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
Victorian 2.30 Carat Opal and 2.54 Carat Diamond Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The antique necklace is embellished with an eight claw set cabochon cut opal to the centre of the feature setting.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Opal Diamond Sapphire Silver Set Butterfly Pendant/Brooch Circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The pierced decorated forewings are embellished with three cabochon cut opals to the outer margins. The shaped basal's of the forewings, and shaped sub margins of the hindwings are ...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Silver
Platinum Long Elongated Colorful Play of Color Oval Opal Diamond Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Translucent White Base / Nice Play of Green, Violet & Orange Colors -15.7x10.2mm (approx.) (4) Natural Ge...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Flower” Ring 9 Carat Yellow Gold Opals And Diamonds
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Romantic flower ring in 9 carat yellow gold, set with 4 cabochon-cut pear-shaped opals. the opals are luminous and soft, with nuanced pinkish-green colors in natural daylight.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Pearl and Opal 9 Carat Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This sweet pendant holds seed pearls and colourful opals. The pendant and chain is modelled in 9carat gold. Drop from loop: 30mm Pendant Width: 35mm Chain length: 46cm Weight: 3.8g
Opal, Pearl, Gold
Steven Battelle 1.7 Carats Australian Opal 18K Gold/Sterling Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two 4 x6 mm oval, one 4mm round, and one 3 mm round cabochon Australian opals are set in 18K gold bezels with intricate 18K gold "wire and jawan" handwork surrounding atop a wide tap...
Opal, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage Victorian Revival Solid Yellow Gold Opal Cluster Flower Stud Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (14) Natural Genuine Opals - Round Cabochon Cut - Multi Prong Set - White Base w/ Blue, Green & Orange Play - Range from 2.4mm to 3.6mm (approx.)
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century Freeform Australian Opal Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Mid-Century Freeform Australian Opal Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This Mid-Century ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a bezel-set freeform Australian opal estimated at appro...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum GIA 6.72ctw Black Opal w/ Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Comes w/ GIA certification for the opal! Stock Number: MK-19022202 --Certification Details:-- Laboratory: GIA Report Number: 1232609635 Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Double Cabochon Tr...
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
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 6, and can be resized. Contemporary, yet rustic style, finished with a hammered, s...
Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 5.58 Ct Opal Diamond Pearl 18 KT Bangle
Located in Napoli, IT
Wrist Very good condition keeping with age An amazing bangle great addition to any jewellery box Metal: 18 Kt gold and silver. tested Hallmarks: assay Gems: 3 oval cabochon cut na...
Diamond, Opal, Pearl, 18k Gold
4.83 Carat Superb Australian Crystal Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A simply stunning gorgeous Australian crystal opal takes center stage of this platinum made ring. The opal weighs 4.83 carats and has some of the best play-of-color we have seen in y...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage Opal & Diamond Three Stone Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Montgomery, AL
Ring Details Material: 18K Yellow Gold Era: Retro 1960 - 1980 Head Width: 9mm Head Height: 4mm Shank Width: 2.8mm Weight: 4.6 Grams Finger Size: 7 1/2 Sizable Upon Request Accented ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum 6.62ctw GIA Large Oval Black Opal w/ Baguette & Round Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Comes with original GIA certification for the opal. Stock Number: MK-170203017 --Certification Details:-- Laboratory: GIA Report Number: 5232866248 Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Double...
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
1.21 Carat Natural "Lightning Ridge" Black Opal Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.21 Carat, Natural, Australian Black Opal and 0.57 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. The Opal displays very good play of color! Opals are known...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
GIA Natural Black Opal 5.40 ct and Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
GIA Natural Black Opal and Diamond Ring in Platinum Black Opal and Diamond Ring features a GIA certified Natural Black Opal with Freeform Cabochon shape weighing 5.40 carats with Bl...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
8.83ct Australian Crystal Opal & Diamond Pendant in 18K Gold
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Australian Crystal Opal and Diamond Pendant in 18K Gold An elegant pendant centered by a fine 8.83-carat oval cabochon Australian crystal opal, measuring approximately 21.00 × 16.70 ...
Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage 3.88 Carat Opal Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring, circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The vintage ring displays a stunning feature platinum six claw set 3.88Ct cabochon cut opal to the center of the pierced decorated setting.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Platinum Large Boulder Nice Play of Color Opal w/ Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Brown Color w/ Violet & Green Play of Color - 17.4x14.8mm - 9ct (exact) (26) Natural Genuine Diam...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
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
18K Yellow Gold Mexican Fire Opal Cocktail Ring Orange Sapphire Halo
Located in Plantation, FL
An exceptional statement ring featuring a stunning cabochon-cut Mexican fire opal as its centerpiece, surrounded by a densely set halo of warm orange sapphires and accent diamonds.
