Dalben Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18k yellow gold semi lucid finishing dangle earrings with six blue - green bezel set Australian Boulder Opals weighing 9,6 carats.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giant Australian Opal & Diamond Cluster Stud Gold Earrings
Located in GOES, NL
Surrounded by sparkling brilliant cut diamonds, makes these earrings a true one of a kind! Furthermore these opal earrings contain; • Oval cut sparkling opals • Brilliant cut dia...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Gold
Baume 3.20 Carat Cabochon Opal Hoop Gold Earrings
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
Baume's Creation - Unique piece. For pierced ears. Earrings in 18 carats yellow gold. Inspired by the 19th century earrings, each earring is set with a cabochon opal on the front.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Designer 14K Gold Opal 6.17ct & Diamond 0.77ct Stud Earrings
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Earring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features an opal and a diamond gemstone.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Designer 14K Gold Opal 0.72ct & Diamond 0.35ct Stud Earrings
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Earring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features an opal and a diamond gemstone.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Designer 14K Gold Opal 4.44ct & Diamond 0.53ct Stud Earrings
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Earring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features an opal and a diamond gemstone.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Murphy 14K Yellow Gold Oval-Cat Opal Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Earrings is crafted from 14K Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace.
Diamond, Opal, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carved Citrine Drop Opal 18 Karat Gold Earrings
By Giulia Colussi
Located in Milan, IT
Carved Citrine Drop Opal 18 k Gold gr. 6,40. All Giulia Colussi jewelry is new and has never been previously owned or worn. Each item will arrive at your door beautifully gift wrappe...
Citrine, Opal, 18k Gold
Australian Blue Fire Opal Star Ruby Gold Earrings
By Giulia Colussi
Located in Milan, IT
Australian Blu Fire Opal Star Ruby 18 k Gold gr Earrings. All Giulia Colussi jewelry is new and has never been previously owned or worn.
Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Opal Vintage Style Cluster Stud 14K Yellow Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A pretty pair of opal cluster earrings with lots of play-of-color!
Opal, Gold, 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
14K Yellow Gold Natural Opal Diamond Chandelier Earrings
Located in Westport, CT
An original pair of Art Nouveau 14K yellow gold diamond and opal chandelier earrings. Each earring is mounted with one natural Australian pear shaped opal suspended at the center, su...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Floral Cluster Drop Earrings in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Elevate your jewelry wardrobe with timeless 9K Gold Opal Earrings that capture vintage romance in Victorian Style Opal Earrings.
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,350 / item
Ethiopian Opal Diamond 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, these stud earrings are set with .20 carats of diamonds and 1.75 carats Ethiopian opal.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
Opal Diamond 18 Karat Gold Fan Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat gold, these beautiful fan stud earrings are hand set with 4.8 carats Opal doublets and .6 carats of glimmering diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
14K Gold Designer Earring with Diamond, Opal, and Emerald
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Earring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features an emerald, an opal, and a diamond.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold
Fire Opal and Diamond Earrings Yellow & White Gold 9.30 cts Fire Opals 4.69 cts
By Vicente Gracia Art Jewellery
Located in Valencia, ES
Fire Opal and Diamond Earrings Yellow & White Gold 9.30 cts Fire Opals 4.69 cts Fire Opal and Diamond Earrings - Radiance of the Sacred Light These stunning Fire Opal and Diamond E...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium
14k Yellow Gold 16.61ct Opal and 0.25ctw Diamond Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k Yellow Gold 16.61ct Opal and 0.25ctw Diamond Earrings Style: Bezel-Set Opal and Diamond Earrings Material: 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Details: Approximately 0.25ctw of natural roun...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ethiopian Opal Diamond 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, these stud earrings are set with 3.2 carats Ethiopian opal and .24 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
Emerald and Black Opal Drop Earring 18 Karat Gold
By Tinguely Bijoux
Located in Boston, MA
Set in an 18 karat yellow gold. Model wearing piece before modified to pierced earring.
Emerald, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
8.81 Carat Opal Diamond 14 Karat Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 14-karat gold, these exquisite double drop earrings are set with 8.81 carats Opal Doublet and 1.66 carats of glimmering diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
$2,450 / item
Ethopian Opal Diamond 14 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 14-karat white gold, this stud earrings is set with .37 carats of diamonds and 1.3 carats Ethiopian opal.
