Vintage 7.39ct Opal Ruby and 18k Yellow Gold Bird Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive 7.39 carat opal, 0.02 ruby and 18 karat yellow gold bird brooch
Opal, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow 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
Diamond, Opal, Gold
14 Karat Gold Malachite Opal Pendant Bird Necklace 14 Karat
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning Malachite, opal 14K Gold Pendant. Depicts an asian bird scence. Framed in 14K Gold. Great
Malachite, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$292Sale Price / item|55% Off
W 2.06 in D 0.46 in L 1.6 in
Silvorra 5.35ct Colorful Opal Sapphire Ruby & Diamond Bird Motif Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
elegant bird motif, showcasing a vibrant harmony of natural gemstones and diamonds. At the center, a
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Bird Cage Mexican Fire Opal Necklace Pendant 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Bird Cage Mexican Fire Opal Necklace Pendant 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class
Opal, Fire Opal, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
7.12 Carat Mexican Fire Opal Tweety Bird PT 900 Cocktail Pendant
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Our tweety bird pendant comprises a 7.12-carat orange opal decorated with a 0.21 carat, pear-shaped
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Fire Opal, Platinum
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Opal Snake Winged Phoenix Bird Ring Egyptian Revival Antique Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a museum quality antique Egyptian Revival Opal Snake Phoenix Bird Ring. The antique ring
Opal, Gold, 10k Gold
Sophia D, 12.89 Carat Opal Bird Brooch with Diamonds and Gemstones
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
Platinum Set brooch with diamonds that weigh 2.95ct come together with 12.89ct of Opal, 0.45ct of
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Oval Ethiopian Opal Bird Nest Design Cocktail 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
Delicate lines are wound in an oval motion to create elegant yet contemporary bird’s nest design
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$292Sale Price / item|55% Off
W 2.06 in D 0.46 in L 1.6 in
Silvorra Vintage-Inspired Opal Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Bird Brooch Cum Pendant
Located in New York, NY
natural opal at the center, glowing with beautiful play of color. The design is accented with GF rubies
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
$6,564
W 1.97 in L 3.04 in
Handcraft Bird Opal 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Sapphires Emeralds Ruby Brooch
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
diamonds,ruby,emeralds,opal and sapphires. Bird total weight 23.70 grams Emeralds,rubies and sapphires
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.83 in W 0.6 in
Art Deco Inlaid Black Opal Swan Heart Bird Pendant Necklace 14 Karat Gold Onyx
Located in New York, NY
. THE JEWEL IS A MASTERPIECE OF ART DECO JEWELRY DESIGN. CREATING INLAID OPAL JEWELS REQUIRES AN
Opal, Black Opal, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,930
W 0.88 in L 1.5 in
18 Karat Gold Bird on a Branch Brooch with 11.26ct. Opal and .50 Carat Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
. The belly of the bird is set with a magnificent white opal weighing 11.26 carats. This precious opal
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$41,026Sale Price|41% Off
W 1.18 in D 0.39 in L 2.64 in
Black Opal Phoenix bird Carving for necklace Cobalt Blue 68 carats
Located in Berlin, DE
One of a kind piece - Black Opal "Phoenix" bird carved by Daniela L`Abbate, world champion of Opal
Opal, Black Opal
Large Asian Motif Bird and Floral Pendant
Located in Miami Beach, FL
features a Asian symbol and the other side has a bird sitting on a branch with opal flowers and faux-ruby
Opal, Quartz, Gilt Metal
20th Century Jade Fine and Precious Stones Metal 18 Karat Gold Birds Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
variety of semi-precious and precious stones : pearls, opals, garnets, rubies, etc. Two motifs
Ruby, Opal, Jade, Garnet, Natural Pearl, Pearl, Metal, Yellow Gold, 18k ...
