Steven Battelle 5.8 Carats Ethiopian Opal 18K Gold Post Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A set of semi-pear shaped "Welo Mine" Ethiopian opal cabochons of approximately 6 x 9 mm are suspended below posts of approximately 5 x 6 mm stones, all set in handmade "wavy-bezel" ...
Opal, 18k Gold
Australian Opal with Diamond Bow Dangle Drop White Gold Earrings
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The opals measure approximately 10mm x 12 mm. The earrings measure 1.06" x .71".
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K 750 White Gold Natural Diamond and Natural Opal Earring
Located in New York, NY
Opal and Diamond Earrings Metal Type: 18k White Gold Sizable: No Total Weight: 10 Grams 1: Primary Stone: Opal Carat Weight: 7.0 Ct.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Drop Earrings with Fire Opals and Diamonds
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Drop Earrings with Fire Opals in 14k Yellow Gold Natural diamonds totaling 2.16ct Marquee Mexican Fire Opal Pear Shape totaling 9.24ct
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kabana 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Fire Opal Teardrop Dangle Earrings
By Kabana
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Add vibrant sophistication to your collection with these authentic Kabana Fire Opal & Diamond Teardrop Dangle Earrings, masterfully crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Topaz Opal Filigree Drop Earrings in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Intricate openwork and delicate leaf motifs envelop a brilliant oval-cut blue topaz, encircled by iridescent opals in these blue topaz drop earrings. Handcrafted in 9K yellow gold, t...
Blue Topaz, Topaz, Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, Gold
Tanzanite & Opal Earrings With Diamonds Made In 18k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:11.159g, D:0.61ct, Opal:7.04ct, Tanz:7.54ct,
Diamond, Tanzanite, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Nouveau Opal & 18kt Gold Earrings, Italy Circa 1910
Located in Firenze, IT
Material: 18 kt yellow gold. A pair of opal and 18kt yellow gold earrings, the oval solid white opals cabochon-cut present beautiful shades of purple, pink, green and blue; and the...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Round and Square Shape Australian Opal Yellow Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing lever back earrings with two round cabochon cut and two square cut blue Australian solid opals weight 1,04 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Round and navette Shape Australian Opal Yellow Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing lever back earrings with two round cabochon cut and two navette cut blue Australian solid opals weight 1,24 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
NERSO Opal & Diamond Earrings 22K Yellow
Located in Dallas, TX
Opal and Diamond Earrings in 22K Yellow Gold by Nerson.
Diamond, Opal, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Dangle Earrings with Australian Opal Turquoise Quartz R3264
Located in Osprey, FL
♥18K Gold Dangle Earrings with Australian Opal Turquoise Quartz R3264 ♥ The item measures 35.9mm in length (North South direction), 10.7mm in width (East West direction), and stands...
Opal, Quartz, Turquoise, 18k Gold
$1,750 / item
Opal Diamond Wing Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Not your usual studs, wing earrings are cast in 18K gold and sterling silver.
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Modern 26.83ct Jelly Opal & Diamond Drop Earrings in 18k Rose Gold
By Belrose Estate Jewelers
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Jelly opals, good enough to eat! This pair of drop earrings features two extraordinary cabochon opals, their translucent bodies alive with a rolling play of color that shifts from mo...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$3,850 / item
6.75 Carat Opal Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold and sterling silver, these beautiful drop earrings are set with 6.75 carats Opal doublets, 5.55 carats sapphire and 2.78 carats of glimmering diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$3,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
VICTORIAN 1890 Dangle Earrings In 18Kt Yellow Gold Precious-Opals & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Victorian dangle earrings with a precious opals. This is a beautiful pair of antique dangle earrings created in England during the late Victorian period, between the 1880 and 1890.
Diamond, Black Opal, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
"Vectra" 18K Gold Earrings with Ethiopian Black Opals, Diamonds & Tsavorites
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
They are fashioned in rich, high-polish 18 karat gold with 18 karat gold butterfly backs. WEIGHTS & MEASUREMENTS: Opals - approx. 17mm x 10.5mm x 6.5mm; the total opal weight is ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yel...
14 Karat Yellow Gold Mosaic Opal Earrings with Pierced Post Backings
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Add a bold and artistic touch to your jewelry collection with these mesmerizing 14 karat yellow gold Mosaic Opal earrings. Designed to captivate, each earring features a stunning mos...
