Vintage 9.56 Carat Blue Sapphires and Opal Center Cluster Cocktail Ring 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 9.56 Carat Blue Sapphires and Opal Center Cluster Cocktail Ring 14k Gold.
Opal, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 4.92 Carat Fire Opal and 1 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage English 4.92 carat fire opal and 1 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage opal jewellery collections.
Diamond, Fire Opal, Yellow Gold
Vintage 5.50 Carat White Opal and RBC Diamond 2-Tone Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage White Opal and Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Oval Cabochon Opal and Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 7 This stunning opal and diamond ring showcases a captivating design that perfectly blends vibrant color and elegance. The centerpiece of the ring is an eye-catching ova...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,588Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 14k Gold Oval Cabochon Opal Cocktail Ring w/ 4.00ctw Round Diamond Halo
Located in Montclair, NJ
This magnificent fancy vintage ring is crafted in solid 14k yellow gold and features a breathtaking opal gemstone neatly and elegantly multi-prong set at the center of stunning halo ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14.50ct Natural Opal Diamond Ring 14k White Gold Large Oval Cocktail 5
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage opal & diamond cocktail ring (circa 1970s to 1980s) crafted in 14 karat white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
70s Opal Diamond Abstract Ring Sz 5 Vintage 18k Gold Cocktail Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage opal & diamond 'abstract' ring (circa 1970s) crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Opal measures 10.5mm x 7.5mm. 11 small single cut diamonds total an estimated 0.05 car...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
13K Yellow Gold Vintage Opal Ring 6.8g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies' vintage opal and 13k yellow gold ring. The ring tests 54% gold using an XRF metals analyzer. Gross ring weight is 6.8 grams. The opal is one solid piece with green flashes an...
Opal, Yellow Gold
Vintage Edwardian Platinum 3 Carat Black Opal Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
Captivating and rich in character, this Edwardian platinum ring showcases a luminous black opal with exceptional flashes of blue and green. Delicate butterfly motifs grace each sho...
Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage Opal Ring Circa 1950's 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Opal jewelry
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Ethiopian Opal Ring Authentic Hand made Natural Stones Nice color and brilliance. 14k Yellow Gold approx 7.50 grams Area design size approx 24 x 17 mm Center Opal size 8x6mm ...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Vintage Opal Ring 3.5g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage opal and diamond ring in 14k yellow gold floral design mounting. Stamped 14k, Plat, and weighs 3.5 grams gross weight. The Australian black opal has excellent, bright green a...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.88 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Black Opal and Diamond Vintage Platinum Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 6.74 carat Australian opal diamond platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage ring showcases a square cut Australian opal weighing a generous 6.74 carats, its broad face catching the light with vivid, ever-shifting color across its surface. Ten ro...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage 14K Gold Fire Opal Briar Patch Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This 14k gold ring is reminiscent of a briar patch, with four iridescent fire opals held within twisted vines of 14k gold. The gorgeous fire opals are mesmerizing to look at—they hav...
Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Le Vian 14K Rose Gold Opal Diamond Ring Halo Cocktail Ring Size 6.75
By Le Vian
Located in Addison, TX
Details Designer: Le Vian Metal: 14K Rose Gold Ring Size: 6.75 Total Weight: 6.7 grams Center Stone: Natural Oval Cabochon Opal Opal Color: Multi-Color Play-of-Color (Green, Orange, ...
Amber, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Australian Opal 18k Gold Cocktail Ring circa 1970s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning Australian Opal 18k Gold Cocktail Ring from the circa 1970s exemplifies vintage elegance and bold craftsmanship.
Antique Vintage Estate Diamond And Opal Palladium Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
Palladium Antique Vintage Estate Diamond And Opal Ring. This antique vintage estate ring features a mesmerizing large opal cabochon with fiery rainbow play-of-color, set in lustrous ...
