Vintage Opal Ring Circa 1940's 14k Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire and Diamonds
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Australian Opal Ring Nice color and Brilliance. 14k Yellow Gold approx 11.2 grams Natural White Opal size: approx 16 x 12 mm Design area size overall approx 24 x 21 mm Finge...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold
$2,000
Opal & Ruby Cluster Ring
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Cluster Opal & Ruby Ring! Beautifully crafted & adorned with opals & rubies. Materials: 14k Size: 7.75 (sizeable) Weight: 5.9g
Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
HRD 14K 5.85 ct Natural Color Play Black Opal Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
"HRD 14K 5.85 ct Natural Color Play Black Opal Diamonds Cocktail Ring" This ring features a 5.85-carat natural black Opal with a color-play effect.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
HRD 14K 12.87 ct Natural Color Play Black Opal Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
"HRD 14K 12.87 ct Natural Color Play Black Opal Diamonds Cocktail Ring" This ring features a 12.87-carat natural black Opal with a color-play effect.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Gin & Grace 14K Yellow Gold Oval-Cab Ethiopian Opal Diamond Ring for Women/Girls
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 14-karat Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Ring is made up of Oval-Cab (1 pcs) 0.89 carat Ethiopian Opal and Round-cut Whi...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pink Opal Ring 6 Carat 14K Rose Gold Black Ebony Wood Ring- Ready To Ship
Located in ראשון לציון, IL
The "Modern Muse" ring by Konforti Jewelry is a handcrafted creation from the "Stone Garden Collection" in 14K pink gold, centered around a 6 carat hand carved pink opal.
Opal, Rose Gold, Gold
$5,774Sale Price|44% Off
Ethiopian Opal Yellow Gold Ring Natural Neon Rainbow engagement ring
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold ring with natural Opal opal origin - Ethiopia opal measurements - 0.28 х 0.31 х 0.71 in / 7 х 8 х 18 mm stone weight - 5.80 carats ring weight - 5 grams ring size ...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mutli Gemstone and Opal Gold Bombay Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Multi Gemstone and Opal Vintage Gold Bombay Cluster Ring. Securely Hand set with Multi Gemstones, and Opal.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,500 / item
Mexican Fire Opal 14 Karat Gold Diamond Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 14 karat gold. This beautiful ring is hand set in 5.93 carats fire opal and 1.12 carats of sparkling diamonds. This Fire Opal ring has been sold, but we would be happy to s...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
$1,224Sale Price / item|30% Off
Black Opal Vitage Style Ring in 14 Karat Gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Black opal vitage style ring in 14 karat gold. Ethiopian opal cabochon ring.
Black Opal, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$19,200Sale Price|20% Off
Pink Sakura Ring by Konforti Jewelry, 14K Pink Gold, Pink Opal- Ready To Ship
Located in ראשון לציון, IL
The inner base of ring is made of 14K pink gold, 18K yellow gold under the hot enamel paintings, the flowers centers are set in 18K white gold (0.2ct. pink sapphires), the flowers ar...
Pink Sapphire, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold, 14k Gold
Gin and Grace 14K Pear Opal and Blue Sapphire Ring
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 14-karat White Gold by Gin & Grace. This Ring is made up of 6x8 mm Pear-Cut (1 pcs) 0.86 carat Ethiopian Opal, Round-cut ...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, 14k Gold
Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Three Stone Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
CHARACTERISTICS Status: Made to order Origin: Thailand Metal: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: US 3-8 Total Gemstones Weight: 0.37 carat.
Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$6,500 / item
Opal Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This stunning ring has been meticulously crafted from 14-karat white gold. It is hand set with 2.73 carats opal doublet and 1.27 carats of glittering diamonds. The ring is a size 7...
Diamond, Opal, White Gold, 14k Gold
Fire Opal Yellow Gold Ring Mexican Gemstone Jewelry Red
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold with natural Fire Opal opal origin - Mexico opal measurements - 0.12 x 0.24 x 0.31 in / 3 x 6 x 8 mm opal weight - 0.7 carats ring size - 6.25 US ring weight - 4.35...
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal Ring Gold Gem Unisex Jewelry Unique engagement ring
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold ring with unique Boulder Opal Opal origin - Australia Opal measurements - 0,24 х 0.0,43 х 0,79 in / 6 х 11 х 20 mm stone weight - 12.70 carats ring weight - 6.89 gra...
Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Oval Cab Pink Opal, Oval-Cut Pink Sapphire Diamond Accents 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 14-karat Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Ring is made up of 10x14 mm Oval-Cab (1 pcs) 5.41 carat Pink Opal, 3x4 Oval-cut...
