Handcrafted 24.56ct Peridot, Opal & Yellow Sapphire Earrings in Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A huge matched pair of fine quality peridots are featured in these gorgeous earrings. They are set in 18k yellow gold with colorful opals and brilliant yellow sapphires.
Opal, Peridot, Yellow Sapphire, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$5,500 / item
Opal Chain Drop 18 Karat Gold Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful Opal chain drops are cast in 18-karat white gold. It is hand set in 3.3 carats opal doublet and 1.34 carats of glittering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Aquamarine, Opalized Wood, 18kt Gold Earrings by Lauren Harper
By Lauren Harper
Located in Winnetka, IL
Set in a warm 18kt Gold alloy, these hand made earrings embody ocean blues and are sure to get you noticed.
Aquamarine, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Black Opal White Gold Stud Earrings Dark Blue Cabochon Unisex
Located in Berlin, DE
14K white gold stud earrings with natural Black Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.079 x 0.2 x 0.28 in / 2 х 5 х 7 mm earrings weight - 2.80 grams Minimal collectio...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
African Opal White Sapphire Gold Earrings by Lauren Harper
By Lauren Harper
Located in Winnetka, IL
These 18kt Gold unique opaque striped African opals are set in matte 18kt Gold, which has been encrusted in faceted white Sapphires.
Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$1,085Sale Price|30% Off
9K Gold Opal Vintage Style Floral Cluster Drop Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Each earring blooms like a delicate flower, with opals that shimmer in a dance of iridescent colors.
Opal, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
$976Sale Price / item|44% Off
Sea Crab earrings studs with opals in 14k gold.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Sea Crab earrings studs with opals in 14k gold. Round cabochon opal earrings in 14k gold.
Opal, Sapphire, Emerald, 14k Gold
Natural Ethiopian Opal & Diamond Earrings – 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
.* A magnificent pair of natural opal and diamond earrings, crafted in 18K white gold, showcasing two impressive oval opals with mesmerizing flashes of blue, green, aqua, turquoise ...
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
$5,400 / item
Opal Sapphire Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These stunning earrings are handmade in 18-karat gold and sterling silver.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Opal Diamonds Emeralds Rose Gold and Silver Earrings
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fabulous earrings from a very romantic 9 kt rose gold and silver earrings, with bows all enriched with 1.03 ct diamonds, 0.3 ct emeralds and fabulous leaves that hang with two opals ...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 9k Gold, Silver, Rose Gold
Dalben Fish Shape Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing stud earrings with two fish shape Australian Boulder opals weight 2,15 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$7,100 / item
Opal Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 18-karat gold. It is hand set in 3.57 carats opal doublet, 3.02 carats sapphire and .43 carats of glittering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest c...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Opal & Diamond Vintage Style Halo Drop White Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Opal and Diamond Art Deco Style Halo Drop Earrings, and elegant Art Deco-style pair of earrings feature a stunning round opal at the center, its vibrant play of colors adding a touch...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Opal 18K Yellow Gold Surrealist Unisex Single Surrealist Earring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini "Opal" Collection a single Opal stud Unisex Modern earring handcrafted in 18 karats Yellow Gold by expert artisans in Italy.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium
$10,000Sale Price|33% Off
Red Carpet Style Long Emerald Opal Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in Miami Beach, FL
These earring are beautiful on the ear. The emerald and opals hang in diamond frames mounted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold
$976Sale Price / item|44% Off
14 K Gold Earrings with Opals, Diamonds and Sapphires
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold earrings with central natural opal, diamonds and sapphires.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Dalben Blue Pink Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold satin finishing earrings with four bezel-set light blue pink Australian solid boulder opals weight 14,5 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Blue Green Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold satin finishing earrings with four bezel-set blue green Australian solid boulder opals weight 8,33 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Beautiful Pear Shaped Black Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Pear Shaped Black Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Designer 14K Gold Emerald Opal Diamond Earrings, 1.75ct Total Weight
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Earring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features an emerald, opal, and a diamond gemstone.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold
Designer 14K Gold Opal, Emerald, and Diamond Earrings, 2.21ct Total
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Earring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features an opal, emerald, and a diamond gemstone.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold
Opal, Emerald, Tsavorite Gemstone & Diamond Earring in 14K Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Earring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features an EMERALD, opal, and tsavorite gemstone set with a diamond.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Tsavorite, 14k Gold
Turquoise Opal Pearl Diamond 14 Karat Gold Linear Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful mismatch linear drop earring are handcrafted in 14-karat gold. It is set with .58 carats turquoise, 0.42 carats Ethiopian opal, .58 carats sapphire and .17 carats of ...
Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Sapphire, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold
Contemporary Opal and Diamond Dangle Drop Earrings, 11.02ct Opals
Located in Nantucket, MA
A lovely mix of opals, a round Brazilian opal at the post with round brilliant cut diamonds on the border; The drop is an Owhyee opal also surrounded by faceted diamonds. Set in an...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Ethiopian Opal Diamond 18 Karat Gold Pear Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, these stud earrings are set with 3.0 carats Ethiopian opal and .26 carats of diamonds FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
Ethiopian Opal Diamond 18 Karat Gold Oval Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, these stud earrings are set with .24 carats of diamonds and 2.2 carats Ethiopian opal.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
Handmade Pure 24 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Stud Earrings
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
How adorable are these colorful opal earrings? Rarest of all the golds, 24 karat gold has a distinct, rich color valued by investors worldwide, which is further enhanced by the boldl...
Opal, 24k Gold, Yellow 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
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
Amethyst Opal Floral Cluster Drop Earrings in 9k Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Four deep purple amethysts surround a glowing center opal in these romantic 9k Gold Amethyst Opal Earrings.
Amethyst, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,880Sale Price|20% Off
5.35 Carat Opal & Diamonds Earring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
If you are looking for Opal, Diamond earrings, this is the ultimate find, (5.35 carats) of the finest Opal color is the focal point. Perfectly matched in color and size . The diamond...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Dalben Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing earrings with two bezel-set deep blue - green Australian boulder opal weight 7,85 carats .
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Beautiful 14K Gold Australian Black Opal Diamond Halo Stud Earrings
Located in Suwanee, GA
14K Gold Australian Black Opal Diamond Halo Stud Earrings.
Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
6.43 Carat 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 6.43 carats fire opal and .29 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
15.22 Carat Fire Opal 14 Karat Gold Diamond Drop Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 14 karat gold. These earrings are hand set in 15.22 carats fire opal and .84 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Halo Diamond Stud Earrings with Black Opal 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Halo Diamond Stud Earrings with Australian Black Opal 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl, Aquamarine, Peridot & Opal Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold, Laurenti
By Laurenti
Located in New York, NY
Details Collection: Origins Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Pearls: Natural Akoya Pearls, 8mm Aquamarines: Natural Cabochon Aquamarines Peridots: Natural Cabochon Peridots Opals: Natural Roun...
Aquamarine, Opal, Pearl, Peridot, Yellow Gold
Lapis Opal Tourmaline Diamond 14 Karat Gold Linear Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful mismatch linear drop earring are handcrafted in 14-karat gold. It is set with 1.01 carats Lapis, .81 carats turquoise, 0.48 carats Ethiopian opal, .81 carats tourmali...
Diamond, Opal, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold
18Karat Gold Drop Earrings with Emerald, Opal, and Diamond
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Earring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features an emerald, opal, and Diamond gemstone.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal Turquoise Diamond Stud Earrings, New
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Earring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features an opal, turquoise gemstone set with a diamond.
Diamond, Opal, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Vintage Opal Dangling Earrings in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Brunswick, ME
Vintage! These classic dangling earrings each feature an oval-shaped opal set in a 14KT bezel, hanging off a triangular 14KT vintage motif. Hallmarks: 14K Length: 1.5-inch total le...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Composite and Diamond Dolphin Stud Earring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 8.8 Grams Gemstone: Composite opal not natural Earring Measurements: 23.35 mm x 11 mm Total Diamond Weight: ~0.0...