Diamond, Opal, Palladium
Vintage Ethiopian Opal Silver Ring Medusa unisex ring 7.5 size
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver ring with natural Opal gemstone origin - Ethiopia ring weight - 7.34 grams ring size - 7.5 US gem size is 0.51 х 0.59 x 0.67 in / 13 х 15 х 17 mm
Opal, Silver
14K Yellow Gold Natural Opal Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Capture the essence of vintage romance with this exquisite Natural Opal Vintage Style Ring. Evoking the elegance of the Edwardian era, the delicate yellow gold band showcases a gradu...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Ring with Garnets and Opals
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This vintage 18K yellow gold ring features an elegant vertical arrangement of two deep red garnets accented by two small opals. The gemstones are set on a sculptural, textured gold b...
Garnet, Opal, 18k 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. The ring is Hand crafted in 14K Yellow Gold. Measuring a...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Opal & Ruby Chevron Ring – 14k Yellow Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
Make a bold yet romantic statement with this vintage teardrop-shaped chevron ring, featuring a luminous opal centerpiece accented by rich red rubies totaling approximately 0.60 carat...
Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 9ct Gold & Opal Doublet Signet Style Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine vintage gold and opal signet style ring. With oval opal doublet cabochon bezel set in 9ct gold. Simply a great ring! Date: 20th Century Overall Condition: It is in o...
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold
Large Black Opal Silver Ring Colorful Australian Gemstone Mens ring vintage gift
Located in Berlin, DE
Large matte finish silver ring with natural Black Opal gemstone origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.12 x 0.51 x 0.91 in / 3 x 13 x 23 mm opal weight - 8.55 carats ring size - 8...
Opal, Black Opal, Silver
Vintage 5.00 Carat Opal and Diamond Cluster Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exquisite dress ring featuring a large white opal at its centre boasting a mesmerising play of colour including flashes of oranges and greens. Encircling this princip...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Opal Scratched Silver Ring Natural Australian Gemstone gift vintage
Located in Berlin, DE
This elegant sterling silver ring features a natural dark opal sourced from Australia, renowned worldwide for producing opals of mesmerizing color and depth. The gemstone weighs 1.06...
Opal, Silver
14K White Gold Vintage Opal & Diamond Ring, 8.7g, .35tdw
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
14K White Gold Vintage Opal & Diamond Ring, 8.7g, .35tdw Ladies Australian opal and diamond vintage ring in 14k white gold setting. Tests 56.5% gold using a XRF metals analyzer....
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 6 Carat Boulder Opal Gold Solitaire Halo Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Solitaire Boulder Opal Gold Vintage Halo Ring. Featuring a securely nestled Hand set 6 Carat Boulder Opal. Hand crafted Diamond Cut 8K White Gold mounting. Ring siz...
Opal, Gold, White Gold
Vintage 5.12 Carat Australian Black Opal and Marquis Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely Detailed Vintage Black Australian Opal and Diamond Platinum Solitaire Cocktail Vintage Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 0.68 Carat Opal and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 1960s 0.68 carat opal and 18 karat yellow gold ring; part of our diverse collection of vintage gents jewelry collection. This fine and impressive vinta...
