Fire Opal, Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 14K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Fire Opal 7.44 carats, Ruby 1.0 carat and Diamond 0.75 carat Ring set in 14K Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 18.56 grams "We first opened d...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Fire Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage Opal and Diamond Point 9 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opals in this ring are pale but throw some great colours.
Opal, Diamond, Gold
Vintage Ruby and Opal 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Either side of the glistening opals int his ring are gorgeous deep red rubies. The central ruby measures 30pts and the two smaller stones measure 10pts. The opals measure 2opts each ...
Opal, Ruby, Gold
18k Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 0.64ct, Size 7.25
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with a central opal surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.64 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5(55) Detailed description: The top of the...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold Natural Opal and 2.40ctw Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k White Gold Natural Opal and 2.40ctw Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring Style: 18k White Gold Natural Opal and Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring Material: 18k White Gold Center Diamond: Natural...
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold 9.35ct Australian Opal Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in New York, NY
This breathtaking vintage ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and showcases a mesmerizing 9.35ct Australian opal with vibrant flashes of color.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Opal and Pink, Yellow, Blue Sapphire Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Opal and Pink, Yellow, Blue Sapphire Gold Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 3 Carat Opal.
Opal, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 10k Gold
$8,560Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Fire Opal and Yellow Sapphire Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Opal - 4.75 Carats Yellow Sapphire - 0.75 Carat 18KT Gold
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Sapphire, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
Australian Black Opal and Diamond Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Australian Black Opal and Diamond Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,476Sale Price|20% Off
Designer Opal and Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Elongated Cocktail Ring
By Claris-A
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
This ring, offered by Claris-A, is built around an elongated marquise-shaped plaque in 18K white gold, creating a strong vertical silhouette across the finger.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 19K Yellow Gold and Silver Opal and Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Weight:Â 6.8 grams Stone:Â Opal 0.35ct, Ruby 0.36TCW, Diamonds. Measurements:Â 18.7 X 16.4 X 7.9 mm Ring Size: 7.25 Hallmark:Â 19k Metal: 19k yellow gold/ Silver top (87%) Internal ...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby
Vintage 1960s Natural Ethiopian Opal and Green Tourmaline Gold Bombay Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Vintage 1960s Natural Ethiopian Opal and Green Tourmaline Gold Bombay Cluster Ring.
Opal, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.14 Carat Ethiopian Opal and Diamond 10 Karat Rose gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful opal ring is crafted in 10-karat Rose gold and features a 1.14 carat Ethiopian Opal & 56 Round Diamonds in GH- I1 quality with 0.22 ct. in a prong-setting.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 5.75 #21526
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 5.75 This elegant ring features three oval cut opal gemstones (7 mm x 5 mm) and six sparkling round cut diamonds set in classic 14K y...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
RUCHI Fire Opal and Brilliant Diamond Yellow Gold Open Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold Opal- 8.88 Cts Diamonds- 0.29 Cts All Diamonds are G-H/SI
Diamond, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Amethyst, Opal and Peridot Suffragette Ring, Chester 1906
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked Chester 1906 Maker's Mark E J R Immerse yourself in history with this exquisite 18ct gold-stamped Edwardian suffragette ring...
Peridot, Opal, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Gold
Flower Design Pink Spinel & Opal and Diamond Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Flower Design Pink Spinel & Opal and Diamond Ring 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold 0.45ct Diamond, Sapphire, and Opal Ring MF63-031726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A striking combination of colors and materials makes this ring simply unforgettable. At the center, a glistening 5.0 carat Opal instantly captures the imagination.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 6-6.25 #23953
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Opal and Diamond Ring Size 6-6.25 This elegant ring features a luminous oval opal (6 mm x 4 mm) at the center of a radiant starburst halo crafted in 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
Round Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring 18 Karat White Gold, Estate
Located in New York, NY
Round Natural Opal Cocktail Ring with Diamonds all around the stone 18 Karat White Gold Estate Approximately 16 mm Round A classic, Cocktail ring Huge Opal very clean no inclu...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Antique 2.30 Carat Black Opal and 18k Yellow Gold Cameo Ring Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.30ct black opal and 18k yellow gold cameo ring; part of our diverse antique opal jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 7.5 #20752
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 7.5 This stunning 14k yellow gold ring features one oval opal (7 mm x 5 mm) accented with two round brilliant cut diamonds, the perfe...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Vintage 5.81 Carat Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning vintage opal ring has been crafted in 9k yellow gold with a 9k white gold setting.
Diamond, Opal, White Gold, Yellow Gold
White and Fancy Colour Diamond Opal Ring
Located in New York, NY
The contrast of white diamond (0.25cts.) with sparkling mix shape fancy yellow diamonds(1.68cts.) and deep blue diamond(0.38cts.) surrounding the opal adds even more glamour to the r...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
14k White Gold Flower Ring with Opal and Diamonds, Size 6.75
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring in the shape of a flower set with opal and old mine and single cut diamonds - ring size US 6.75 - EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description: the top of the ring is bla...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
10k Yellow Gold White Opal and Sapphire Flower Form Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
10k yellow gold ring. This charming ring is a flower form, set with four oval cabachon cut white opals, approximately 0.32 TCW, which center a round faceted, medium blue color sapphi...
Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,681Sale Price|20% Off
18ct White Gold Black Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring 0.62ct 5.28g
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
This exquisite black opal and diamond cluster ring is crafted in 18ct white gold, featuring a striking 0.62ct Lightning Ridge black opal.
