Peruvian Opal Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver, Mixed Metal
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Opal, Jasper, Gold Plate
Late 20th Century Peruvian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Onyx, Opal, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Onyx, Opal, Spinel, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Moonstone, Opal, Pearl, Rainbow Moonstone, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Chalcedony, Opal, Tanzanite, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Mixed Metal
2010s Peruvian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Silver Plate
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Pearl, Silver
2010s Peruvian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold
2010s Peruvian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Turquoise, Sapphire, 14k Gold
2010s Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Peruvian Modern Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Peruvian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Morganite, Opal, Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
2010s American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Blue Sapphire, Palladium
2010s Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Vermeil
2010s European Modern Beaded Necklaces
Aquamarine, Citrine, Opal, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Turquoise, Chrysophrase,...
2010s European Modern Beaded Necklaces
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Opal, Peridot, Apatite, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Pearl, Quartz
Recent Sales
2010s Peruvian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Amber, Opal, Hessonite, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary More Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
Singaporean More Necklaces
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Jade, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Tiger's Eye, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Citrine, Opal, Quartz, Hessonite, Vermeil
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Quartz, Other, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Vermeil
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Rock Crystal, Vermeil, Sterling ...
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Vermeil
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Peruvian Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Croatian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Pearl, Copper
2010s American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Chalcedony, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Chrysocolla, Sterling Silver
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Aquamarine, Jade, Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Greek Neoclassical Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary More Necklaces
Chalcedony, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone, Onyx, Pearl, Quartz, Sapph...
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Hessonite, Garnet, Vermeil
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Onyx, Pearl, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Labradorite, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
2010s British Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, Palladium, Platinum
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Quartz, Gold Plate
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artist Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Vermeil, Mixed Metal
2010s American Chain Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Garnet, Opal, Multi-gemstone, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Cultured Pearl, Quartz, Gold Plate
21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Beaded Necklaces
Chalcedony, Opal, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Vermeil, Sterling Si...
21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces
9k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Peruvian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold Plate
21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Coral, Opal, 14k Gold, Gold-filled, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Beaded Necklaces
Coral, 10k Gold, Gold-filled, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Chrysophrase, Opal, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
2010s American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Necklace Enhancers
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Opal, Pearl, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, White D...
21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Beaded Necklaces
Chalcedony, Opal, Cultured Pearl, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Romantic Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Romantic Multi-Strand Necklaces
Garnet, Opal, Mixed Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Amethyst, Opal, Spinel, Mixed Metal, Other
2010s American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Mixed Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Mixed Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Amazonite, Garnet, Opal, Pearl, Sterling Silver
People Also Browsed
Late 20th Century Scarves
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Stud Earrings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Chain Necklaces
Gold, 9k Gold
2010s American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Turquoise, Vermeil
2010s Unknown Art Deco Stud Earrings
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Thai Contemporary Drop Earrings
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s German Choker Necklaces
Gold Plate
20th Century Chain Bracelets
Vintage 1980s Brooches
Late 20th Century Chinese Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Agate, Jade, Silver
Vintage 1980s Beaded Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Band Rings
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Tennis Bracelets
Malachite, Silver, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century French Engagement Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Dangle Earrings
Labradorite, Tourmaline, Sterling Silver, Silver
2010s Turkish Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Turquoise, Cultured Pearl, Gilt Metal
Peruvian Opal Necklaces For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Peruvian Opal Necklaces?
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.
- Is a Peruvian opal a real opal?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, a Peruvian opal is a real opal, but it’s classified as a common opal rather than a precious opal. It’s the precious opal that’s known for it’s flashes of fire and brilliance. A common opal has a milky and pastel appearance. Find vintage and contemporary Peruvian opal jewelry from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
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