Opal, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.73 Carat Diamond Baguette Opal 18 Karat Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, these beautiful earrings are set with 3.3 carats of Opal doublets and 2.73 carats of sparkling baguette diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
14k Gold Australian Solid White Opal Cabochon Earrings Dangle Teardrop
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A pair of beautiful 14ct yellow gold drop earrings featuring two solid Australian white opals, crafted in the 1980s, in new, unworn condition
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hand Painted Fire Opal Inlay 14 Karat Gold Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful Fire Opal Inlay earrings features unique hand painted miniature art set with 14K gold.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian Rosy Yellow Gold Opal Drop Dangle Hook Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (2) Natural Genuine Opals - Round Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White Base w/ Flashes of Red & Orange Colors - 5.9mm each (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Rosy Yellow Gold ...
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruchi Fire Opal Diamond Earrings
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
"Lava Collection" These elegant long earrings showcase 60.25 carats of vibrant lava opal and 3.02 carats of sparkling diamonds, all set in 18-karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
8.1 Carat 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 8.1 carats fire opal and .60 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Steven Battelle 0.6 Carats Ethiopian Opal 18K Gold Post Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two fiery and flashing 5 mm rose cut "Welo mine" Ethiopian opals are surrounded by artisan crafted "twist wire with jawan" 18K gold bezels to create these elegant everyday treasures ...
Opal, 18k Gold
Avant-Garde 18kt Yellow Gold Fire Opal Drop Earrings, Italy, 7.02ct
Located in Viena, Viena
What a waste - this opal avant-garde drop earrings is made of fire opals cut into shape Earrings made in our traditional Italian goldsmith in Valenza, modern design, earrings with t...
Diamond, Fire Opal, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Oval Black Opal Doublet and RBC Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Oval Black Opal Doublet and Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Vintage Drop Earrings.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
11.2 carats Opal Emerald Diamond 14 Karat Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 14 karat gold. These stud earrings are hand set in 11.2 carats opal doublet, .84 carats emerald and 1.28 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Ada 14K Yellow Gold Oval-Cut Ethiopian Opal Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Earring is crafted from 14K Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace.
Opal, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid Opal Cabochons Turkmenistan Green Turquoise Blue Turquoise Gold Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Simple chic stud earrings with a pair of Oval Solid Opal Cabs measuring 9 x 11 mm set in solid 14 Kt. yellow gold on the top and in the lower parts 2 Turkmenistan Green Turquoise rou...
Opal, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold
White Opal Cluster Gold Drop Vintage Earrings Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Vintage Tear Drop White Opal Gold Cluster Drop Earrings. Each earring Hand set with a Tear Drop White Opal, surrounded by Round White Opals, weighing approx. 2.00tcw.
Opal, Gold, 14k 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.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Doublet Opal Diamond Halo Drop Earrings 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Showcase mesmerizing natural beauty with these striking doublet opal and diamond drop earrings. Expertly handcrafted in solid 18k white gold, each earring features a freeform boulder...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Moonstone, Opal & Pink Tourmaline 18 Karat Gold Asymmetrical Dangle Earrings
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
Contemporary 18k yellow gold asymmetrical dangle earrings featuring faceted Moonstone, Pink Chalcedony, Rutilated Quartz, Pink Tourmaline, Mexican Fire Opal and a Russian Moonstone c...
Chalcedony, Moonstone, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Quartz, Tourmaline, Fire Op...
8.32 Carat Opal Emerald 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 8.32 carats Opal, .74 carats emerald and 1.51 carats of glimmering diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
$15,500 / item
7.2 Carat Opal Sapphire 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 7.2 carats Opal, .68 carats sapphire and 2.35 carats of glimmering diamonds.
Diamond, 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.