14K Yellow Gold Grey Opal and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Seattle, WA
Era: Late 1900's Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold Setting Type: Bezel, Bead Main Gem(s): Natural Opal Main Gem Carat Weight: 9+ct Main Gem Cut/Shape: Cabochon Freeform Main Gem Color: Gre...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Meghna Jewels 14K Gold Bakelite Bird Opal Diamond Drop 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
Vintage Platinum GIA 1.26ctw Gray Opal w/ Diamond Sides Low Profile Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Comes w/ GIA certification for the opal! Stock Number: MK-140148010 --Certification Details:-- Laboratory: GIA Report Number: 2231686432 Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Transpar...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$27,511Sale Price|50% Off
Opal 18K Gold Ring Natural Australian Opal Diamonds gem report engagement
Located in Berlin, DE
The oval cabochon opal measures 10 × 12 mm / 0.39 × 0.47 in and displays an intense play of color with flashes of green, blue, and fiery orange emerging across the stone’s surface as...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Opal Diamond Sapphire Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 11.7 Grams Ring Size: 7.5 Gemstone Specifications: Center Gemstone: Opal Gemstone Measurements: ~22 mm x 15 mm Diamo...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, 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 from the Moon. Featuring an Oval-Cut Opal and set in a Four-Prong Setting, it glis...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum 1.61ctw Oval Gray Opal Diamond Pave Accents Ring Nice Play Of Colors
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Gray Base / Nice Play of Green & Blue Colors -10.8x8.8mm (approx.) - 1.41ct (exact) (10) Natural Genuine ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$2,800Sale Price|50% Off
Big Opal Silver Ring Bicolor Blue Yellow Australian Unisex Jewelry
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver ring with natural Boulder Opal Opal origin - Australia Opal measurements - 0.2 x 0.59 x 0.87 in / 5 х 15 х 22 mm ring size - 8.75 US ring weight - 12.5 grams We ship our j...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
1.82 Carat Natural Australian Lightning Ridge Black Opal Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.82 Carat, Natural, Australian Black Opal and 2.20 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. The Opal displays very good play of color! Opals are known...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
1.73 Carat Natural Australian Lightning Ridge Black Opal Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.73 Carat, Natural, Australian Black Opal and 0.09 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. The Opal displays very good play of color! Opals are known...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage Australian 4ct Solid White Opal Diamond 18k Gold Teardrop Pendant
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Striking Australian solid white opal in cabochon cut teardrop shape, exhibiting dreamy orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet colour plays.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted Dendritic Agate & Opal Statement Necklace 18k & 22k Gold & Silver
Located in Haliburton, CA
This beautiful, bold, intensely patterned dendritic agate centre stone is a completely natural creation of the Earth. One of a kind and artisan handcrafted, it is lovingly wrapped in...
Agate, Opal, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Silver
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K gold, Ethiopian Opal, Pink Sapphires & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Ethiopian Opal & Pink Sapphires Dangle "butterfly" Earrings set in 18K white Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 1.68 ...
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold 12.60ct Tourmaline and Opal Ring MF20-011526
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This ring beautifully combines unique colors and textures. A luminous 8.0 carat Opal makes a statement at the center, while vibrant Tourmaline gemstones totaling 12.60 carats elevate...
Opal, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
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
Antique English Edwardian 18ct Gold Opal and Diamond Ring, Birmingham, 1904
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
An elegant English Edwardian ring crafted in 18ct yellow gold, set with three natural cabochon-cut opals. The central opal measures approximately 5.80 × 4.32 mm, flanked by two small...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k 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
Vintage Platinum GIA 1.66ctw Black Opal w/ Red Blue Color Play & Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Comes w/ GIA certification for the opal! Stock Number: MK-14096033 --Certification Details:-- Laboratory: GIA Report Number: 2231634170 Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Double Cabochon Tr...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Set in 18K Gold, Ethiopian Opals, Zambian Emeralds & Diamonds Chandelier Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
✦ Handmade / Handcrafted Fine Jewelry ✦ Gemstone: Ethiopian Opal ✦ Gemstone Cut: Oval Cabochon ✦ Gemstone Weight: 7.30 ct.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold
Victorian 2.10ct Opal and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The ring itself has been expertly handcrafted from 18 carat yellow gold with meticulously carved detailing across the gallery and flowing down the shoulders. Gemstone: Opal Stone Sh...
Diamond, Opal, 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. The articulating feature opals are suspended within a white gold oval frame featuri...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 20.34 Carat Opal and 4.63 Carat Diamond Silver Gilt Cross Pendant Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The centre of the cross is ornamented with a cabochon cut opal, encompassed with a silver border embellished with twenty-four Old Dutch cut diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Silver
Platinum GIA 2.72ctw Mosaic Black Opal w/ Diamond Sided Cocktail Statement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Comes w/ GIA certification for the opal! Stock Number: MK-160107510 --Certification Details:-- Laboratory: GIA Report Number: 5232577140 Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Double Cabochon T...
