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Peruvian Pink Opal, Garnet Bead and Yellow Gold Necklace, 24 Inches
Peruvian Pink Opal, Garnet Bead and Yellow Gold Necklace, 24 Inches

Peruvian Pink Opal, Garnet Bead and Yellow Gold Necklace, 24 Inches

By Sarosi By Timeless Gems

Located in Los Angeles, CA

strand of Peruvian opal beads, sold separately. This necklace can easily be worn day or night, with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, Opal, Multi-gemstone, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Handcraft Coral 18 Karat White and Yellow Gold Opals Diamonds Pendant Necklace
Handcraft Coral 18 Karat White and Yellow Gold Opals Diamonds Pendant Necklace

Handcraft Coral 18 Karat White and Yellow Gold Opals Diamonds Pendant Necklace

By SCALA GIOIELLI

Located in Marcianise, IT

pendant necklace in 18 karat white and yellow gold, set with three strand Australian opals,diamonds and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Judith Ripka Gold Beaded Enhancer Cross Necklace
Judith Ripka Gold Beaded Enhancer Cross Necklace

Judith Ripka Gold Beaded Enhancer Cross Necklace

By Judith Ripka

Located in Southampton, PA

yellow gold infused with with 0.50ct of diamonds and opal stones from a stunning strand of chalcedony

Category

20th Century American Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Chalcedony, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Judith Ripka Gold Beaded Enhancer Cross Necklace
Judith Ripka Gold Beaded Enhancer Cross Necklace

Judith Ripka Gold Beaded Enhancer Cross Necklace

By Judith Ripka

Located in Southampton, PA

yellow gold infused with with 0.50ct of diamonds and opal stones from a stunning strand of chalcedony

Category

20th Century American Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Chalcedony, Opal, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Double Strand Necklace of White Keshi Pearls and Black Opal
Double Strand Necklace of White Keshi Pearls and Black Opal

Double Strand Necklace of White Keshi Pearls and Black Opal

By Aria Jewelry Design

Located in Raleigh, NC

16 Inch double strand keshi Pearl and Black Opal choker necklace. This lovely unique necklace

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Pearl, Sterling Silver

Vintage Multi-Strand Opal Bead Necklace, 14k Gold Clasp With Pearls
Vintage Multi-Strand Opal Bead Necklace, 14k Gold Clasp With Pearls

Vintage Multi-Strand Opal Bead Necklace, 14k Gold Clasp With Pearls

Located in Milford, DE

Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite multi-strand opal bead necklace. Expertly

Category

20th Century European Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold

Gemjunky Vintage Inspired Blue 3 Strand Peruvian Opal Diamond Clasp Necklace
Gemjunky Vintage Inspired Blue 3 Strand Peruvian Opal Diamond Clasp Necklace

Gemjunky Vintage Inspired Blue 3 Strand Peruvian Opal Diamond Clasp Necklace

By Aria Jewelry Design

Located in Raleigh, NC

These fascinating natural Opals - the largest being approximately 12.5 mm - are enhanced with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold Plate, Vermeil

Vintage Yellow Gold Opal and Cultured Pearl Double Strand Opera Length Necklace
Vintage Yellow Gold Opal and Cultured Pearl Double Strand Opera Length Necklace

Vintage Yellow Gold Opal and Cultured Pearl Double Strand Opera Length Necklace

Located in Baltimore, MD

Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Opal & Cultured Pearl Double Strand Opera Length Necklace Metal: 14k yellow

Category

Mid-20th Century Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold

Ancient Coin, Artifacts, Agate and Fire Opal 3-Strand Leather Necklace
Ancient Coin, Artifacts, Agate and Fire Opal 3-Strand Leather Necklace

Ancient Coin, Artifacts, Agate and Fire Opal 3-Strand Leather Necklace

By Vicki Orr

Located in Naples, FL

Bohemian 3-strand dark brown leather necklace with ancient Roman bronze artifacts, ancient

Category

2010s American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Op...

