Vintage Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are loving these sweet earrings! Earring Details Material: 14K Yellow Gold Back Type: Friction Backs, Posts Earring Length: 10.7mm Earring Width: 8.7mm Weight: 1.9 Grams Accente...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,850 / item
6.75 Carat Opal Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold and sterling silver, these beautiful drop earrings are set with 6.75 carats Opal doublets, 5.55 carats sapphire and 2.78 carats of glimmering diamonds....
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$518Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau Opal Drop Earrings silver, gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Opal Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Central gemstone: opal, oval cabochon cut, 1 ct each gemstone, semi-t...
Opal, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
$1,070Sale Price|20% Off
14 kt Chrysopal and Rose Opal Earrings
Located in София, BG
14 kt gold pair of earrings with Chrysopal and Rose Opal Gold color: Yellow Dimensions: Total weight: 4.18 grams Set with: - Chrysopal Cut: Cabochon Colour: Green - Rose Opal Cut:...
Opal, 14k Gold
$440Sale Price|20% Off
New Ethiopian 3.0 Carat Black Opal Sterling Earrings
Located in Eagan, MN
These earrings are so gorgeous! The opals are so beautiful.
Opal, Black Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
$840Sale Price / set|20% Off
VR Jewels 18K Yellow Gold 2.82 Ct Natural Opal Cabochon Hoop Earrings for Women
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
These elegant hoop earrings showcase a total of 2.82 carats of round cabochon-cut natural opals, beautifully set in bezel settings of 18K yellow gold.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Labradorite Opal Jasper 18 Karat Gold Earrings
By Giulia Colussi
Located in Milan, IT
Cabochon Labradorite and opal with drop of Picasso jasper 18k gold gr 12,10 earrings.
Labradorite, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Art Noveau Opal Earrings 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Material: 18k Yellow Gold Gemstone: Opal 7.1 mm x 5.2 mm Weight: 11.9 grams Dimensions: 49 mm x 21.5 mm x 12 mm Time period of origin: Art Noveau Unique Art Noveau earrings datin...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural Bezel-Set Round Cabochon 1ct Opal Stud Earrings in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Victorian 7.76Ct Cabochon Cut Opal and 2.05 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Each earring is ornamented with a central feature cabochon cut white opal.
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,116Sale Price|20% Off
Opal Earring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Bad Kissingen, DE
18 carat yellow gold - Punctured with the fineness "750". - 2 oval crystal opals, each approx. 2.5 ct. - Dimensions: 0.9 x 1.2 cm - Total weight: approx. 6.3 g - new - Harmonious int...
Opal, 18k Gold
$5,900 / item
8.55 Carat Opal Emerald Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold and sterling silver, these stunning drop earrings are set with 8.55 carats Opal, 1.35 carats emerald and 6.55 carats of glimmering diamonds. FOLLOW ...
Diamond, Opal, Emerald, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Kyanite, Diamonds and Opal Chandelier Dangle Earrings
Located in Nantucket, MA
A stunning pair of chandelier earrings with 6 oval, cabochon Kyanite stones, 6 pear-shaped opals and round, brilliant cut diamonds throughout the setting.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage Opal and Diamond Cluster Earrings, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
These wonderful earrings feature opals in the centre which are a beautiful colour.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
18kt Gold Amazonite and Opal Drop Earrings
By Angelina Fine Jewelry
Located in Amsterdam, NH
An eye-catching pair of 18k gold earrings with amazonite drops dangling from a paisley motif set with opal doublets. The paisley motif sits neatly on the earlobe covering the pierced...
Amazonite, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Peridot and Opal Earrings
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Peridot 3 carats approx. Opal 8 carats approx. 18kyg Butterfly backs Limited Edition About the Designers Drawing inspiration from little things, Dh...
Opal, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Cummings Black Jade Opal Earrings for Tiffany & Co.
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A pair of disc-shaped earrings comprised of black jade inset with opal, in 18k. Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. Born in Austria in 1944 and raised in the United States, Angela Cum...