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Mid-Century Australian Opal & Diamond Butterfly Pendant in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Mid-Century Australian Opal & Diamond Butterfly Pendant in 14k Yellow Gold This pendant is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features four prong-set Australian opals totaling approxima...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Opal and Diamond Point 9 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opals in this ring are pale but throw some great colours. They are set flush within the 9ct gold claws, there are also diamond points between each one. Ring Size: P 1/2 or 8 F...
Opal, Diamond, Gold
$625Sale Price|30% Off
Natural White Opal Ring in 925 Sterling Silver – Handmade with Play of Color
Located in Peshawar, PK
The cabochon opal is beautifully showcased at the center and is surrounded by a halo of small sparkling accent stones, adding extra brilliance and luxury to the piece.
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
$549Sale Price|20% Off
Natural White Opal Ring in 925 Sterling Silver – Handmade with Play of Color
Located in Peshawar, PK
The cabochon opal is beautifully showcased at the center and is surrounded by a halo of small sparkling accent stones, adding extra brilliance and luxury to the piece.
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
9.50 Carat White Opal 0.24 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace / Bracelet Set
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The necklace setting is embellished with nine collet set oval cabochon cut white opals, alternating with eight scrolling quatrefoil-shaped settings.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Silver
$681Sale Price|35% Off
Natural White Opal & Red Garnet Cocktail Ring — Handmade in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural White Opal Surrounded with Orangey Red Garnet Halo Cocktail Ring in 925 Sterling Silver – Handmade Engraved 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Opal & Garnet ⚖️ RING WEIGHT: 16.02 Grams...
Opal, Fire Opal, Garnet, Silver, Sterling Silver
Opal with Green Tourmaline Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal 9.79 carats with Green Tourmaline 4.43 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.5 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 11.35 grams "We first opened doors in 198...
Opal, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Art Deco Platinum Diamond and Fire Opal Teardrop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A breathtaking testament to the glamour of the Art Deco era, this platinum filigree necklace showcases a fiery teardrop-shaped Mexican fire opal, glowing like a captured ember. Frame...
Diamond, Fire Opal, Palladium, Platinum
Vintage 5.50 carat Opal and 1.92 carat Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The large pierced decorated, oval setting is ornamented with a feature 5.50Ct cabochon cut white opal, claw set in relief to the centre of the design.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,000Sale Price|36% Off
Early 20th Century Opal Diamond Gold Negligee Necklace
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Early 20th Century opal and diamond 14k white gold negligee necklace featuring fine quality gray crystal opal and diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Platinum 2.77ctw GIA Bright & Lively Oval Black Opal w/ Step Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Comes w/ GIA certification for the opal! Stock Number: MK-160169019 --Certification Details:-- Laboratory: GIA Report Number: 2235866402 Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Double Cabochon T...
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Edwardian 1900s Demantoid Garnet Opal Old Mine Diamond Butterfly Pendant/ Brooch
Located in Hicksville, NY
Edwardian 1900s Demantoid Garnet Opal Old Mine Diamond Butterfly Pendant/ Brooch - VHK#219a Item Details: Year: 1900s Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 7....
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.10ct Opal and Diamond Three Stone Ring, C.1900s
Located in London, GB
Ornate scrollwork flaunts both sides of this gorgeous Victorian ring, showing off excellent craftsmanship. Gemstone: Opal Stone Shape: Cabochon Carat Weight: 1.10 Metal: 18ct Yellow ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Sky Blue Green Australian Boulder Opal Pendant 14k Gold Bezel Set
Located in SYDNEY, AU
An incredibly beautiful Australian solid boulder opal 14ct gold pendant with sky-blue and green play of colours. Item Details: - Stone: 1 x Australian Natural Solid Boulder Opal, ...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Faye Kim Lightning Ridge Australian Black Opal Hinged Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
A striking celebration of color and craftsmanship, Faye Kim's 18 Karat Black Opal Hinged Ring centers a vivid black opal whose shifting flashes of light create an alluring, ever-chan...
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
14K White Gold Turquoise, Sapphires, Diamonds, Opals Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Transport yourself to the free-spirited vibes of the 1970s with this mesmerizing gypsy-style necklace – a boho dream adorned with opals, turquoise, diamonds, and sapphires. This piec...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Turquoise, White Gold
Duo Ethiopian Opal & Diamond Pendant Antique Style 18K Yellow Gold Necklace
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A beautiful antique inspired 18k gold pendant necklace, featuring a pear and an oval shaped yellow-green to reddish orange cabochon opal. They are surrounded in the frame by total of...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid Platinum 2.69ctw GIA Black Opal w/ Twisted Shoulder Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Comes w/ GIA certification for the opal! Stock Number: MK-17092060 --Certification Details:-- Laboratory: GIA Report Number: 5232522645 Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Transpare...
