$11,998Sale Price|44% Off
Opal Pink Sapphires Gold Ring Promise Wedding Ring
Located in Berlin, DE
This contemporary custom made engagement/promise ring features a unique interplay of naturally beautiful gemstones. An Australian Opal is securely prong set sideways in the center, e...
Opal, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$7,800Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Natural 16.4 ct. Fire Opal and Platinum Antique Ring, c. 1915.
Located in Aspen, CO
Fine high cabochon fire opal weighing 16.4 cts., set in an antique platinum ring, c. 1915.
Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
Platinum Colorful Jelly Opal & Trillion cut Diamonds Cocktail Ring Size 4.5
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Jelly Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Very Nice Play of Orange, Yellow & Green - 9.7 x 7.94mm (approx.) - 1.74ctw (exact) (2) Natural Genuine...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
1.62 Carat Natural Australian Black Opal and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.626 Carat Australian Black Opal and 0.98 Carat Diamonds made in Platinum. The Opal displays very good play of color! Opals are known for exhibiting fla...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Diminutive Kay Ivankovic Sterling Silver & Opal Gemstone Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful 1980's handmade sterling silver vase. By Kay Ivankovic. Kay Ivankovic, the high-level contemporary British silversmith, is known for her flowing, organic forms. This...
Opal, Sterling Silver
Victorian Style English Diamond Opal 18 KT Carved Bangle
Located in Napoli, IT
This outstanding English Victorian Style bangle is a vintage dated 1988 London – bearing full english hallmarks 18 KT Stunning carving scroll work embracing the center graduated arra...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
92.00 Carat Natural Ethiopian Opal Beaded Necklace 14 Karat Clasp
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous Ethiopian Opal Necklace with beautiful flashes of color. This rare strand of Opals with colors ranging from orange, yellow, peach, tan, and coral have green, pink, yellow an...
Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.48 Carat Opal and 3.03 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1945
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The pierced decorated, lobed edged cluster design displays a feature 1.48ct cabochon cut opal, claw set in subtle relief to the centre.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$12,314Sale Price|44% Off
Gold Ring Opal Waves Boulder ring Gemstone Unisex Jewelry
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Tendrils of gold appear as if they are blowing in the wind, securely holding the hand-selected, high-quality Australian one of a kind boulder opal in place. Thoughtful, masterful cra...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Platinum 3.68ct High Quality Fire Orange Opal Diamond Dual Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Fire Opal - Oval Cabochon - Prong Set - Deep Orange Color - Very High Quality - 11.6x8.7mm - 2.60ct (exact) Natural Genuine Diamonds - 14 Baguette w/ 2...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Platinum 11.05ctw Large Orange Fiery Jelly Opal w/ Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Jelly Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Fiery Orange Color w/ Great Play of Colors - 17.2x12.7mm / 9.81ct (exact) Numerous Natural Genuine Diam...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$9,157Sale Price|44% Off
Black Opal Titanium Gold Earrings Deep Neon Blue Fantasy Shape
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Titanium and 18K yellow gold earrings with natural Black Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.47 х 0.55 in / 12 х 14 mm stone weight - 2 carats earrings measurements - ...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Titanium
Antique 2.11 Carat Opal and 0.61 Carat Diamond Platinum Trilogy Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique 1920s opal ring has been crafted in platinum. The pierced decorated setting displays a feature claw 2.11ct oval cabochon cut opal.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Natural Black Opal 3.77 carats and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
Natural Black Opal 3.77 carats and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum Black Opal and Diamond Ring features a Center Oval Cabochon Black Opal with flashes of Green and Blue play of co...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Platinum 3.43ctw Oval Fiery Jelly Opal w/ Diamond Statement Ballerina Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Clear w/ Amazing Fiery Play of Colors- 11.9x9.5mm (approx.) - 2.49ct (exact) Numerous Natural Genuine Diamond...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage 0.70ct Opal and Diamond Three Stone Ring, hallmarked1961
Located in London, GB
The collection of gems has all been claw set into 18 carat yellow gold in the classic Victorian style. Gemstone: Opal Stone Shape: Cabochon Cut Carat Weight: 0.70 Metal: 18ct Yellow...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
12.30 Ct Australian Opal Diamond Large Solitaire ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Sits proudly on finger with marvellous impact to the viewer Shoulders are enriched by baguette cut Diamonds and round cut approx .50 Ct in TCW all superb white and finest clarity Lov...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
14k Yellow Gold 1960s Opal Floral Brooch and Pin - VHK#199
Located in Hicksville, NY
14k Yellow Gold 1960s Opal Floral Brooch and Pin - VHK#199 Item Details: Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 8.6 grams Opal Details: Weight: 3.00ct, total ...