Fire Opal, 18k Gold
Platinum Cocktail Ring with 2.96ct Black Opal and 14 Diamonds, New
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning black opal and diamond cocktail ring features a gorgeous 2.96 carat black opal with vibrant play-of-color surrounded by a halo of white diamonds! The black opal is a ph...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
$854Sale Price / item|50% Off
Oval cab opal ring in 14k gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval cab opal ring in 14k gold. Floral design ring with opal. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - opal 8x6 mm, oval cab cut, colorless. Colorl...
Topaz, Opal, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage Opal Bangle 9.63 Carat Opal, 1.8 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An unusual vintage opal and diamond hinged bangle, centred with a substantial oval cabochon opal weighing approximately 9.63 carats.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,674 / item
Black opal multicolor ring in 14k gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Black opal multicolor ring in 14k gold. Black opal oval cabochon ring.
Amethyst, Opal, Topaz, Black Opal, 14k Gold
7.14 Carat Australian Black Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This spectacular Lightening Ridge Black Opal and Diamond ring features a 7.14 carat total weight black opal center with a phenomenal blue and green play of color surrounded by a dia...
Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, 18k Gold
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
Big Boulder Opal Silver Pendant gift for friend father birthday natural gemstone
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver pendant with natural Boulder Opal gemstone origin - Australia gem size - 9 х 36 mm gem weight - 13.4 carats pendant length - 47 mm pendant weight - 6.4 grams ref No 2474 Al...
Opal, Silver
Austrian Art Nouveau Opal Foliage Pearl Wide Bracelet
Located in Napoli, IT
In diameter(average) – 60 round and oval cabochon cut natural opal totaling approx 6.00 Ct Measures: 19 x 4 cm.
Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold
Platinum 3.47ctw Black Blue & Green Play Opal w/ Trillion Diamond Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Black Base Color w/ Blue & Green Play of Colors - 12.2x9.3mm - 3.22ct (exact - stamped) (2) Natural Genui...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Jelly Opal 4.20 Ct and Diamond Dangly Drop earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
Fine condition – approx 1980 ca – lot of swing Further Details Below Metal: 18 Kt gold, tested Hallmarks: none/worn – assay on the fasteners Gems: 2 oval cabochon cut natural jelly...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage 3.05Ct Opal and 14k Yellow Gold Bar Brooch Art Nouveau
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this impressive Art Nouveau opal and gold bar brooch. Opal Quality Cut Cabochon Content 3.05 carats Dimension...
Opal, Yellow Gold
Natural 9.42 Ct Australian light pastel boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 9.42 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2022. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut int...
Opal
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
1.11 Australian Black Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k White Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 1.11 carat Australian black opal is set in 18k white gold with sparkling round brilliant and elegant baguette-cut diamonds. The opal is an exceptionally fine gem with vivid play...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, White Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Lightning Ridge Black Opal Ring
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Designer Faye Kim has set this spectacular Black Opal, with its blue-green flash and mined from Lightning Ridge in New South Wales, in 18K gold with a matte finish. The ring can be w...
Black Opal, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
Natural Black Opal 15.60 carats and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
Natural Black Opal 15.60 carat and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum Large Black Opal and Diamond Ring features Natural Oval Cabochon Black Opal weighing 15.60 carats with flashes o...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage Platinum GIA 3.83ctw Super Fiery Gray Opal w/ Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Comes w/ GIA certification for the opal! Stock Number: MK-390127916 --Certification Details:-- Laboratory: GIA Report Number: 5232558527 Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Double Cabochon T...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Platinum GIA Graded 2.27ctw Oval Cut Black Opal & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Comes w/ GIA certification for the opal! Stock Number: MK-130127979 --Certification Details:-- Laboratory: GIA Report Number: 2235455720 Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Transpar...
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Platinum GIA 4.04ctw Elongated Oval Black Opal & Diamond Ballerina Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Comes w/ GIA certification for the opal! Stock Number: MK-96015038 --Certification Details:-- Laboratory: GIA Report Number: 5232455211 Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Double Cabochon Tr...
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Dalben Australian Opal Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design Opal band ring with 6 Australian Opals and 24 white rose cut Diamonds weighing 0,320 carats mounted in 18 kt warm white gold. Ring size7 USA - 54 1/2 EU . Band Ring w...