Opal, 14k Gold
$11,938Sale Price|20% Off
21st Century Tourmalines Fire Opals Roses Leaves Pearl Gold Hoop Earring
By Vicente Gracia Art Jewellery
Located in Valencia, ES
21st Century Tourmalines Fire Opals Roses Leaves Pearl Gold Hoop Earring Hoop Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Fire Opals carved as roses, Tourmalines carved as leaves and pearls.
Opal, Pearl, Tourmaline, Fire Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Ethiopian Opal and Pink Opal Halo Earrings with Diamond Accents
Located in New York, NY
These exquisite earrings feature a stunning 1.15-carat Ethiopian opal at the center, radiating vibrant colors and captivating fire. Surrounding the opal are delicate pink opals, tota...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Emerald and 2.84ct tw Boulder Opal Drop Earrings
Located in Big Bend, WI
A pair of 14K yellow gold emerald and opal drop earrings with diamond accents.
Emerald, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.35 Carat Round Opal Earrings. 0.1ct Diamond Halo Stud Earrings 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Opal Center Opal Weight: 0.35ct Total Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.10ct Total Stone Setting: Prong-set opal centers surro...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Diamond Star Dainty Earring in 14k Gold Ethiopian Opal Minimalist
Located in Chicago, IL
Diamond Star Dainty Earring 14k Gold Ethiopian Opal Minimalist Fine Jewelry Gift Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Condition: New without tags: A brand-new, ...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Opal & Diamond Art Deco Style Stud 14K White Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
These dainty Ethiopian Opal and Diamond Earrings feature beautiful flashes of playful colors that catch both eyes and hearts.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
$3,988Sale Price / set|20% Off
BLACK OPALS Modernist Oval Earrings-Studs In Solid Textured 18Kt Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Modernist earrings with precious black-opals. This is a beautiful pair of modernist earrings-studs created in Europe around the 1970-1980.
Black Opal, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Whisper Opal Threader Earring in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Whisper Opal Threader Earring in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry Dimensions: W 1.5 x H 142 mm.
Opal, 14k Gold
RA Collection Earrings - Gold-Plated Bronze with Opals
Located in PARIS, FR
RA Collection Earrings Gold-Plated Bronze with Opals Stones Handmade Lost-Wax Casting Bronze plated in 24-karat gold all over 14 opals of 7,38 carats Unique Piece Spain
Opal, 24k Gold, Bronze
Elegant Minimalist Oval Australian Black Opal Stud Earrings 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Minimalist Oval Australian Black Opal Stud Earrings 14k Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mist Opal Threader Earrings in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Mist Opal Threader Earrings in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry Dimensions: W 3 x H 72 mm.
Opal, 14k Gold
Yellow Gold Opal Large Stud Earrings - 14k Oval Cabochon Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Opals Cut: Oval Cabochon Origin: Ethiopian Style: Large Stud Fastening Type: Omega Closures Measurements Tall: 11/16" (1...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Opal Earrings with Tsavorites and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Opal 4 carats approx. Tsavorites 0.70 carat approx. Diamonds 0.05 carat approx. French wire for pierced ears About the Designers Drawing inspirati...
Diamond, Tsavorite, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,931Sale Price / item|44% Off
Black Ethiopian Opal and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs, 14k gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Black Ethiopian Opal and Colorless Topaz Drop Earrings studs in 14k gold.
Opal, Topaz, 14k Gold
$800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Three Opal Dangle Drop Earrings in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Three Opal Dangle Drop Earrings in 18K Gold to make a statement with your look.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Doublet Opal Mosaic Hoop Earrings With Baguette Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Product Specifications Gross Weight: 10.544g Metal: 18KT Rose Gold Center Stone: Natural Black Opal (Mosaic) Center Stone Weight: 3.30ct Center Stone Shape: Marquise / Freeform Accen...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Pretty Simple Oval Australian Black Opal Stud Earrings 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Simple Oval Australian Black Opal Stud Earrings 14k Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Gold Natural Opal and Peridot Vintage Style Drop Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Bring a touch of nature-inspired elegance to your look with these Natural Opal and Peridots Vintage-Style Drop Earrings. A glowing opal sits at the center as the pistil, surrounded ...
Opal, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Spirit Opal Stud Earrings in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Spirit Opal Stud Earrings in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry Dimensions: W 3 x H 3 mm.
Opal, 14k Gold
Gentle Embers Opal Earrings in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Gentle Embers Opal Earrings in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry Dimensions: W 3 x H 9.8 mm.