Opal, Yellow 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
4.07 Carat Australian Black Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This beautiful ring features a 4.07 carat oval lightening ridge black opal displaying a phenomenal red, orange, yellow, blue, green play of color. The ring is set in 18 karat white ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
Natural 12.61 Ct Australian green-blue black boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This rare 12.61 Ct Australian black boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cu...
Opal, Black Opal
18K White Gold Mexican Fire Opal & Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A captivating vintage ring crafted in 18K white gold, centered with a glowing 3.55-carat Mexican fire opal. The opal displays the signature warm, fiery body color of high-quality Mex...
Fire Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gold Brooch with Natural Opal – Handcrafted, Timeless Design
Located in Berlin, BE
Handcrafted 18K white gold brooch featuring a natural opal, total weight 8.72 g, designed in a clean and timeless style. Please note: the matching counterpart shown in the photo is n...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
Ethiopian Opal & Diamond Surrounded By 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Ethiopian Opal & Diamond Surrounded By 18k Yellow Gold Ring Diamond - 0.33 CTS Opal - 1.1 CTS 18k Yellow Gold Custom Services Resizing is available. Request Customization size...
Fire Opal, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
10K Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Ring Size 6.5 #25437
Located in Washington Depot, CT
10K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 6.5 This delicate 10K yellow gold ring features a luminous opal gemstone (7.5 mm x 6 mm) accented by three round brilliant cut diamonds on...
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum 2.48ctw Oval Orange Jelly Opal Bageutte & Round Diamond Modern Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Jelly Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Orange Color w/ Nice Play of Colors - 9.6x7.5mm / 1.48ct (exact) Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds - Ba...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$5,683Sale Price|44% Off
Large Opal Silver Ring Multicolor Magic Forest Natural Australian
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Big silver ring with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.12 x 0.55 x 0.94 in / 3 х 14 х 24 mm stone weight - 9.85 carats ring size - 9 US ring weight ...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Opal and Diamond Point 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opals in this ring are pale but throw some great colours. In between each opal there are rose cut diamond points. Ring Size: Q or 8 1/4 Face Width: 8mm Height Off Finger: 5mm ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold
Judy Geib Platinum 18k Yellow Gold Opal Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Central cabochon cut 12 x 9mm pinfire opal, horizontally set in an 18 karat yellow gold bezel.
Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
$3,128Sale Price|19% Off
Leyser "Calypso" 18k White Gold Opal Ring
By Thomas Leyser
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Thomas Leyser is renowned for his contemporary jewellery designs utilizing fine coloured gemstones and diamonds. This ring in 18k white gold (15.5g) is set with 1x fine White Opal ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 0.50ct Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The ring itself has been delicately crafted in 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Opal Stone Shape: Cabochon Cut Carat Weight: 0.50 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age: 1880s Size: J
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 3.45 Carat Opal and Diamond 22k Yellow Gold Necklace, Circa 1890
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
These impressive pensile designs alternate with two independent cabochon cut opal drops, ornamented yellow gold scrolling motifs to each nadir, reflecting that of the main pendant.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Contemporary Opal and Diamond Pendant Necklace in Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
The pendant is predominately prong-set with an oval cabochon precious opal with play-of-colour, surrounded by 38 round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
“Paradise Waves” Australian 1.7ct Solid Semi-Black Opal Pendant 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This 1.70ct cabochon-cut natural Australian semi-black opal takes centre stage in this stunning 18ct yellow gold pendant.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,250
14K Opal Diamond Ring
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
Cabochon genuine Australian opal with diamond accents.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Modern Fire Opal Diamond 18k Yellow Gold “Ace” Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A sweet and stylish ring featuring a 6.37 carat smooth freeform Mexican fire opal. It has a rich jelly orange color and is complemented by 2.48 carats of fancy-colored diamonds. The ...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$803Sale Price / item|53% Off
Turtle earrings studs with opals in 14k gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Turtle earrings studs with opals in 14k gold. Opal gold earrings. Oval cabochon solid opal earrings.
Sapphire, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Solid Platinum 7.23ctw Large Opal w/ Diamond Halo Substantial Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Exceptional Play of Colors Red, Orange & Green - 13.7x11.6mm / 5.95ct (exact, stamped) (50)Natural Genuine Di...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage Victorian Revival Yellow Gold Australian Opal Bead Bar Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s):-- (9) Natural Genuine Opals - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White Color w/ Very Nice Play of Colors - Range from 3.5x2.5mm to 5.7x4.3mm (approx.)
