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Vintage Handmade 18k Gold Rectangular Cabochon Cut Opal Solitaire Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This spectacular, handmade, vintage ring is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and features a
Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Black opal solitaire ring, circa 1930.
Located in London, GB
Black opal solitaire ring. Set with an oval cabochon natural black opal in an open back claw
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Black Opal, Opal, Platinum

Yellow Gold Opal Cocktail Solitaire Ring - 14k Oval Cabochon 1.75ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Opal Carat(s): 1.75ct Cut: Oval Cabochon Origin: Australian Total Carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Opal Cocktail Solitaire Ring - 14k Oval Cabochon 3.73ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Opal Carat(s): 3.73ct Cut: Oval Cabochon Stone Note: Australian Total Carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Dynamic Solitaire Ethiopian Opal Band Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Wow...Beautiful Solitaire Ring featuring an Ethiopian Opal; weighing approx. 0.81 Carat; Oxidized
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, Sterling Silver

Estate Opal Triplet Cabochon Solitaire 1970s Cathedral Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Austin, TX
bright oval opal triplet cabochon. The pinched shoulder design of this ring is still popular today, as
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Black Opal Diamond Ring. PT900 Platinum Opal Diamond Halo Solitaire Ring Band.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning Australian Black Opal Oval Cabochon Halo design ring with Diamond accents. Stunning for
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Vintage Opal and 9 Carat Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opal set up high in a crown style setting is so glossy and throws so much colour! There is an
Category

Vintage 1960s British Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold

12.30 Ct Australian Opal Diamond Large Solitaire ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Impressive Opal and Diamond ring, 1960 ca Exquisitely hand crafted of solid 18 KT white gold in a
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Periwinkle Australian Opal 22 Karat Gold Solitaire Ring
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
Lilac / Periwinkle Blue Opal and 22k yellow gold bezel stackable artisan ring. Opal ring is size US
Category

2010s American Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 1.12 Carat Opal and Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine, and impressive opal and 18 karat yellow gold solitaire ring; part of our diverse
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold 3.71 Carat Opal Solitaire Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Yellow Gold 3.71 Carat Opal Solitaire Ring This statement Opal Ring draws its inspiration
Category

2010s Indian Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Classic Style Platinum 3.19ctw Oval Cabochon Opal w/ Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Lively Nice Color - White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Classic Solid Platinum GIA 3.01ctw Oval Cabochon Black Opal & Pave Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Black Color w/ Amazing
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum

Antique 10k Yellow Gold GIA 3.40ct Australian Black Opal Bezel Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Black Color w/Strong Play
Category

Antique 19th Century Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified 22.85ct natural cabochon opal ring 18Kt Gold
Located in New York, NY
Play of color. GIA Certified 22.85ct. Natural Non treated Opal ring. Report: 6224937405 Round
Category

2010s American Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gia Certified 8.04ct Natural Cabochon Opal Diamonds Cocktail Ring 14kt
Located in New York, NY
Play of color. GIA Certified 8.04ct. Natural Non treated Opal ring. Report: 5222531468 Oval
Category

2010s American Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sterling Silver Ethiopian Opal & White Topaz Ring 925 Oval Cabochon Size 8
Located in Greensboro, NC
Sterling Silver Ethiopian Opal & White Topaz Ring 925 Oval Cabochon Size 8 Stone Information
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, Topaz, Sterling Silver

Opal & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Opal & Diamond Cocktail Ring Large Cabochon Opal Gem Surrounded by a 2 Row Round Cut Halo Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1980s Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold

Cabochon Garnet and Opal Vintage Style Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Discover timeless beauty with this Vintage Style Ring, designed to captivate and inspire. At its
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA 7.17ct natural cabochon opal diamonds sunburst cocktail ring 14kt a+ colors
Located in New York, NY
Play of color. GIA Certified 5.97ct. Natural Non treated Opal ring. Report: 2145457599 Oval
Category

2010s American Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold

Enchanted Twilight 6.18 Carat Black Opal Ring
Located in Duluth, US
mesmerizing allure of the Enchanted Twilight Opal Ring, a perfect blend of beauty, rarity, and timeless value
Category