Ico & the Bird Fine Jewelry Fire Opal Stacking Ring 22k Gold
By Ico & the Bird Fine Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 22k gold ring features a bright orange 6mm Fire Opal. Wear this alone or in combination with
Opal, Fire Opal, 22k Gold
Ico & the Bird Chrysoprase, Opal, Quartz, Carnelian Bird 22k Gold Necklace
By Ico & the Bird Fine Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
, Citrine, Labradorite, Carnelian, Chrysoprase, and Pink Opal birds hang from a 22k gold hand made chain
Amethyst, Labradorite, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Quartz, 22k Gold
Ico & the Bird Fine Jewelry Sapphire Stacking Ring 22k Gold
By Ico & the Bird Fine Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 22k gold ring features a deep, intense natural blue sapphire. Wear this alone or in combination with other rings for a pop of color. The sapphire is 6.65mm and .80 carats. Sapp...
Opal, Fire Opal, 22k Gold
Unavailable
CARTIER LONDON Opal Sapphire Love Birds
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Designed as two birds each with a black opal chest, the carved gold heads each accented with a
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unavailable
H 2.5 in W 2 in D 0.5 in
Emerald, Opal, Pearl, Garnet Bird Brooch in Sterling Silver & Goldplate
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Colorful Gemstone Sterling Silver and Vermeil Bird Brooch! the embellished Sterling and Vermeil Accent
Emerald, Garnet, Opal, Pearl, Sterling Silver, Vermeil
Opal Diamond Sapphire Tsavorite Diamond Humming Bird Necklace 18 Karat Gold
Located in Barnsley, GB
Opal Diamond Blue Sapphire Tsavorite Diamond Humming Bird Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold is very
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold
Opal Diamond Sapphire Tsavorite Diamond Humming Bird Necklace 18 Karat Gold
Located in Barnsley, GB
Opal Diamond Blue Sapphire Tsavorite Diamond Humming Bird Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold is very
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable
W 1.75 in L 4.13 in
Balogh Carved Opal Star Sapphire Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Caged Bird Pendant
By Balogh
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous, Unique Birdcage Pendant by Renowed Jeweler Balogh Features Carved Opal in Shape of Bird
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Bird Conversion Ring 14k Gold Opal Belly Animal Kingdom Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Originally a vintage stick pin (circa 1950s to 1960s), the bird is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 0.48 in L 2.76 in
21st Century Bird Emerald Diamond Fire Opals Gold Earrings Orange Vicente Gracia
By Vicente Gracia Art Jewellery
Located in Valencia, ES
1.1 Carats Emeralds 2.20 Carats Diamonds 6.71 Carats Fire Opals 18 Karat Gold Earrings Earrings in
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century Fire Opal Turquoise Corals Roses Bird Cocktail Gold Ring Orange Red
By Vicente Gracia Art Jewellery
Located in Valencia, ES
MADE TO ORDER Fire Opal Green turquoise Corals Cocktail Ring by Vicente Gracia 18 Karat Gold
Coral, Opal, Turquoise, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century 18k Gold Earrings Enamels Flowers Birds Turquoise Opal Blue Topaz
By Vicente Gracia Art Jewellery
Located in Valencia, ES
21st Century 18 K Gold Earrings Enamels Flowers Birds Turquoise Opal Blue Topaz 21st Century 18k
Opal, Topaz, Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Sold
W 1.22 in L 1.92 in
Three Birds on a Branch Pendant Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Amethyst Opal Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage pendant featuring three birds on a branch (circa 1960s to 1970s) crafted in
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow ...