Opal, 14k Gold
$748Sale Price|25% Off
Plum Blossom Sakura Flower Ruby Diamond Stud Earrings 18k Rose Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Plum Blossom Sakura Flower Ruby Diamond Stud Earrings 18k Rose Gold Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Steven Battelle 4.1 carats Ethiopian Opal 18K Gold Wire Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two substantial 8 x 10 mm cabochon opals from the famous "Welo" mine in the highlands of northern Ethiopia are set in ancient-inspired "four point with jawan" artisan crafted bezels ...
Opal, 18k Gold
7.93 Carat Fire Opal 14 Karat Gold Diamond Galaxy Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 14 karat gold. These stunning stud earrings are hand set in 7.93 carats fire opal and .52 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Natural Opal and Diamond Stud Earrings in 18K Gold, India, 0.52ct
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Earring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features an opal & diamond gemstone.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Ethiopian Opal Natural Pave Diamond Dangle Drop Earrings 14k Gold Earring 1 Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Ethiopian Opal Natural Pave Diamond Dangle Drop Earrings 14k Gold Earring 1 Pair Materials: Gold, Stone Gemstone: Opal Location: Earlobe Closure: Push back Length: 63 Millimetres Wi...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Meghna Jewels 4.58 Carats Fire Opal Diamond 14 Karat Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 14 karat gold, these exquisite earrings are hand set with 4.58 carats fire opal and .68 carats of glimmering diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
$640Sale Price|20% Off
Milgrain Finish Brilliant Natural Diamond Bezel Stud Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Milgrain Finish Brilliant Natural Diamond Bezel Stud Earrings 18K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
14k Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Freeform Earring and Pendant Set
Located in New York, NY
Small round diamonds are delicately set between the stones, adding refined sparkle and contrast to the opals’ iridescence. The matching earrings echo the organic aesthetic, each susp...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
'Sacred Totem' Australian boulder matrix opal earrings
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
The 'Sacred Totem' opal earrings were created with six magical matrix opals and two blue boulder opals highlighted in a 9K gold bezel.
Opal, 9k Gold, Silver
Meghna Jewels 14K Gold Fire Opal Diamond Stud Earrings, 7.7 Carats
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 14 karat gold. These stud earrings are hand set in 7.7 carats fire opal and .32 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Blue Colored Black Opal & Diamond Stud Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Blue Colored Black Opal & Diamond Stud Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Classic Halo Design Black Opal Diamonds Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Classic Halo Design Australian Black Opal Diamonds Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 3.7 Carats Cabochon Ethiopian Opal 18K Gold Wire Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two fiery green flashing 8 x 10 mm Ethiopian Opal cabochons from the Welo mine region of Ethiopia are set in artisan hand-crafted 18K gold bezels surrounded by "twist-wire" accents. ...
Opal, 18k Gold
Contemporary 14K Gold Fire Opal Diamond Stud Earrings by Meghna Jewels
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 14 karat gold. These stunning stud earrings are hand set in 7.61 carats fire opal, .40 carats sapphire and .24 carats diamonds.
Fire Opal, Opal, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
Syna Opal Yellow Gold Earrings with Emeralds and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Oapl 4 carats approx. Emeralds 0.35 carat approx. Diamonds 0.40 carat approx. Limited edition These limited edition Candy Blue Topaz and Moon Quartz ...
Brown Diamond, Emerald, Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Meghna Jewels 10.27 carats Opal Diamond 18 Karat Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful drop earrings are handcrafted in 18-karat gold. It is set with 10.27 carats opal doublet and 1.73 carats of diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Six Prong Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Round Shaped Minimalist Six Prong Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold. Opal—the queen of gemstones, is one of the most beautiful gemstones in the world.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$965Sale Price / item|44% Off
Opal cabochon 12 MM Huggie Earrings, Micro Pave Hoop Earrings
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Opal cabochon 12 MM Huggie Earrings, colorless gemstones Micro Pave Hoop Earrings, Small huggy earrings.
Opal, 14k Gold
Opal Diamond Spider Web Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold & sterling silver, these beautiful drop earrings are set with 9.2 carats Opal doublet, 1.8 carats blue sapphire and 2.87 carats of glimmering diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
11.02 Carat Mexican 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 11.02 carats fire opal and 1.08 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Steven Battelle 2.2 Carats Ethiopian Opal Granulated 22K Gold Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two green flashing 6 x 9 mm pear shaped faceted "Welo Mine" Ethiopian opals are surrounded by rich "pasir" fine high-karat gold granulation and dangle below similarly textured pear ...
Opal, 22k 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.