White Diamond, Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Vintage Garnet and Opal 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This striking ring holds round cut garnets totalling approx 50pts and a shimmering opal at the centre. All the stones sit in 9carat gold claws. Ring Size: L or 5 3/4 Cluster Dimens...
Garnet, Opal, Gold
Ethiopian Opal and White Topaz natural gemstone earrings, 14 Karat Rose Gold
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Ethiopian Opal and Topaz gemstones 14 Karat Rose Gold Earrings Label certificate Main Stone: Ethiopian Opal Main Stone Creation: natural Main Stone Color: multicolor Main stone size...
Opal, Topaz, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
4.92 Carat Australian Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This beautiful Australian Opal and Diamond ring features a spectacular 4.92 carat Lightening Ridge white opal center displaying phenomenal plays of color. The opal flashes stunning h...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
$585Sale Price / set|30% Off
Natural White Opal Stud Earrings in 925 Silver – Handmade with Play of Color
Located in Peshawar, PK
Handmade White Opal Stud Earrings in 925 Sterling Silver – Premium Pear Shape Gemstone Jewelry with Play of Color & Fire 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Opal ⚖️ RING WEIGHT: 6.60 Grams 🪚 S...
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique 13k Yellow Gold Lucky Clover and Horseshoe Opal & Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This vintage necklace is crafted in 13k yellow gold and features a charming pendant designed as a lucky clover and horseshoe motif. The piece is accented with luminous opals and deli...
Opal, Pearl, Yellow Gold
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Opal & Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Mid-Century Opal & Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a cluster of prong-set opals totaling approximately .60ctw. The opals are...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Five Stone Opal 9ct Rose Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our Antique Victorian Five Stone Opal 9ct Rose Gold Ring. This exquisite ring showcases five luminous opals, each radiating a beautiful play of colour. Set in warm 9ct ro...
Opal, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
$347Sale Price|30% Off
Natural White Opal Pendant in 925 Sterling Silver – Handmade with Play of Color
Located in Peshawar, PK
. 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Opal ⚖️ RING WEIGHT: 4.16 Grams 🪚 STONE SHAPE & CUT: Pear Cabochon Cut 🌈 COLOR: White with Play of Color 🧱 MATERIAL: 925 Sterling Silver 🩹PLATING: Han...
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
$378Sale Price|30% Off
Natural White Opal Pendant in 925 Sterling Silver – Handmade with Play of Color
Located in Peshawar, PK
. 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Opal ⚖️ RING WEIGHT: 4.52 Grams 💎 STONE SIZE: 15.68 x 12.26 mm approx 🪚 STONE SHAPE & CUT: Pear Cabochon Cut 🌈 COLOR: White with Play of Color 🧱 MATE...
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Dark Opal Pink Sapphires gold ring Engagement Azalea Flower
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
This contemporary custom made engagement ring/promise ring features a unique interplay of naturally beautiful gemstones. An Australian Opal is securely prong set sideways in the cent...
Opal, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dalben Australian Opal Diamond Gold Millerighe Ring
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design Opal ring with an Australian Opal weight 3,58 carat and 18 white round brillant cut Diamonds weight 0,51 carats mounted in 18 kt "millerighe" handmade engraved white g...
White Diamond, Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
2.17 Carat Natural Australian Black Opal and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 2.17 Carat Australian Black Opal and 0.61 Carat Diamonds made in Platinum. The Opal displays very good play of color! Opals are known for exhibiting flas...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
GIA Certified Jadeite Jade Opal Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Opal and jade pendant necklace. GIA certified natural, no indications of impregnation jadeite jade open circle, in a 14k yellow gold setting, accented with 3 round cabochon opals. 14...
Jade, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal and Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This enchanting late Victorian era ring is set in 18 carat yellow gold with a pleasing combination of antique opals and rose cut diamonds. Graduating from the ring’s centre, three l...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Big Australian Neon Opal Silver Ring Medusa Gorgon Iridescent
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver ring with natural freeform Neon Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.39 x 0.51 x 0.98 in / 10 х 13 х 25 mm opal weight - 20.10 carats ring size - 7.5 US ring we...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Dalben Light Blue Boulder Opal Rose Gold Ring
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18 kt rose gold ring with a 3,02 carat bezel-set deep light blue navette shape Australian Boulder Opal . Ring size 7 1/4 - EU 55 re-sizable . Bezel s...
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, 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).