Opal Bead Strand
20th Century European Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Opal, Silver
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
20th Century Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Chrysophrase, Opal, 14k Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Crystal, Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s French Artisan Beaded Necklaces
2010s Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Pearl, Sterling Silver
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Pearl, Gold Plate, Mixed Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Hessonite, Garnet, Vermeil
2010s Italian Art Deco Multi-Strand Necklaces
Jade, Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Modern Bracelets
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Croatian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Pearl, Copper
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Other, Quartz, Freshwater Pearl, Opal, White Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
2010s North American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Lapis Lazuli, Gold-filled
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Spinel, Turquoise, Tourmaline, Tanzanite, Alexandrite, Pink Sapphire, Bl...
21st Century and Contemporary American Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Silver
2010s Australian Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
Agate, Coral, Opal, Turquoise, Turquoise Matrix, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal
Antique 19th Century Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold
20th Century Beaded Bracelets
Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
2010s Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Amethyst, Citrine, Opal, Quartz, Sterling Silver
2010s Italian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Chalcedony, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Retro Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary More Earrings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Rope Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Silver
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, White Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s Italian Retro Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
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Opal Bead Strand For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Opal Bead Strand?
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 Necklaces for You
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.
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