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal Emerald Cocktail Ring Band .25ct 14K Antique Original 1880's
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1880's Vintage Opal Emerald .25ct 14K Yellow Gold Victorian Cocktail Ring Features two Genuine Round Green Emerald Gemstones Surrounded by Three Fie...
Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat White Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 5.75- This lovely ring features one pear shaped opal (9 mm x 5 mm) surrounded by 27 round single cut diamonds set in classic 14K white...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
10K Yellow Gold Opal Ring Size 6 #16367
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 10K Yellow Gold Opal Ring Size 6 This beautiful 10K yellow gold ring features 4 gorgeous white opal stones! Ring size: 6 Shank: 1.53mm Front: 16.2mm Weight: 2.0 dwt/ 3.0 g...
Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural GIA Certified Oval 3.82 ct Opal Ring in 14K Solid Gold for Women
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Details:Metal and Purity: 14K Solid GoldMain Stone: OpalMain Stone Color: Milky with medium Play of ColourMain Stone Shape: OvalMain Stone Creation:NaturalMain Stone Size: 14...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Opal & Ruby Cocktail ring in 14KT yellow gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Unique Opal and Ruby cocktail ring in 14KT gold. The ring looks very intersting with glimses of ranbow colors in the opal and stunning pinkish red rubies to balance it off. The ring ...
Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro 2.00 Carat Total Weight Tourmaline and Opal Cluster Flower Ring 14k
Located in Miami, FL
The ring is a size 4.5 and weights 4.3 grams in 14k gold.
Opal, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds Opal 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
Vintage ring in 14K gold, 800 thousandths silver with opal and old rose cut diamonds, 1950s.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Inspired Oval Australian Solid Opal Engagement Wedding Ring 14K Yellow
Located in Suwanee, GA
Vintage Inspired Oval Australian Solid Opal Engagement Wedding Ring 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Brushed Gold Opal and Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
A striking blend of modern design and timeless elegance, this ring features a captivating elongated opal that shimmers with a vibrant play of color. The opal is set in a beautifully ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fire Opal Ring Art Deco Princess Bombe 14 Karat Gold Opals Blue Green
Located in New York, NY
INDULGE IN A WONDERFUL ART DECO OPAL PRINCESS RING IN 14 KARAT GOLD OF GREAT BEAUTY.
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
4.00 Carat Total Weight Opal Rose Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: 14 karat Rose Gold [Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Color Stone Details: Type: Opal Shape: Oval Cabachon Carat Weight: 4 carat, total weight. Color: White with R...
Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
1.10ct Natural Australia Opal Diamonds Ring 14kt Gold #12430*
Located in New York, NY
1.10ct Natural Opal Ring. 4.4 x 4.1mm Natural Side diamonds: .06ct H-color Si-1 clarity. 14kt yellow gold. 3.7 grams. Size 6.5 7mm wide ring 4.8mm depth
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Angara Natural Prong-Set 1.1 ct Opal and Diamond Split Shank Ring in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Details:Metal and Purity: 14K Solid GoldMain Stone: OpalMain Stone Color: Milky with high Play of ColourMain Stone Shape: OvalMain Stone Creation:NaturalMain Stone Size: 9x7m...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Angara Natural Oval Solitaire 1.45 ct Opal Cocktail Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted in 14k white gold, this is a simple and alluring opal cocktail ring.
Opal, Gold
Opal Ring Gold Engagement Jewelry Australian Valentine's Day Gift
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Yellow 14K gold ring with natural Black Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.079 х 0.43 х 0.55 in / 2 х 11 х 14 mm opal weight - 2.32 carats ring size - 7 US (this r...
Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Gemistry 1.45 Ct. T.W Double-Row Fire Opal Eternity Band Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
When it comes to your jewelry collection, the dazzling double-row design of this Gemistry gemstone band ring is destined for greatness. This dome-shaped eternity band ring features t...
Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.3Ct Opal Ring with Natural Diamond Accents: Solid 14K Gold, Oval cut 14x10mm
Located in Columbus, OH
Expertly crafted in solid 14K gold, this statement ring blends vibrant play-of-color with timeless elegance.
Diamond, Opal
Amethyst Opal Ring 14 Karat Gold Retro Modern
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful Retro Modern Amethyst and Opal Ring with four oval faceted Amethysts of great beauty with gorgeous purple color and adorned with five round Opal gems. The opals are cabo...
Amethyst, Opal, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
2.94 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2.94 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring This Ring features a Round Cut Fire Opal weighing 1.50 Carats, surrounded by Multi-Colored Sapphires weighing 1.33 C...
Diamond, Sapphire, Fire Opal, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal & Black Enamel Vintage Ring
Located in Webster, NY
Opal & Black enamel ring made in 14k yellow gold.