Opal, Black Jade, 18k Gold
Natural Opal and Yellow Sapphire Dangle Earrings 18 Karat*
Located in New York, NY
Natural Opal Sapphire Earrings 16 x 14mm Natural Opal earrings Clean Clarity & Embedded Plant Material Cabochon cut 2.20ct natural yellow sapphires.
Opal, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl, Aquamarine, Peridot & Opal Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold, Laurenti
By Laurenti
Located in New York, NY
Details Collection: Origins Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Pearls: Natural Akoya Pearls, 8mm Aquamarines: Natural Cabochon Aquamarines Peridots: Natural Cabochon Peridots Opals: Natural Roun...
Aquamarine, Opal, Pearl, Peridot, Yellow Gold
82.61 Carat Pink Opal and Diamond Dangle Earrings
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
.* A beautiful pair of dangle earrings, with 18.64 carat oval cabochon Pink Opals and 63.97 carat drop shaped Pink Opals.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$6,900 / item
14 Karat Gold Bakelite Bird Opal Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful bird earrings are handmade in 14K Gold. It features unique hand painted miniature art set in 45.65 carats bakelite, 4.7 carats opal and .14 carats diamonds. FOLLOW ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold
Meghna Jewels Opal Sapphire Diamond Drop Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat gold and sterling silver. These beautiful drop earrings are hand set with 4.86 carats Opal doublets, 2.5 sapphire and 4.18 carats of glimmering diamonds. FOLLOW ...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique 2.80Ct Opal and 9k Yellow Gold Stud Earrings Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
These fine and impressive antique earrings have been crafted in 9k yellow gold. Each circular earring displays a claw set cabochon cut white opal, totalling 2.80cts.
Opal, Yellow Gold
Opal Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, these exquisite drop earrings are set with 3.41 carats Opal, .68 carats emerald and 1.78 carats of glimmering diamonds. Made to Order. FOLLOW MEGHNA...
Diamond, Opal, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Crystal Opal Coral Diamond Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Indulge in the enchanting beauty of these dangle earrings, adorned with crystal opals, vibrant pinkish-orange coral, and sparkling diamonds! The mesmerizing play of colors in the hal...
Coral, Diamond, Opal, Sterling Silver
6.7 Carat Opal Sapphire Diamond Drop Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold and sterling silver, these exquisite drop earrings are set with 6.7 carats Opal doublets, 7.0 carats blue sapphire and 5.21 carats of glimmering diamon...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Estate 14k Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Gorgeous dangle earrings with 4 vibrant opals surrounded by diamonds. The opals are even prettier in person. A wonderful piece for any opal lover. Comes with 18k butterfly backings. ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Diamond 18 Karat Gold Fan Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat gold, these beautiful fan stud earrings are hand set with 4.8 carats Opal doublets and .6 carats of glimmering diamonds. Instock FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
$814Sale Price / item|53% Off
Turtle earrings studs with opals in 14k gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval cabochon solid opal earrings. Cute Little Turtle Stud Earrings.
Sapphire, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Ethiopian Opal Diamond 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, these stud earrings are set with 3.2 carats Ethiopian opal and .24 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique Victorian Rosy Yellow Gold Opal Drop Dangle Hook Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (2) Natural Genuine Opals - Round Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White Base w/ Flashes of Red & Orange Colors - 5.9mm each (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Rosy Yellow Gold ...
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,300 / item
18 Karat Gold Bakelite Opal Flower Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful flower earrings handmade in 18K Gold. It features unique hand painted miniature art set in 46.45 carats bakelite, 3.73 carats opal and .41 carats diamonds. FOLLOW M...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
Steven Battelle 5.8 Carats Ethiopian Opal 18K Gold Post Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A set of semi-pear shaped "Welo Mine" Ethiopian opal cabochons of approximately 6 x 9 mm are suspended below posts of approximately 5 x 6 mm stones, all set in handmade "wavy-bezel" ...