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Antique Victorian Solid Rosy Yellow Gold Opal Beaded Work 3 Stone Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (3) Natural Genuine Opals - Oval Cabochon Cut - Multi Prong Set - White Base w/ Nice Play Of Colors - Range From 5.9x4.3mm to 6.1x4.2mm (approx.)
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Freeform Earring and Pendant Set
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and artistic set showcasing the natural beauty of opal, crafted in warm 14k yellow gold with a fluid, freeform design. The pendant features two elongated opals with vibran...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20.00ct (approx) Solid Triangle White Opal Pendant in 9K Yellow Gold (no chain).
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
These magnificent Pendant features Australian White Solid Opal of impressive & rarely encountered size: 20.00ct approx. (40mm x 23mm in its widest part), of very unusual triangle s...
Opal, Yellow Gold
Second Hand Opal 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
A solid gold band, this ring is set at the top with an oval cabochon opal with blue/green reflections. Total weight of the opal : 0.85 carat approximately.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Garnet and Opal 9 Carat Gold Cluster Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This striking ring holds round cut garnets which measure approx 20pts each and an opal measuring approx 4ct. All the stones sit in 9carat gold claws. Ring Size: M 1/2 or 6 1/2 Clu...
Garnet, Opal, Gold
Antique Opal Clover Flower Pendant Charm Gold Victorian Edwardian
Located in New York, NY
THE STUNNING PENDANT HAS THE MOST GORGEOUS NATURAL OVAL CABOCHON OPALS WITH BLUE, GREEN, YELLOW AND ORANGE FIRE SET IN 9K ROSE GOLD IN THIS FLOWER SHAMROCK CLOVER MOTIF PENDANT.
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
$942Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Funny Crab Gold Ring with Opal, Sapphires and Diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Metal: 14k solid gold Weight: 2.5 g. depends from size Gemstones: 1. Natural opal: weight - 0.45 ct in total, color - multi colors, cabochon cut, 4.3 mm.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Fire Opal with Diamond Ring set in 18K White Gold Setting
Located in Bangkok, TH
Fire Opal 2.99 carats with Diamond 0.48 carat Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 1.4 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 8.17 grams "We first opened doors in 19...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,428Sale Price|50% Off
Opal Yellow Gold Ring Nacreous Natural Gem Engagement ring
Located in Berlin, DE
18K yellow gold ring with natural Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.16 х 0.16 х 0.24 in / 4 х 4 х 6 mm stone weight - 0.4 carats ring weight - 4.88 grams ring size...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Free Form Green & Blue Fiery Boulder Opal Bezel Charm Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Freeform Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Black w/ Nice Blue & Green Play of Colors- 11.9x8.2mm (approx.)
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 1.40ct Opal and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous cabochon cut opal sits central in this exceptional ring from the Art Deco era.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Antique 2.81 Carat Opal and 0.71 Carat Diamond Silver Pendant Circa 1890
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The lower border of the pendant supports three individually articulating yellow gold claw set cabochon cut white opals, completing the design. This antique Victorian opal pendant is...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Half Bezel Set Black Opal Classy Cufflinks
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Natural Genuine Opals- Oval Cabochon Cut - Half Bezel Set - Black Base w/ Nice Play of Colors -11.2x6.6mm each (approx.)
Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.10ct Black Opal and 0.25ctw Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Orlando, FL
The shank combines a satin finish with high-polish edges, so the ring has a soft, refined glow. Specifications Black Opal: 1.10 ct oval cabochon, 10.4 x 6.4 mm Diamonds: 0.25 ctw; t...
Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, Platinum
Antique 3.05 Carat Opal 0.32 Carat Diamond 9k Yellow Gold Pendant Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The necklace features a stunning 9k yellow gold collet set 3.05ct oval cabochon cut opal. The feature opal is surmounted with a curvilinear array of seven graduating collet set diam...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2.32 Carat Opal and 15k Yellow Gold Necklace - Antique Circa 1890
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The impressive pendant is embellished with a collet set circular cabochon cut opal, articulating to the terminal of a plain gold drop.
Opal, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hallmarked Birmingham 1877 15K opal and diamond 7 stone ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
This ring is a classic Victorian 15K, 3 stone carved half hoop design with claw set opals assayed in Birmingham, England, 1877. The ring spotlights three well matched glowing opal...
Diamond, Opal, 15k Gold
Antique Black Opal Pendant 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Victorian Art Deco
Located in New York, NY
It is a treasure to be passed on for generations. Opals: Central opal approx. 6.0 x 10.0mm oval cabochon opal Four approx. 5.0 x 7.0mm oval cabochon opals Three approx. 5.0mm round ...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k 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).