Double Strand Freshwater Pearls with 14 Karat Yellow Gold Set Opal Clasp
Double Strand Freshwater Pearls with 14 Karat Yellow Gold Set Opal Clasp

Double Strand Freshwater Pearls with 14 Karat Yellow Gold Set Opal Clasp

Located in Addison, TX

delicately together on a 32 inch double strand and can be worn long or looped around twice. The opal and

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bohemian 3-Strand Leather Necklace with Ancient Coin, Artifacts, and Fire Opals
Bohemian 3-Strand Leather Necklace with Ancient Coin, Artifacts, and Fire Opals

Bohemian 3-Strand Leather Necklace with Ancient Coin, Artifacts, and Fire Opals

By Vicki Orr

Located in Naples, FL

Bohemian 3-strand black, round-stitched leather necklace with ancient Roman bronze artifacts

Category

2010s American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, Opal, Agate, Multi-gemstone, 22k Gold, Bronze, Yell...

Opal Crystal Necklace
Opal Crystal Necklace

Opal Crystal Necklace

By Giulia Colussi

Located in Milan, IT

Very special couple of opal crystal necklace that you can ware in different way all together or

Category

2010s Italian Artist Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Crystal, Gold-filled

Pinky Pink Peruvian Opals Necklace

Pinky Pink Peruvian Opals Necklace

By Aria Jewelry Design

Located in Raleigh, NC

Double strand Necklace of Pink and white natural Peruvian Opals with Garnet accents Size

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Romantic Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, Opal, Mixed Metal

Opal, chalcedony and morganite necklace
Opal, chalcedony and morganite necklace

Opal, chalcedony and morganite necklace

Located in New Orleans, LA

planets between mesmerizingly iridescent Ethiopian opal rondelles in this double strand necklace finished

Category

2010s North American Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, Morganite, Opal, 14k Gold

Necklace of Natural Peruvian Opals& Onyx

Necklace of Natural Peruvian Opals& Onyx

By Aria Jewelry Design

Located in Raleigh, NC

Double strand Necklace of natural pale pink, pink and grey Peruvian Opals enhanced with matte gem

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Opal, Spinel, Mixed Metal, Other

Opal and Fresh Water Pearl Torsade Necklace
Opal and Fresh Water Pearl Torsade Necklace

Opal and Fresh Water Pearl Torsade Necklace

Located in South Pasadena, CA

Opal and Fresh Water Pearl Torsade Necklace This entire necklace is like a fantasy. A vibrant

Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Opal, 14k Gold

Gemjunky One of a Kind Peruvian Opals & Glistening Gem Cut Black Spinel Necklace
Gemjunky One of a Kind Peruvian Opals & Glistening Gem Cut Black Spinel Necklace

Gemjunky One of a Kind Peruvian Opals & Glistening Gem Cut Black Spinel Necklace

By Aria Jewelry Design

Located in Raleigh, NC

This double strand of RARE and stunning highly polished natural Peruvian Opals (16 mm) enhanced by

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Spinel, Silver Plate, Mixed Metal

Carved Pink Agate and Tourmaline Pendant with Pink Opal and Pearl Necklace
Carved Pink Agate and Tourmaline Pendant with Pink Opal and Pearl Necklace

Carved Pink Agate and Tourmaline Pendant with Pink Opal and Pearl Necklace

By Sarosi By Timeless Gems

Located in Los Angeles, CA

"shell pink" agate with a gorgeous strand of white pearls and pink opal beads! The flower is accented

Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Agate, Multi-gemstone, Pearl, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

1 Strand Grey Brown Opal Necklace
1 Strand Grey Brown Opal Necklace

1 Strand Grey Brown Opal Necklace

By Goshwara

Located in New York, NY

1 Strand Grey Brown Opal Necklace -38'' in 18k Yellow Gold, from 'Beyond' Collection Gemstone

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold

25cts Welo Opal 3 Strand Bead Bracelet
25cts Welo Opal 3 Strand Bead Bracelet

25cts Welo Opal 3 Strand Bead Bracelet

Located in Big Bend, WI

A three strand bracelet of natural earth mined Welo opal beads weighing about 25 carats. The