Diamond, Black Opal, White Gold, 18k 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.
Amethyst, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 7 #22564
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 7 This eye-catching vintage ring features four marquise cut opals (8 mm x 5 mm) and five round brilliant cut diamonds set in beautifu...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 18K Gold Opal and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This 18k gold Edwardian ring features three oval Australian opals prong set with four small diamonds encrusted between them.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
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.
Garnet, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White and Yellow Gold 2.0ct Diamond and Opal Cocktail Ring MF47-021926
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A double split shank in white gold anchors this piece.This 18K White and Yellow Gold 2.0 ct Diamond and 9.0 ct Opal Cocktail Ring is offered in estate condition and presented in a gi...
Diamond, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
Rainbow Black Australian Opal Ring with Sapphires and 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Brisbane, AU
Made to order* Custom made 18ct yellow gold rainbow sapphire ring featuring a Lighting Ridge Australian Black opal centre surrounded by a double halo of rainbow sapphires including ...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Tsavorite, Black Opal, 18k Gol...
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 8.25 #16352
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 8.25- This elegant ring features one oval opal stone (7 mm x 4 mm) and six round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 14K yellow ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 7.75 #20723
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 7.75 JAGi Certified- This stunning 14K yellow gold ring features one marquise shaped white cabochon opal (15.1 mm x 7.1 mm) surrounde...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Rose Gold Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Three Stones Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Set on a warm rose gold band with intricate vintage-inspired detailing, this ring seamlessly blends the opal's natural charm with the luxurious sparkle of diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 5.5 #20515
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 5.5 This stunning 14K yellow gold cocktail ring feature a captivating opal gemstone (14 mm x 11 mm) as its centerpiece.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
10 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 7 #20562
Located in Washington Depot, CT
10 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 7 This enchanting ring features a pear-shaped opal (10 mm x 6 mm) set in classic 10K yellow gold and is accented with one round singl...
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K 750 Solid White Gold Natural Diamond Sapphire and Opal Ring
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Natural Diamond Sapphire and Opal Ring Metal Type: 18k Solid White Gold Total Item Weight: 7.1 Grams Ring Size: 7 (Resizable) 1: Primary Stone: Natural Diamond Diamon...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The diamonds either side of the opal total 15pts each side. The ring itself is modelled in 18ct gold.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Opal and Diamond Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous ring holds five opals and four diamonds. The diamonds total approx 60pts and all the stones are set in platinum and the band is modelled in 18carat gold.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold and Silver Rose Cut Diamond and Opal Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Gold and Silver Rose Cut Diamond and Opal Engagement Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$1,120Sale Price|30% Off
14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Garnet and Opal Vintage Style Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
CHARACTERISTICS Status: Made to order Origin: Thailand Metal: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: US 3-8 Total Gemstones Weight: 2.12 carat.
Garnet, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal, Orange Sapphire and Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal 4.01 carats, Orange Sapphire 1.81 carats and Diamond 0.51 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 2.1 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 9.10 grams "We first o...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Estate 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Diamond and Trillion Cut Opal Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Estate 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Diamond and Trillion Cut Opal Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Estate Opal And Sapphire Cocktail Ring 14K Yellow Gold Size 7
By Estate Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
The ring is crafted in 14K yellow gold. Features 11 prong set oval shaped white Opal and 2 round cut blue Sapphires.
Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
10.77 Carat Opal and Diamond Fashion Ring
Located in Greenville, DE
This Opal and diamond ring is crafted in 14k white gold and features (1) cabochon opal weighing 10.77ct with dominant colors of green, orange, red, blue and white.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage 14 Carat Gold Opal and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A stunning vintage ring set with three fine colourful opals with fantastic colour.
Opal, Diamond, 9k Gold, Gold
Classic Oval-Cab Australian Opal with Fire Opal 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This Ring is weight 2.88 grams. Crafted with 14K Yellow Gold, this delicate Ring is polished to a high finish shine.
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k 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
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.
Opal, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ruby, Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1940s Item Details: Ring Size: 8 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.1 grams Diamond Details: .10ct, Transitional Round, J color, I1 Clarit...
Gold, 14k 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
$1,080Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Opal Decorated Band Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
đź’Ž Vintage Circa 1980s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Opal Decorated Band Ring In very good condition.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Rectangular Cabochon Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstones: Opal (Rectangular Cabochon Cut) / Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Ring Size: 7 Band Width: 4.5mm Item Weight: 7.4 Grams Estate Condition: Very Goo...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Australian Opals Lapis and Diamonds. (Size 11.00)
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Australian Opals Lapis and Diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Antique 12K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Halo Ring Size 7.75 #24899
Located in Washington Depot, CT
12K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Halo Ring Size 7.75 This stunning ring features a luminous oval opal stone surrounded by 16 rose cut diamonds set in classic 12K yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
$27,000Sale Price|33% Off
10.98 Carat Lightning Ridge Oval Black Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This ring is set in 18K Yellow Gold, with 18k Yellow Gold prongs on the center stone.
Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,111Sale Price|20% Off
Ring in Rose Gold with 1 Black Opal Oval and 38 Diamonds
By Thomas Leyser
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Thomas Leyser is renowned for his contemporary jewellery designs utilizing fine gemstones. This 18k rose gold (15.30g) ring is set with 1x fine Black Opal in magnificient firework c...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Rose 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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.