Tanzanite Opal Diamond Yellow Gold Bird Cage Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
yellow gold and they have Tanzanite, Opal and 0.20 Carats of Diamonds. Birds are made of enamel. We're a
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Tanzanite, 9k Gold
Sold
W 1.03 in L 2.92 in
Black Opal and Multi Gemstone Vintage Style Exotic Bird Brooch in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
shaped solid Australian black opal. A beautiful gift for yourself or your beloved one. Brooch
Multi-gemstone, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold
W 1.26 in L 1.34 in
8.28 Ct. Ethiopian Opal Diamond Vintage Style Wonderful Bird Brooch in 18K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This incredible vintage style brooch depicts a gorgeous humming bird on a rock. It’s charming with
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 1.93 in D 0.36 in L 1.93 in
Sylva et Cie 18k Gold, Boulder Opal, & Diamond Sparrow Bird Necklace Pendant
By Sylva & Cie
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Sylva opal, diamond, and gold figural bird pendant for a necklace. With a fine hand carved
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Boulder Opal Ivy Black Gold Ring Bright Blue Opalscent Gemstone Kingfisher Bird
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
This statement ring features a boulder opal that displays a striking play-of-color with
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Oval Ethiopian Opal Bird Nest Design Cocktail Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Delicate lines are wound in an oval motion to create elegant yet contemporary bird’s nest design
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Italian Fire Opal Gold Micromosaic Bird Pendant
Located in Firenze, IT
The triangular cut mosaic plaque depicting a bird, on black ground with a collet set fire opal in
Opal, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Sold
W 1.74 in L 0.99 in
Black Opal Emerald Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Bird Brooch in 18K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This exquisite Art Deco-style bird brooch is crafted in 18K white gold, featuring radiant black
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Sapphire, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Style Fan Motif Brooch with Enamel Bird, Diamonds, Opals and Pearl
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
swallow bird is perched on a delicate diamond embellished branch. Gorgeous natural opals offer an
Diamond, Pearl, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold...
1960's Opal Diamond Ruby Platinum 18 Karat Gold Vintage Goose Bird Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stylized goose in flight with an opal cabochon body Abstractly shaped and measuring
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Silvia Furmanovich 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Fire Opal Marquetry Wood Bird Earring
By Silvia Furmanovich
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Silvia Furmanovich 18k Yellow Gold Fire Opal and Diamond Marquetry Wood Drop Earrings Set with 2
Diamond, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 0.6 in W 0.79 in
The Fat Pigeon - Fire Opal Diamond Pendant 18K Yellow Gold Adorable Bird Necklac
Located in Suwanee, GA
The Fat Pigeon - Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Pendant 18K Yellow Gold Adorable Bird Necklace. Design
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Bird Motif Black Agate Pendant #17564
Located in Washington Depot, CT
featuring bird motif with jade, coral, and opal stones. Hallmark: 14K # of diamonds: 2 Carat Weight: .01
Agate, Coral, Diamond, Jade, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Native American Gail Bird and Yazzie Johnson Navajo Boulder Opal Gold Pendant
By Gail Bird and Yazzie Johnson
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An 18k yellow gold pendant set with a boulder opal on a 29" leather cord. The pendant measures
Opal, 18k Gold
Sold
H 0.5 in W 0.5 in D 0.1 in Dm 0.5 in L 0.5 in
Rose Gold Opal Bird Swallow Victorian Inspired Earrings
By Blackbird and the Snow
Located in Boulder, CO
Our delicate and whimsical bird stud earrings are inspired by Victorian charms and are a perfect
Opal, 14k Gold
Sylva & Cie. Handmade Swallow Bird Tagua, Opal and Diamond Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One of a Kind Tagua, Opal & Diamond Necklace in 18Kt Gold. Diamond Weight: 5.82 ctw Hand Carved
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Sold
H 0.5 in W 0.5 in D 0.1 in Dm 0.5 in L 0.5 in
Blackbird and the Snow - Rose Gold Opal Bird Swallow Victorian Inspired Earrings
By Blackbird and the Snow
Located in Boulder, CO
Our delicate and whimsical bird stud earrings are inspired by Victorian charms and are a perfect
Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage Fire Opal and Gold Bird Charm Pendant
Located in Agoura Hills, CA
This one-of-a-kind bird pendant is crafted in 14K yellow gold, featuring a free-form fire opal as
Opal, 14k Gold
Sold
W 1.58 in L 9.45 in
Tayma Yellow Gold Floating Islands Limited Edition Opal Graphic Print Wristwatch
By Tayma Fine Jewellery
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This limited edition watch features our Floating Islands collection of luxurious opal jewellery
Steven Battelle 18.4 Carats Green Tourmaline 18K Gold Cocktail Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A beautiful, clear, light-ish green 13 x 17 mm oval tourmaline is held in an ultimately simple organic hammered setting and shank in this classic organic look. This is a luminous, a...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 60.0 Carats Blue-Green Indicolite Tourmaline 18K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A fabulous 18 x 25 mm pear shaped cabochon Brazilian indicolite tourmaline is set within a one of kind Steven Battelle design. Indicolite blue tourmaline is the rarest and most soug...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 5.1 Carats Watermelon Tourmaline 22K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A stunning 8 x 14 mm octagonal cut watermelon tourmaline shows intense gradations of green, light blue, and pink surrounded by hand applied wire hearts in this unique high karat hand...