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Modern Bracelets

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Crystal Opal Multi-Strand Gold Bracelet
Art Nouveau Crystal Opal Multi-Strand Gold Bracelet

Art Nouveau Crystal Opal Multi-Strand Gold Bracelet

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

crystal opals. They are set in 14k yellow gold that has been hand fabricated with filigree designs around

Category

Antique 1890s American Link Bracelets

Materials

Crystal, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gemjunky Double Strand Blue Opal and Czech Bead Necklace
Gemjunky Double Strand Blue Opal and Czech Bead Necklace

Gemjunky Double Strand Blue Opal and Czech Bead Necklace

By Aria Jewelry Design

Located in Raleigh, NC

Elegant 20 inch necklace of two strands Blue Opal (12 MM) and sparkling 3 MM teal colored Czech

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Silver

Natural 160 Ct Ethiopian Opal Bead Single Strand Necklace Opera
Natural 160 Ct Ethiopian Opal Bead Single Strand Necklace Opera

Natural 160 Ct Ethiopian Opal Bead Single Strand Necklace Opera

Located in New York, NY

Natural Opal single strand Bead Necklace with no Clasp. These are Ethiopian Beads 34 inch long 1

Category

2010s Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Opal

Vintage Opal & Diamond Double Strand Pearl Bracelet
Vintage Opal & Diamond Double Strand Pearl Bracelet

Vintage Opal & Diamond Double Strand Pearl Bracelet

Located in Montgomery, AL

: 0.1 Carat Each 1 - 5.4mm Round Cabochon Cut Opal Gemstone Estimated Combined Diamond Weight: 0.9 Carat

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Triple Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace with 14K Yellow Gold & Opal Clasp
Triple Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace with 14K Yellow Gold & Opal Clasp

Triple Strand Akoya Pearl Necklace with 14K Yellow Gold & Opal Clasp

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

Three graduated strands of fine white lustrous Natural AA Akoya Pearls create this stunning quality

Category

Vintage 1950s American Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Andrew Clunn Fire Opal Torsade Necklace 14 Karat Gold Five-Strand
Andrew Clunn Fire Opal Torsade Necklace 14 Karat Gold Five-Strand

Andrew Clunn Fire Opal Torsade Necklace 14 Karat Gold Five-Strand

By Andrew Clunn

Located in New York, NY

A spectacular 17 inch Fire Opal Torsade Necklace by the legendary Andrew Clunn and from his private

Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Opal, 14k Gold

Strawberry Pink Opal Beaded Necklace Strand with 14k Rose Gold Accents
Strawberry Pink Opal Beaded Necklace Strand with 14k Rose Gold Accents

Strawberry Pink Opal Beaded Necklace Strand with 14k Rose Gold Accents

By Sarosi By Timeless Gems

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This strand of pink opal beads is the color of a strawberry milkshake! While opal that does not

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold

Diamonds, Opals, Akoya Pearls, 18 Karat Gold, Multi-Strands Beaded Necklace
Diamonds, Opals, Akoya Pearls, 18 Karat Gold, Multi-Strands Beaded Necklace

Diamonds, Opals, Akoya Pearls, 18 Karat Gold, Multi-Strands Beaded Necklace

Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)

formed by 3 strands of untreated Akoya pearls, which converge in a fabulous opal stone finely carved with

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Retro Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

AJD Stylish Blue RARE Peruvian Opal & Moonstone Double Strand 21" Necklace
AJD Stylish Blue RARE Peruvian Opal & Moonstone Double Strand 21" Necklace

AJD Stylish Blue RARE Peruvian Opal & Moonstone Double Strand 21" Necklace

By Aria Jewelry Design

Located in Raleigh, NC

Shaded from dark blue to white-ish these rare beautiful newly discovered Peruvian Opal gemstones