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum High Quality 4.35ctw Opal & Diamond Halo Classic Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Multi-Prong Set - White Color w/ Amazing Play of Green, Blue & Yellow Color - 12.1x10mm / 2.33ct (approx.) (15) Natur...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Opal and Diamond Point 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opals in this ring are pale but throw some great colours. In between each opal there are rose cut diamond points. Ring Size: M or 6 1/4 Face Width: 7mm Height Off Finger: 4.5mm...
Diamond, Opal, Gold
$10,104Sale Price|44% Off
Opal Ring Gold Engagement Jewelry Australian Valentine's Day Gift
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Yellow 14K gold ring with natural Black Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.079 х 0.43 х 0.55 in / 2 х 11 х 14 mm opal weight - 2.32 carats ring size - 7 US (this r...
Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
5.09ctw Australian Natural Black Opal Pendant Necklace 18k White Gold
Located in Houston, TX
This beautiful pendant features a natural 5.09ctw natural black opal set in 18 karat white gold on an 18" chain. Lobster clasp closure. Each opal is sourced from the Lighting Ridge a...
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14k Gold Oval Opal 1.90ctw Diamond Frame Enhancer Pendant Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut- Prong Set - White Base w/ Fiery Green Play Of Color - 17.3x13mm (approx.) (27) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Platinum Large 13.64ctw GIA Red Orange Play Opal Diamond Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Comes w/ GIA certification for the opal! Stock Number: MK-390291017 --Certification Details:-- Laboratory: GIA Report Number: 6233667858 Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Double Cabochon T...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Chromia 6.61ct Ethiopian Opal 14K Yellow Gold Ring
By Chromia NYC
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate the enchanting beauty of nature with the Chromia Ethiopian Opal Ring, an exquisite creation designed to capture light, color, and imagination. At its center rests a mesmeri...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Classy Platinum 5.92ct Exceptional Color Opal Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White Color w/ Exceptional Play of Colors Red, Orange, Blue, Green & Everything in Between - 16.3x12.4mm / 5....
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$6,252Sale Price|44% Off
Boulder Opal Gold Pendant Walnut Brown Triangle nugget
Located in Berlin, DE
18K gold pendant with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.16 х 0.67 х 0.79 in / 4 х 17 х 20 mm stone weight - 9.85 carats pendant length - 1.1 in / ...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Opal Spray Open Work Round Design Pin Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (13) Natural Genuine Opals - Round Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White Translucent w/ Wonderful Play of Green, Orange & Violet Colors - 3mm t, 3.2mm & 5.2mm (appro...
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Opal and 22 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This Superb art deco opal is set in 22ct yellow & white gold. The glossy and colourful stone is set in simple claws and moulded shoulders. Size: L or 5 3/4 Stone Dimensions: 6.5x6...
Opal, Gold
Australian Solid 1.0ct White Opal Diamond Pendant 18k Yellow Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A strikingly beautiful 18ct gold pendant featuring an oval cabochon cut, Australian solid white opal with rainbow play of colours, with three brilliant cut diamonds on the frame
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 3.12Ct Opal and 0.10Ct Diamond, 18k White Gold Pendant Circa 1930
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The necklace features a stunning 12k white gold claw set 3.12ct cabochon cut white opal. The feature diamond terminates a linear drop accented to the centre with a claw set 0.10ct t...
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
Opal and Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Style: Opal and Diamond Ring Total Weight: 4.4 Grams Ring Size: 6 (resizable) Gemstone Specifications: Center Gemstone: Opal Gemst...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
4.32 Carat Gem Fire Opal Diamond Platinum & Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A superb gem fire opal takes center stage. It weighs 4.32 carats and has a super gemmy vivid orange-red color excellent play-of-color. Flashes or orange, yellow, green, and red can a...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
$11,367Sale Price|44% 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
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
$9,788Sale Price|44% Off
Gold Opal ring Statement Valentine's Day gift Engagement ring
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Tendrils of gold appear as if they are blowing in the wind, securely holding the hand-selected, high-quality Australian one of a kind boulder opal in place. Thoughtful, masterful cra...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian 3.83 Carat Opal 1.12 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Each silver set cluster displays a cabochon cut white opal, the largest to the central cluster.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Silver
18k Yellow Gold Elongated Teardrop Bezel Set Boulder Opal Charm Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Elongated Teardrop Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Black w/ Light Violet & Orange Play of Colors- 18.3x7mm (approx.)
Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handmade 18k Yellow Gold Elongated Oval Boulder Opal Bezel Charm Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Elongated Oval Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Black w/ Orange & Green Play of Colors w/ Unique Milky Natural Line- 18.5x6.1mm (approx.)
Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.
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).