Diamond, Opal, White Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Opal Leaf Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Opal 5 carats approx. Diamonds 0.55 carat approx. 18kyg butterfly backs Can be worn at different angles Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharm...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Diamond 14 Karat Gold Star Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 14-karat gold, these stud earrings are set with 2.9 carats Opal doublets, .31 carats of glimmering diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
$6,900 / item
14 Karat Gold Bakelite Bird Opal Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful bird earrings are handmade in 14K Gold. It features unique hand painted miniature art set in 45.65 carats bakelite, 4.7 carats opal and .14 carats diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Gold
$19,500 / item
31.13 Carat Opal Diamond 14 Karat Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 14-karat gold, these exquisite drop earrings are set with 31.13 carats Opal and 1.4 carats of glimmering diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Gold
$6,850 / item
Fire Opal 14 Karat Gold Diamond Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 14 karat gold. These stud earrings are hand set in 2.71 carats fire opal and .46 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
$6,300 / item
18 Karat Gold Bakelite Opal Flower Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful flower earrings handmade in 18K Gold. It features unique hand painted miniature art set in 46.45 carats bakelite, 3.73 carats opal and .41 carats diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
French wire for pierced ears One of a kind Fashioned from 18 karat yellow gold and adorned with sparkling diamonds (totalling 0.80 carats) and an Ethiopian Opal (5 carats approx.), ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 14k Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in South Pasadena, CA
In very good condition. Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Stones: 4 opals approx. 11.66ctw 134 diamonds approx. 2.75ctw SI-I clarity, H-K color Measurements: Each earring is approx. 2 inche...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Cabochon Oval Stud Earrings Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 1.4 Grams Gemstone: Opal Opal Measurements: 8.0 mm x 6.1 mm x 1.5 mm Earring Diameter: 9.8 mm x 8.1 mm Condit...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian opal 4.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.80 carat approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Rainbow sapphire, Opal & Diamond Earring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Earring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a Rainbow sapphire, opal and diamond gemstone.
Diamond, Sapphire, Opal, 18k Gold
$6,800 / item
Opal Iolite 18 Karat Gold Linear Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful linear drop earring are handcrafted in 18-karat gold. It is set with 3.53 carats Iolite, 4.17 carats Ethiopian opal and .36 carats of glimmering diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Iolite, Gold, 18k Gold
$14,500 / item
10.24 Carat Opal Diamond 18 Karat Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, these exquisite drop earrings are set with 10.24 carats Opal Doublet and 3.79 carats of glimmering diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Aquamarine, Opal and Turquoise 22 Karat Gold Dangle Earrings
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
Multi-gemstone, 3-tier 22k yellow gold handmade dangle earrings featuring Citrine, Tourmaline, Turquoise, Aquamarine, Fire Opal and Australian Opal gemstones.
Multi-gemstone, Opal, Tourmaline, Turquoise, Fire Opal, Aquamarine, Citr...
$7,500 / item
Opal Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Gold Linear Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful linear drop earrings are handcrafted in 18-karat gold. It is set with 5.43 carats opal, 3.61 carats emerald and .29 carats glimmering diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Opal Diamond 14 Karat Gold Swan Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 14 karat gold, these beautiful stud earrings are hand set with 1.85 carats of opal doublets & .46 carats of diamonds FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest col...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Doublet Opal & Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earring With Emerald & Diamonds In 18k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:11.209g, Diamond:0.93ct, Emerald:1.27ct, Opal:2.69ct, Opal:9.57ct, Size: 32X15 MM"
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold
Retro Gold Cabochon Shaped Opal Statement Earrings Circa 1980
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14K yellow gold earrings featuring natural opals, circa 1980.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Opal Gold Open Hoop Earrings Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Opal Gold Open Hoop Earrings. Hand crafted 14K Yellow Gold with 24K Gold Wash mounting.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Filigree Opal Drop Earrings Victorian Revival Estate
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Elegant 14K yellow gold drop earrings featuring 1 round cabochon opal per earring in a filigree Victorian revival design.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal 4.44CTS & Diamond 0.53CTS Earring in 14k Gold
Located in New York, NY
GEMSTONE DETAILS DIAMOND WEIGHT: 0.53 CTS OPAL WEIGHT: 4.44 CTS 14K GOLD GROSS WEIGHT: 4.410 GRAMS GOLD WEIGHT: 3.41 GRAMS CODE: SW FOLLOW Monalisa Jewelry Inc.'s storefront to...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Natural Opal 0.72CTS & Diamond 0.35CTS Earring in 14k Gold
Located in New York, NY
GEMSTONE DETAILS DIAMOND WEIGHT: 0.35 CTS OPAL WEIGHT: 0.72 CTS 14K GOLD GROSS WEIGHT: 2.070 GRAMS GOLD WEIGHT: 1.856 GRAMS CODE: SW FOLLOW Monalisa Jewelry Inc.'s storefront ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Natural Opal 6.17CTS & Diamond 0.77CTS Earring in 14k Gold
Located in New York, NY
GEMSTONE DETAILS DIAMOND WEIGHT: 0.77 CTS OPAL WEIGHT: 6.17 CTS 14K GOLD GROSS WEIGHT: 5.31 GRAMS GOLD WEIGHT: 3.92 GRAMS CODE: SW FOLLOW Monalisa Jewelry Inc.'s storefront to ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
$4,500 / item
Opal Emerald Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold and sterling silver, these drop earrings are set with 1.33 carats Opal and 1.82 carats of glimmering diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Emerald, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$8,530 / item
Stud White Gold 14K Earrings Diamond Opal For Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Earrings 14K White Gold Diamond 156 - 0,43 ct Opal 2-2,41 ct Weight 3,69 gr Available Matching Necklace and Bracelet Minimal yet sophisticated, this piece adds a subtle touch of b...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Oval-Cab Pink Opal Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Earring is crafted from 14-karat Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace.
Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mexican Fire Opal 14 Karat Gold Diamond Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 14 karat gold. These stunning stud earrings are hand set in 5.46 carats fire opal, .14 carats sapphire and .35 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Fire Opal, Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Raw Emerald Diamond Drop Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Colombian Raw Emerald Diamond Drop Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
9K Gold Opal Vintage Style Floral Blooming Dangle Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Each earring blooms like a delicate flower, with opals that shimmer in a dance of iridescent colors.
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Opal dangle Earrings Pireced ears Victorian revival jewelry
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
Vintage Victorian revival 14kt solid yellow gold dangle earrings with prong set opals .There are A large fiery small opals is surrounded by 7 small opals .Earrings are for pireced e...
Opal, Gold
Boulder Opal and Diamond Dangle Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These elegant dangle earrings feature beautiful boulder opals set in 14k yellow gold with both single and full brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Sapphire Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat gold & sterling silver, these beautiful drop earrings are set with 4.35 carats Opal doublets, 2.16 sapphire and .92 carats of glimmering diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold Blue Opal Tanzanite Dangle Drop Designer Earrings
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
14K Yellow Gold Blue Opal Tanzanite Dangle Drop Designer Earrings.
Opal, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Opal, Emerald & Diamond Statement Dangle Earrings
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Striking 18K yellow gold statement drop earrings featuring smooth freeform boulder opal cabochons showing rich blue and green play-of-color.
Emerald, Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
18K White Gold Earring with 7.90ct Sapphire, Opal & Diamond
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Earring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a blue sapphire & opal, & Diamond gemstone.
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
10K Yellow Gold Opal And Clear Stone Stud Earrings #25839
Located in Washington Depot, CT
10K Yellow Gold Opal And Clear Stone Stud Earrings Add a touch of radiant elegance to your jewelry collection with these 10K Yellow Gold Opal and clear stone Stud Earrings.
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,900 / item
Opal Diamond Blue Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These Opal diamond stud earrings are handmade in 18-karat gold.
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
$4,200 / item
Opal Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat gold, these beautiful stud earrings are hand set with 2.7 carats Opal Doublet, .16 carats emerald, sapphire and .81 carats of glimmering diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White 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).
In the United States, ear piercing didn’t really become popular until the 1950s and ‘60s, but our desire for a dazzling pair of vintage earrings has deeper roots than that. In fact, wearing earrings actually goes back thousands of years, and you can find many tangible connections between now and then in how we continue to talk about these treasured accessories.
Women wore ornamental earrings — studs and hoops at the very least — in Ancient Egypt, which is home to mines that are among the earliest sources of emeralds in the world. Emerald earrings are highly prized today, and their quality lies in their rich, saturated color. The highest-quality emeralds are green or bluish-green. Earrings worn by the affluent in early Roman civilizations were set with precious stones such as diamonds and pearls, and a clean-looking pop of pearl on the front of the lobe is as timeless as ever. Hoop earrings are imbued with symbolism and cultural significance for many, and on view in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Near Eastern Art Gallery is a pair of simple gold hoops from Mesopotamia dating to between 2600 and 2500 B.C.
Today, ear piercing is very popular all over the world, and, as a result, it is difficult to overstate how much everyone pines for a good pair of earrings — modernist drop earrings, glamorous Victorian hoops, geometrically complex chandelier earrings, you name it. Sure, jewelry trends and the fashion darlings of social media come and go, but earrings have a staying power that seems impenetrable: The still-strong love affair between British royals and Cartier earrings is more than a century old, glossy 1970s hoops from legacy houses such as Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels remain the statement makers they’ve always been and although people have been stacking earrings for many moons, the allure of an expertly mismatched stack of charms and studs still feels fresh and new.
While there is no shortage of modern earring designs to choose from, the classics, like coral earrings, Art Deco–style earrings and diamond drop earrings are still heavy hitters. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of antique, new and vintage earrings today.
Someone wanted to “modernize” the Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. masterworks, but Mahnaz Collection came to their rescue. Here, the dealer explains precisely why they’re such an extraordinary find.
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
The mismatched, multiple-earring look may have started with fashion jewelry, but A-list fans have taken it to the next level.
From buttons to chandeliers, here are the top styles to get or give in 2020.
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
The classic circle has appeared in countless variations over the centuries.