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Moonstone, Sterling Silver, Silver

Black Opal Doublet and Diamond Ring on Wide 18 Karat Multi-Strand Band
Black Opal Doublet and Diamond Ring on Wide 18 Karat Multi-Strand Band

Black Opal Doublet and Diamond Ring on Wide 18 Karat Multi-Strand Band

Located in Sherman Oaks, CA

specifically for its centerpiece -- a vivid green and blue Australian black opal boulder doublet. The

Category

2010s American Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

127.00 Carat Ethiopian Opal Necklace
127.00 Carat Ethiopian Opal Necklace

127.00 Carat Ethiopian Opal Necklace

By Roshe Jewels

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Gorgeous Ethiopian Opal Necklace with beautiful flashes of color. This rare strand of Opals with

Category

2010s Ethiopian Arts and Crafts Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold

Goshwara Opal and Emerald Beads Necklace
Goshwara Opal and Emerald Beads Necklace

Goshwara Opal and Emerald Beads Necklace

By Goshwara

Located in New York, NY

1 Strand Opal and Emerald Beads Necklace Length 38" in 18k Yellow Gold, from 'Beyond' Collection

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Opal and Rock Crystal Chain Necklace
Art Nouveau Opal and Rock Crystal Chain Necklace

Art Nouveau Opal and Rock Crystal Chain Necklace

Located in Narberth, PA

comprised of opal cabochons that alternate with strands of ornate 14kt yellow gold chain. Each opal link is

Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Chain Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Rock Crystal, 14k Gold

Freeform Boulder Opal Shepherd's Hook Dangle Earrings in Yellow Gold
Freeform Boulder Opal Shepherd's Hook Dangle Earrings in Yellow Gold

Freeform Boulder Opal Shepherd's Hook Dangle Earrings in Yellow Gold

By Eytan Brandes

Located in Sherman Oaks, CA

Two fiery blue and green Australian boulder opals seem to drip from strands of gold to create a

Category

2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Graduated Natural Opal Bead Necklace Vintage Fine Jewelry
Graduated Natural Opal Bead Necklace Vintage Fine Jewelry

Graduated Natural Opal Bead Necklace Vintage Fine Jewelry

Located in Torrance, CA

free or cracks or chips. The opal beads graduate in size from 3.5mm to 6mm at the center of the strand

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pearl Necklace with 14 Karat Antique Style Opal Charm Pendant
Pearl Necklace with 14 Karat Antique Style Opal Charm Pendant

Pearl Necklace with 14 Karat Antique Style Opal Charm Pendant

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

A sweet antique style 14 karat gold pendant frames an iridescent opal stone on this classic strand

Category

Vintage 1960s American Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

A Four Strand Golden Opal Necklace

A Four Strand Golden Opal Necklace

Located in London, GB

These Golden Opals which have an amazing luminous neon lit appearance were only discovered in

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Opal, 14k Gold

Antique Edwardian Opal Swag Necklace
Antique Edwardian Opal Swag Necklace

Antique Edwardian Opal Swag Necklace

Located in Sale, Cheshire

A beautiful antique opal swag necklace dating from the Edwardian era, circa 1910. The stones are

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Opal, 9k Gold

Peruvian Opal Necklace with Diamond Gold Clasp
Peruvian Opal Necklace with Diamond Gold Clasp

Peruvian Opal Necklace with Diamond Gold Clasp

By Ionescu Design

Located in Santa Fe, NM

3 Strands of superb quality faceted Peruvian opal beads with small peridot, crystal quartz

Category

2010s American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Labradorite, Opal, Pearl, Peridot, Quartz, Turquoise, ...