Opal, 14k Gold, Enamel
Kai Nora 3.50ctw Oval Fire Opal Eternity Band in 14K Gold
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Customizable Options: We understand the importance of having a ring that perfectly fits your style and needs. Available in various sizes, we also offer customization options for a tr...
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural Oval Three Stone Opal Engagement Ring with Diamonds in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Crafted in 14k yellow gold, this three stone opal ring is a gorgeous representation of your past, present and future.
Diamond, Opal, Gold
Angara Natural Solitaire Oval Opal Ring with Trio Diamonds in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: This 14k rose gold opal ring with a unique split shank design looks exceedingly feminine and elegant.
Diamond, Opal, Gold
8.50 Ct Natural Impressive Ethiopian Opal and Diamond 14K Solid Rose Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
8.50 Carats Natural Impressive Ethiopian Opal and Diamond 14K Solid Rose Gold Ring Total Natural Opal Weight is: Approx. 6.50 Carats Opal Measures: Approx. 15.00 x 12.00mm The hea...
Diamond, Opal, Rose Gold
Angara Natural Oval-Shape 1.1ct Opal Solitaire Ring with Diamond 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Stylish and chic, this oval opal ring in 14K rose gold offers timeless elegance.
Diamond, Opal, Gold
Vintage GIA Certified Black Opal Mixed Cut Diamond Halo 14K Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA Certified 5 Carat + Black Opal with vibrant play-of-color takes center stage in this vintage 14K white gold ring, adorned with a dazzling halo of mixed cut diamonds.
Diamond, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1950s 14K Yellow Gold Large Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1950s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 6.4 grams Opal Details: 18.65 x 15.00mm, Natural Opal Side Stone D...
Angara Natural Classic Round Opal and Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Prong set two white diamonds enhance the center stone. Designed in 14k rose gold, this elegant opal and diamond three stone ring is the perfect representation of your memorable past,...
Diamond, Opal, Gold
Yellow Gold Opal & Diamond Halo Ring -14k Quatrefoil Cab 2.03ctw Flower Sz 7 1/4
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/4 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Opal Carat(s): 1.74ct Cut: Quatrefoil Cabochon Origin: Ethiopian Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .29ctw Cut: Single...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Classic Fire Opal with Diamond Accents 14k Yellow Gold Ring For Women/Girls
Located in New York, NY
This Ring is weight 2.50 grams. Crafted with 14K Yellow Gold, this delicate Ring is polished to a high finish shine.
Diamond, Fire Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural Vintage Inspired Opal Flower and Vine Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant leaf motifs and a twisted vine shank complete the unique look of this 14k white gold ring.October Birthstone Ring for Women: Opal is the October birthstone and the traditiona...
Diamond, Opal, Gold
$466Sale Price / item|50% Off
Opal solitaire ring for men silver, gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Round Cut Opal Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 6 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - opal weight 1 ct, round cabochon cut, white color 💍Item ...
Opal, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$466Sale Price / item|50% Off
Opal solitaire ring for men silver, gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Round Cut Opal Ring. Metal: 925 silver plus 14k gold plating over Weight: 6 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - opal weight 1 ct, round cabochon cut, black color 💍Item ...
Opal, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Angara Natural Five Stone Opal and Diamond Wedding Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Oval opals are prong set on the 14k white gold five stone wedding band with sparkling diamonds embellished in between each gemstone.
Diamond, Opal, Gold
Opal Ring Gold Silver Victorian Style Engagement J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Opal Band Ring Gold and Silver Four Stone Victorian Style Designer: J DAUPHIN The Lovers is a slim band ring in a two metal construction, a solid gold band set with four round nat...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
.85 Carat Opal Diamond Halo White Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-century 1950's opal and diamond ring. 14k white gold setting with a .85cts oval center opal and a halo of round cut diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$490Sale Price|30% Off
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
color:GH clarity:SI1 brand:- metal:14K GOLD type: ring weight:2.5Gr size: 6 US
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Cabochon Black Opal and Round Blue Sapphire Asymmetrical Cocktail Ring 14K
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Count: 1 Opal Shape: Oval Cabochon Opal Color: Black Opal Total Carat Weight: 1.06 CTW Sapphire Cut: Round Cut Sapphire Stone Count: 5 Sapphire Total...
Blue Sapphire, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Australian Black Opal 1.188 Carat Ring, 14 Karat Gold Halo Ring
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
14k solid yellow gold with Australian black opal. Stone weight: 1.188 carat opal Cabochon-cut 20 - 1.6mm diamonds pavè setting on halo Bezel set 9x7 Black Australian opal center sto...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural Solitaire 1.45 ct Opal Ring with Diamonds in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: This elegant solitaire opal ring in 14k white gold, is designed with a stylish split shank.
Diamond, Opal, 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).
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.