Tourmaline, 22k Gold
18K Solid Gold Diamond Blue Bird Brooch
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Celebrate mid-century vintage elegance with the 18K Solid Gold Diamond Blue Bird Brooch – a truly one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Crafted from solid yellow gold, this brooch features a ma...
Diamond, Gold
18K Gold Ruby Hummingbird Pin / Brooch Enameled
Located in Wallkill, NY
Delicate hummingbird with spectacular enamel work on the Body and the head. Look at those Ruby Eyes. Measures 1.63"top to bottom x .60" at its widest. Hummingbird motif has been wi...
18k Gold, Enamel
Art Deco Style Diamond Sapphire Target Platinum Engagement Cocktail Dress Ring
Located in Lisbon, PT
Art Deco Style diamond and sapphire target stylized engagement or cocktail/dress ring in platinum, 2000s. This ring features a round brilliant-cut diamond millegrain-set to the cente...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
American Art Nouveau Plique a Jour Brooch
Located in Riverdale, NY
Wonderful American Art Nouveau 14k Plique a Jour Brooch of enameled poppies on a pale green plique a jour ground. Flowers modeled in high relief with pink and green translucent ename...
14k Gold
Cartier Paris Bird Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18-carat gold bird set with cabochon-cut turquoises and brilliant-cut diamonds (app. 2 carats) set in platinum; the eye and feathers are set with oval- and baguette cut-sapphires ...
Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Black Opal, Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Nestled amidst vibrant green emeralds, the black opal ring exuded an enchanting allure. The center black opal weighs approximately 9.50 carats and is accompanied with a GIA Black, N...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Emerald, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe Art Deco Platinum Diamond Lady's Dress Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco, circa 1920s platinum dress watch by Patek Philippe, featuring platinum case, adorned with rose and single cut diamonds, approx. 0.50ctw, on a black fabric strap with 14k go...
Diamond, Platinum
Conch Pearl and Diamond Necklace, circa 1905
Located in London, GB
Conch pearl and diamond necklace. Set with an oval natural conch pearl, approximately 7.3 x 9.0 mm, suspended from five round old cut diamonds in open back grain and rubover settings...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Retro Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lady's Watch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Lady's watch in 18 karat yellow gold, owl hallmark. The case is rectangular, the bottom beige slightly pricked. The hands enamelled black. Marked Universal Geneve Swiss. On the back,...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Lapis Lazuli Diamond Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Bird Textured Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
A Vintage Blue Bird pin is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. The Eye is elaborated with 3 genuine pave set round fancy natural diamonds approx. 0.05 carats, and G-H color, VS clari...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage French Ruby and Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Bird Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive vintage French 0.15 carat ruby and 0.03 carat emerald, 18 karat yellow gold bird brooch; part of our diverse vintage jewellery and estate jewelry ...
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$15,121
W 1.23 in L 1.66 in
Tiffany & Co. Mid-Century Tourmaline Coral Diamond Kitty Cat Brooch Yellow Gold
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Lisbon, PT
Tiffany & Co. Mid-Century tourmaline, coral and diamond kitty cat brooch in 18kt yellow gold, circa 1960. Modelled as a sitting kitten with a raised tail, the feline is beautifully c...
Coral, Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,002
H 0.54 in W 1.5 in L 2.01 in
Vintage 0.02ct Ruby and 18k Yellow Gold Bird Brooch, Circa 1980, Italy
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An fine and impressive vintage 0.02 carat ruby and 18 karat yellow gold bird brooch; part of our diverse gemstone jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow 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).