2010s Australian Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

Vintage style 14k gold ring with opal
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k solid gold ring with opal and diamonds.Opal cabochon ring. October birthstone ring. 14k solid
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold

Antique Boulder Opal Ring of 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This ring features a boulder opal set in an 18k gold mounting. It was created from an antique
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold

Twist Opal Ring in 18K Gold Settings
By Kavant & Sharart
Located in Bangkok, 10
Opal 4.45 carats Ring in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.4 cm Inspired by the spirit
Category

2010s Thai Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold

Art Deco Black Opal and Diamond Ring, circa 1920
Located in London, GB
Art Deco black opal and diamond ring. Set to centre with an oval cabochon natural black opal in an
Category

Vintage 1920s Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum

Second Hand Opal 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
with an oval cabochon opal with blue/green reflections. Total weight of the opal : 0.85 carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

12.49 Carat Australian Black Opal Certified "Lightening Ridge" Mine 18K Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Black opals from Lightning Ridge are among the most prized gems in the world. The name is inspired
Category

2010s Hong Kong Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

Black Opal, Opal, White Diamond, 18k Gold

French 1960s 2 Carats Opal 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
gold threads set as a fan on the departure of the ring. They hold in the center an opal cabochon in
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

ANGARA GIA Certified Black 6.58ct Opal Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Prong-Set GIA Certified Oval Black Opal Ring with Reverse Tapered Shank
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Black Opal, Opal, Yellow Gold

ANGARA GIA Certified Black 6.58ct Opal Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Prong-Set GIA Certified Oval Black Opal Ring with Reverse Tapered Shank
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Black Opal, Opal, Yellow Gold

French 1980s Opal 18 Karat Rose Gold Retro Bangle Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
. A flat cabochon opal is set in millegrain on top. Total weight of the opal : 1.20 carat
Category

Vintage 1980s French Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage 3.87 Ct Australian Black Blue Green Opal Diamond Platinum ring
Located in Napoli, IT
and maker initials- 5.8 mm. thick , very fine cabochon cut and polished– Opal pattern is rolling flash
Category

Vintage 1930s European Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum

Garavelli 18 Karat Pink Gold Pink Opal and Orange Sapphires Ring
By Garavelli
Located in Valenza, IT
Garavelli 18 Karat Pink Gold Pink Opal and Orange Sapphires Coktail Ring. Ring SIZE 6,25 US 52,25
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold

ANGARA GIA Certified Black 6.58ct Opal Ring with Reverse Tapered Shank WhiteGold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Prong-Set GIA Certified Oval Black Opal Ring with Reverse Tapered Shank
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Black Opal, Opal, White Gold

ANGARA GIA Certified Black 6.58ct Opal Ring with Reverse Tapered Shank WhiteGold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Prong-Set GIA Certified Oval Black Opal Ring with Reverse Tapered Shank
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Black Opal, Opal, White Gold

ANGARA GIA Certified Black 6.58 Opal Ring in Platinum with Reverse Tapered Shank
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Prong-Set GIA Certified Oval Black Opal Ring with Reverse Tapered Shank
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Black Opal, Opal, Platinum

French 1960s 4.75 Carats Opal 18 Karat Yellow Gold Retro Bangle Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
set on top with a cabochon opal. Total weight of the opal : 4.75 carats approximately. Height : 16,5
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

ANGARA GIA Certified Black 6.58ct Opal Ring with Reverse Tapered Shank Rose Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Prong-Set GIA Certified Oval Black Opal Ring with Reverse Tapered Shank
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Black Opal, Opal, Rose Gold

ANGARA GIA Certified Black 6.58ct Opal Ring with Reverse Tapered Shank Rose Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Prong-Set GIA Certified Oval Black Opal Ring with Reverse Tapered Shank
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Black Opal, Opal, Rose Gold

Modern Black Opal Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Contemporary Two Row Band Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This striking 18 karat white gold ring features a captivating 10mm x 22mm black opal at its center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Opal with Brown Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal 2.58 carats with Brown Diamond 0.63 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.2
Category

2010s Thai Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Brown Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Fire Opal with Orange Sapphire and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Fire Opal 1.25 carats with Orange Sapphire 0.28 carat and Diamond 0.43 carat Ring set in 18 Karat
Category