Opal, 18k Gold
Australian Black Opal Diamond Flower Earrings 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 14k White Gold Earring Diameter: 0.80" x 0.55" Total Weight: 4.8 Grams Australian Black Opal Count: 2 round Australian Black Opal Diameter: ~5 ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Diamonds 0.80 carat approx. Ethiopian Opal 5 carats approx. French wire for pierced ears One of a kind Fashioned from 18 karat yellow gold and adorne...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 4.1 carats Ethiopian Opal 18K Gold Wire Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two substantial 8 x 10 mm cabochon opals from the famous "Welo" mine in the highlands of northern Ethiopia are set in ancient-inspired "four point with jawan" artisan crafted bezels ...
Opal, 18k Gold
14k Yellow Gold Australian Striated Opal Flip Flop Pendant & Earring Set
Located in New York, NY
This matching set is crafted in 14k yellow gold and designed as a pair of playful flip-flops, with carved Australian opal forming each sole. Yellow gold frames the opals and creates ...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950's 4.51 Carat Opal and 9K Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
These fine and impressive vintage earrings have been crafted in 9k yellow gold. Each oval earring displays a collet set cabochon cut white opal, totaling 4.51cts.
Opal, 9k Gold
Pink Opal Dangle Earrings White Topaz 6.9 Carats Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 6 Pink Opals = 6.09 Carats 112 White Topaz = 0.86 Carats Metal: Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver Dimensi...
Opal, Topaz, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
$7,500 / item
Opal Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Gold Linear Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful linear drop earrings are handcrafted in 18-karat gold. It is set with 5.43 carats opal, 3.61 carats emerald and .29 carats glimmering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS...
Diamond, Opal, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$9,421Sale Price|55% Off
Black Opal Diamond White Gold Stud Earrings Diamonds Unisex Classic
Located in Berlin, DE
Black Opal 14K white gold earrings opal origin - Australia opal weight - 2.43 carats earring weight - 4 grams stone measurements - 0.12 x 0.24 x 0.31 in / 3 x 6 x 8 mm We ship ou...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
18k Yellow Gold Opal Tanzanite Diamond Three Part Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
18k Yellow Gold Opal Tanzanite Diamond Three Part Dangle Earrings Details: Measurements: approx. 7cm x 2cm Bright polish finish. 2 double oval cabochon cut crystal opals, approx. 64...
Diamond, Opal, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jelly Opal 4.20 Ct and Diamond Dangly Drop earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
Magic Rainbow Dropping from Ears Mesmerizing Opals are the star of these ear drops Designed as swinging oval drops with two Opals surrounded by a halo of Diamonds topped by a small s...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
$8,113Sale Price|55% Off
Black Opal Diamond White Gold Stud Earrings Diamonds Unisex Classic
Located in Berlin, DE
Black Opal 14K white gold earrings opal origin - Australia opal weight - 2.43 carats earring weight - 4.02 grams stone measurements - 0.12 x 0.24 x 0.31 in / 3 x 6 x 8 mm We ship...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pink Opal Dangle Earrings White Topaz 6.9 Carats Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 6 Pink Opals = 6.09 Carats 112 White Topaz = 0.86 Carats Metal: Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver Dimensi...
Opal, Topaz, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
Opal with Tsavorite Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal 19.74 carats with Tsavorite 1.07 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 3.5 cm "Since we first opened doors in 1980 our store was then situated i...
Opal, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold
Opal, Pearl and Diamond drop earrings in 18k yellow gold
By Jade Jagger
Located in London, GB
Opal, Pearl and Diamond drop Earrings in 18k yellow gold Length top to bottom: 60mm
Diamond, Opal, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1930s 2.02 Carat Opal and Diamond White Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Each of these fine antique earrings features a stunning yellow gold claw set cabochon black opal.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$599Sale Price|20% Off
Pink Opal Dangle Earrings White Topaz 6.9 Carats Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 6 Pink Opals = 6.09 Carats 112 White Topaz = 0.86 Carats Metal: Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver Dimensi...