Australian Premium Quality Opal Doublet Pendant in Sterling Silver
Australian Premium Quality Opal Doublet Pendant in Sterling Silver

Australian Premium Quality Opal Doublet Pendant in Sterling Silver

By Renata Bernard

Located in Sydney, AU

the wearer of the "Emma" opal pendant, featuring a premium quality opal doublet sourced from Coober

Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Sterling Silver

Australian Premium Quality Opal Doublet Pendant in Sterling Silver
Australian Premium Quality Opal Doublet Pendant in Sterling Silver

Australian Premium Quality Opal Doublet Pendant in Sterling Silver

By Renata Bernard

Located in Sydney, AU

Truly magical and alluring, the ‘Sophia’ opal pendant features a premium quality Australian opal

Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Sterling Silver

Natural Untreated Australian Boulder Opal Necklace in Sterling Silver
Natural Untreated Australian Boulder Opal Necklace in Sterling Silver

Natural Untreated Australian Boulder Opal Necklace in Sterling Silver

By Renata Bernard

Located in Sydney, AU

The regally sizeable ‘Cordelia’ boulder opal necklace set in sterling silver has style and

Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Sterling Silver

Australian Premium Quality Opal Pendant Set in Sterling Silver
Australian Premium Quality Opal Pendant Set in Sterling Silver

Australian Premium Quality Opal Pendant Set in Sterling Silver

By Renata Bernard

Located in Sydney, AU

Vivid and absolutely beautiful, the "Sara" opal pendant features a sophisticated opal doublet

Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Sterling Silver

TIFFANY & CO. Onyx, Gold, Opal, Mother of Pearl Pansy Necklace
TIFFANY & CO. Onyx, Gold, Opal, Mother of Pearl Pansy Necklace

TIFFANY & CO. Onyx, Gold, Opal, Mother of Pearl Pansy Necklace

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Mt. Kisco, NY

From The Tiffany Nature Collection, a Tiffany & Co. Necklace featuring 10 strands of Onyx beads

Category

20th Century American Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Onyx, Opal, 18k Gold

Australian Premium Quality 9.09ct Opal Doublet Pendant in Sterling Silver
Australian Premium Quality 9.09ct Opal Doublet Pendant in Sterling Silver

Australian Premium Quality 9.09ct Opal Doublet Pendant in Sterling Silver

By Renata Bernard

Located in Sydney, AU

This “Victoria” opal pendant features a fascinating opal doublet (9.09ct) hailing from Coober Pedy

Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Sterling Silver

Australian Premium Quality 3.44ct Opal Doublet Pendant in Sterling Silver
Australian Premium Quality 3.44ct Opal Doublet Pendant in Sterling Silver

Australian Premium Quality 3.44ct Opal Doublet Pendant in Sterling Silver

By Renata Bernard

Located in Sydney, AU

Graceful and alluring is the wearer of the 'key to your heart’ opal pendant, featuring a premium

Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Sterling Silver

Australian Premium Quality Opal 14.50ct Pendant Set in Sterling Silver
Australian Premium Quality Opal 14.50ct Pendant Set in Sterling Silver

Australian Premium Quality Opal 14.50ct Pendant Set in Sterling Silver

By Renata Bernard

Located in Sydney, AU

Subtle but utterly stylish is the "Nicole" opal pendant featuring a premium quality Australian opal

Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Sterling Silver

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Opal Strand For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact opal strand you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, Yellow Gold and 18k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Making the right choice when shopping for an opal strand may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. An opal strand from Goshwara, Gemjunky and Decadent Jewels — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. While most can agree that any opal strand from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Opal version from the 59 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. See these pages for a bead iteration of this accessory, while there are also oval cut cut and round cut cut versions available here, too. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking an opal strand, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Opal Strand?

The price for an opal strand starts at $168 and tops out at $20,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $2,191.

The Legacy of Opal in Jewelry Design

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).

Finding the Right Necklaces for You

We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.

Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers. 

In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs. 

For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone. 

Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt

On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more. 

Read More

This Victorian Necklace Features a Rainbow of Gems

If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.

A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal

Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.

This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making

With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.

[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised

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.

Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected

Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.

7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe

Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.

Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending

Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.

Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels

After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.