2010s Thai Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Fire Opal, Sapphire, Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Natural Australian 4.28ct Boulder Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring 18K White Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
Renata Bernard for your special occasions or just because. The gemstone at the centre of this opal ring
Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Yellow Gold Opal Cocktail Solitaire Ring - 14k Oval Cabochon 6.30ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Opal Carat(s): 6.30ct Cut: Oval Cabochon Total Carats: 6.30ct Style
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Opal Solitaire & Pearl Bead Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
oval cabochon opal stone having a white base color and displays a light green and orange play
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Ethiopian Opal Cocktail Solitaire Statement Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful solitaire ring featuring an Ethiopian Opal; approx. 0.81 Carat; Sterling Silver Tarnish
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Rhodium, Sterling Silver

Striking Ethiopian Opal Solitaire Sterling Silver Ring Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful Solitaire ring featuring an Ethiopian Opal; approx. 0.42 carat; Sterling Silver Tarnish
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, Sterling Silver

Vintage Platinum Large GIA 6.23ctw Thick Opal & Diamond Sides Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Double Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Gray Color Back w
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Angara Gia Certified Solitaire Opal Ring in Platinum with Scrollwork
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Claw-Set GIA Certified Solitaire Oval Opal Reverse Tapered Ring with Scrollwork
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, Platinum

ANGARA GIA Certified Solitaire Opal Ring in Platinum with Scrollwork
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Claw-Set GIA Certified Solitaire Oval Opal Ring with Split Shank ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Platinum

Angara Gia Certified Solitaire Opal Ring in Platinum with Leaf Motifs
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Claw-Set GIA Certified Solitaire Oval Opal Reverse Tapered Shank Ring with Leaf Motifs
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Platinum

Angara Gia Certified Solitaire Opal Ring in White Gold with Scrollwork
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Claw-Set GIA Certified Solitaire Oval Opal Ring with Split Shank ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, White Gold

ANGARA GIA Certified Solitaire Opal Ring in Rose Gold with Scrollwork
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Claw-Set GIA Certified Solitaire Oval Opal Ring with Split Shank ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Rose Gold

ANGARA GIA Certified Solitaire Opal Ring in Yellow Gold with Scrollwork
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Claw-Set GIA Certified Solitaire Oval Opal Ring with Split Shank ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Yellow Gold

ANGARA GIA Certified Solitaire Opal Ring in Yellow Gold with Scrollwork
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Claw-Set GIA Certified Solitaire Oval Opal Ring with Split Shank ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Yellow Gold

ANGARA GIA Certified Solitaire Opal Ring in White Gold with Scrollwork
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Claw-Set GIA Certified Solitaire Oval Opal Ring with Split Shank ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, White Gold

ANGARA GIA Certified Solitaire Opal Ring in Rose Gold with Scrollwork
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Claw-Set GIA Certified Solitaire Oval Opal Reverse Tapered Ring with Scrollwork
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, Rose Gold

Angara Gia Certified Solitaire Opal Ring in White Gold with Scrollwork
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Claw-Set GIA Certified Solitaire Oval Opal Reverse Tapered Ring with Scrollwork
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, White Gold

ANGARA GIA Certified Solitaire Opal Ring in Yellow Gold with Scrollwork
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Claw-Set GIA Certified Solitaire Oval Opal Reverse Tapered Ring with Scrollwork
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, Yellow Gold

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Opal Cabochon Solitaire Rings For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of opal cabochon solitaire rings for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, yellow gold and rose gold. Find a collection of 164 vintage versions or 173 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 18th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Our collection of opal cabochon solitaire rings includes designs that are universally popular, but modern and contemporary styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by ANGARA INC., Daizy Jewellery and Le Vian are often thought to be among the most beautiful. While most can agree that any pick from our collection easily elevates most outfits, but the choice of opal versions from the 252 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. A selection of cabochon, oval cut and round cut can be found today on these pages. Most of our opal cabochon solitaire rings for sale are for women, but there are 62 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much are Opal Cabochon Solitaire Rings?

Prices for opal cabochon solitaire rings start at $1 and top out at $50,028 with these rings, on average, selling for $2,480.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

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 ringsvintage 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.