Opal, Topaz, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
RA Collection Earrings - Gold-Plated Bronze with Opals
Located in PARIS, FR
RA Collection Earrings Gold-Plated Bronze with Opals Stones Handmade Lost-Wax Casting Bronze plated in 24-karat gold all over 14 opals of 7,38 carats Unique Piece Spain
Opal, 24k Gold, Bronze
Australian Opal with Diamond Bow Dangle Drop White Gold Earrings
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Gorgeous Australian opal with incredible blue, green, red and yellow play of color dangling from a diamond three dimensional bow set in 14k white gold. The opals measure approximate...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Ethiopian Opals, Zambian Emeralds & Diamonds Chandelier Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The Earrings have a simple push back. ✦ Handmade / Handcrafted Fine Jewelry ✦ Gemstone: Ethiopian Opal ✦ Gemstone Cut: Oval Cabochon ✦ Gemstone Weight: 7.30 ct.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold
Dalben Round and Square Shape Australian Opal Yellow Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing lever back earrings with two round cabochon cut and two square cut blue Australian solid opals weight 1,04 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Round and navette Shape Australian Opal Yellow Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing lever back earrings with two round cabochon cut and two navette cut blue Australian solid opals weight 1,24 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kabana Diamond Fire Opal Stud Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
By Kabana
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Elevate your collection with these authentic Kabana stud earrings, crafted in solid 14k yellow gold. Each earring features radiant fire opal gemstones that shimmer with captivating f...
Diamond, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Blue Sapphire 2.7 Carats Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 2 Ethiopian Opals = 0.99 Carats 24 Blue Sapphire = 1.42 Carats 72 White Topaz = 0.35 Carats Metal: Rho...
Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling S...
Pink Opal Dangle Earrings White Topaz 6.9 Carats Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 6 Pink Opals = 6.09 Carats 112 White Topaz = 0.86 Carats Metal: Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver Dimensi...
Opal, Topaz, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling 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).
In the United States, ear piercing didn’t really become popular until the 1950s and ‘60s, but our desire for a dazzling pair of vintage earrings has deeper roots than that. In fact, wearing earrings actually goes back thousands of years, and you can find many tangible connections between now and then in how we continue to talk about these treasured accessories.
Women wore ornamental earrings — studs and hoops at the very least — in Ancient Egypt, which is home to mines that are among the earliest sources of emeralds in the world. Emerald earrings are highly prized today, and their quality lies in their rich, saturated color. The highest-quality emeralds are green or bluish-green. Earrings worn by the affluent in early Roman civilizations were set with precious stones such as diamonds and pearls, and a clean-looking pop of pearl on the front of the lobe is as timeless as ever. Hoop earrings are imbued with symbolism and cultural significance for many, and on view in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Near Eastern Art Gallery is a pair of simple gold hoops from Mesopotamia dating to between 2600 and 2500 B.C.
Today, ear piercing is very popular all over the world, and, as a result, it is difficult to overstate how much everyone pines for a good pair of earrings — modernist drop earrings, glamorous Victorian hoops, geometrically complex chandelier earrings, you name it. Sure, jewelry trends and the fashion darlings of social media come and go, but earrings have a staying power that seems impenetrable: The still-strong love affair between British royals and Cartier earrings is more than a century old, glossy 1970s hoops from legacy houses such as Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels remain the statement makers they’ve always been and although people have been stacking earrings for many moons, the allure of an expertly mismatched stack of charms and studs still feels fresh and new.
While there is no shortage of modern earring designs to choose from, the classics, like coral earrings, Art Deco–style earrings and diamond drop earrings are still heavy hitters. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of antique, new and vintage earrings today.
Someone wanted to “modernize” the Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. masterworks, but Mahnaz Collection came to their rescue. Here, the dealer explains precisely why they’re such an extraordinary find.
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
The mismatched, multiple-earring look may have started with fashion jewelry, but A-list fans have taken it to the next level.
From buttons to chandeliers, here are the top styles to get or give in 2020.
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
The classic circle has appeared in countless variations over the centuries.