily-wear.
Dover JewelryFebruary 24, 2021Not recommended! Opals are more delicate then other gemstones and if cared for correctly will last a lifetime and can be handed down throughout generations. - 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021No, opal is not good for engagement rings. Although opal is a beautiful stone, it is not the best choice for an engagement ring. Since they are relatively fragile compared to diamonds and sapphires, opals are not durable for daily wear.
- Can opal rings be worn everyday?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Opal rings are very delicate compared to other stones, and are not recommended for everyday wear. However, with proper care, they can last through the generations. Shop a collection of expertly vetted gems from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Are opal rings Bad luck?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Although opals were considered good luck in Roman culture and a symbol of good luck, there are many legends that link opals with death and bad omens.
- Is opal good for wedding rings?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023Yes, opal can be good for wedding rings. Many people love the unique coloration of opals and opt for wedding rings set with them. One thing to keep in mind is that opals are more delicate than many other gemstones like sapphires, rubies and diamonds, so they are more vulnerable to scratching and breakage. It is a good idea to remove your wedding ring before working with tools, performing chores, playing sports or engaging in other activities that could potentially damage your opal. Explore a variety of opal wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021While opals are more fragile than diamonds, adding a higher risk for a daily-wear ring, they can still be good engagement rings. Opals are thought of as precious and powerful and are said to symbolize fidelity so can be great and unique rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, opal engagement rings can be a good idea. This stone represents faithfulness, confidence, and creativity -- making the stone a fitting choice for an engagement ring. Opals, however, are not ideal for everyday wear.