Opal Ring Estate
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century Cluster Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Late 20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
20th Century Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Cocktail Rings
Opal, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Italian Contemporary Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary North American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Fire Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Late 20th Century North American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary North American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
20th Century Art Deco Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
1990s American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Platinum
Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Australian Retro Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Early 2000s Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Band Rings
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, ...
Late 20th Century American Contemporary Solitaire Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Black Opal, Opal, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Black Opal, Black Pearl, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Black Opal, White Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Opal, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Cocktail Rings
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
20th Century Italian Cocktail Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Cocktail Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Late 20th Century Unknown Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
2010s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Late 20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
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Opal Ring Estate For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Opal Ring Estate?
The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And 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.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Finding the Right Rings for You
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.
- Do opal engagement rings last?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023Yes, an opal engagement ring can last if you care for it properly. Generally, opals are more delicate than other gemstones commonly used in engagement rings, like diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. As a result, they can be easily damaged, making it important that you take your ring off before performing household chores, exercising, playing sports or doing other activities where you'll use your hands a lot. Find a collection of opal engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- Can you wear an opal ring everyday?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021No, you cannot wear an opal ring everyday. Since they are relatively fragile compared to other stones, opals are not durable for daily-wear.
Dover JewelryFebruary 24, 2021Not recommended! Opals are more delicate then other gemstones and if cared for correctly will last a lifetime and can be handed down throughout generations. - 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023No, opals aren't bad for engagement rings. One drawback of the gemstone is that it isn't as hard as many other popular gems, like diamonds, emeralds and sapphires, so it may be more susceptible to scratches. However, you can still choose an opal engagement ring if you wish. Taking it off before you engage in activities that could damage the ring can help extend its life. Shop an assortment of opal engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021No, opal is not good for engagement rings. Although opal is a beautiful stone, it is not the best choice for an engagement ring. Since they are relatively fragile compared to diamonds and sapphires, opals are not durable for daily wear.
- Can opal rings be worn everyday?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Opal rings are very delicate compared to other stones, and are not recommended for everyday wear. However, with proper care, they can last through the generations. Shop a collection of expertly vetted gems from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Are opal rings Bad luck?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Although opals were considered good luck in Roman culture and a symbol of good luck, there are many legends that link opals with death and bad omens.
- Is opal good for wedding rings?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023Yes, opal can be good for wedding rings. Many people love the unique coloration of opals and opt for wedding rings set with them. One thing to keep in mind is that opals are more delicate than many other gemstones like sapphires, rubies and diamonds, so they are more vulnerable to scratching and breakage. It is a good idea to remove your wedding ring before working with tools, performing chores, playing sports or engaging in other activities that could potentially damage your opal. Explore a variety of opal wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021While opals are more fragile than diamonds, adding a higher risk for a daily-wear ring, they can still be good engagement rings. Opals are thought of as precious and powerful and are said to symbolize fidelity so can be great and unique rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, opal engagement rings can be a good idea. This stone represents faithfulness, confidence, and creativity -- making the stone a fitting choice for an engagement ring. Opals, however, are not ideal for everyday wear.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024The difference between vintage, antique and estate engagement rings comes down to age and history. Rings that are over 100 years old are antiques, while those produced 20 to 99 years ago are vintage. Estate engagement rings are any rings that have had a previous owner. They can include antique, vintage and even contemporary rings produced during the last 20 years. Shop a large selection of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
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Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Talking Diamonds with the Jeweler Behind J. Lo’s Engagement Ring
Alon Ruschin, of Vivid Diamonds & Jewelry, channels his passion for gems into helping clients find just the right ring.