Opal, Yellow Gold
Vintage opal diamond 14k yellow gold silver cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This captivating vintage cluster ring centers on a mesmerizing cabochon cut opal measuring approximately 17.91mm by 11.25mm, displaying a beautiful play of color that shifts with lig...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 1.75 Carat Black Opal, Emerald and Diamond Platinum Navette Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Elegant Finely detailed Black Opal, Emerald and Diamond Platinum Vintage Navette Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 2.77 Carat Black Australian Opal and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Black Australian Opal and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 2.77 Carat Black Australian Opal.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage Yellow Gold Bezel Colorful Boulder Opal & Diamond Freeform Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Free Form Cut - Bezel Set - White Base w/ Strong Play Of Colors- 22.7x10.7mm (approx.) (4) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
1.46 ctw Diamond Opal Ring Vintage 14K White Gold
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
1.46 ctw Diamond Opal Ring Vintage 14K White Gold This estate ring is made in solid 14K White Gold and set with genuine Opal and diamonds. The center Earth mined Pear Cut Opal measu...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Large Ethiopian Opal Vintage Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Large Ethiopian Opal Vintage Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold Vintage Opal Diamond Ring features a large dome Oval-shaped Ethiopian Opal in the center with Flashes of Green, Orange, a...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
6.5 Carat Australian White Opal and Diamond Platinum Vintage Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed 6.5 Carat Australian White Opal and Diamond Platinum Vintage Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Victorian Jelly Opal Cluster Gold Vintage Ring Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Victorian Natural Jelly Opal Cluster Gold Cluster Ring. Hand set with 6.00tcw Natural Ethiopian Opals and 3.50tcw Green Tourmaline. The ring is skillfully H...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,198Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Platinum High Quality 4.35ctw Opal & Diamond Halo Classic Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Multi-Prong Set - White Color w/ Amazing Play of Green, Blue & Yellow Color - 12.1x10mm / 2.33ct (approx.) (15) Natur...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 3.88 Carat Opal Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring, circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 3.88 Carat opal and 0.18 Carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate je...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Victorian Opal and Diamond Silver on 18K Gold Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Victorian Vintage Opal and Diamond Silver on Gold Ring. Securely Hand set with .50tcw Opal and .15tcw Diamonds. The ring is Hand crafted in Silver on Gold. Measurin...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
$2,120Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Platinum Pear Fiery Australian Opal w/ Diamond Bee Fly Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Australian Opal - Pear Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White Base w/ Fiery Nice Play of Colors - 13.2x9.4mm - 2.50ct (approx.) (16) Natural Genuine Diamo...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
1.00 Carat Black Opal Diamond Platinum Vintage Style Ring by Meghna Jewels
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This elegant platinum ring centers a captivating 1.00 carat oval-cut black opal displaying vivid flashes of fiery red, orange, green, and electric blue across a dark body tone. The o...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1.00 Carat Rectangular Opal and Diamond Gold Halo Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Rectangular Opal and Diamond Gold Halo Ring. Centering a securely nestled 1 Carat Rectangular Opal. Surrounded by approx. .24tcw Diamonds and on shank. Hand...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 3.32 Carat Oval Dark Gray Opal and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Dark Gray Opal and Diamond Platinum Vintage Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage 4.01 Carat Boulder Opal, Baguette and RBC Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! A Vintage Boulder Opal Gemstone and Diamond Platinum Statement Ring featuring a 4.01 Carat Natural Australian Boulder Opal Center Stone. Surrounded by Baguette and ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
GIA Certified 8.45 Carat Black Opal & Diamond Halo Platinum Vintage Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA Certified Vintage 8.45 Carat Natural Black Opal & 0.70 Carat Diamond Halo in Platinum 900 Halo Set Cocktail Ring, Size 6.75.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Marquise Australian Opal & Ruby Halo 14k Gold Cocktail Ring circa 1960s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning Marquise Australian Opal & Ruby Halo 14k Gold Cocktail Ring from the circa 1960s exudes vintage elegance and vibrant color.
Vintage 8 Carat Vibrant Orange Pear Fire Opal and Diamond Ring Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Elegant and Finely detailed Vibrant Orange Pear Mexican Fire Opal and Diamond Vintage Gold Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled and Hand set 8 Carat Vibrant Orange Pear Mexica...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal
Vintage Boulder Opal ring silver large 8.5 US size gold ring natural gemstone
Located in Berlin, DE
Vintage 18K yellow gold plated and matte finish silver ring with natural Australian Boulder Opal opal origin - Lightning Ridge, Australia boulder opal measures - 0.16 x 0.35 x 0.63...
Opal, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Cluster Ring, 1.90ct, Circa 1990
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful vintage opal and diamond cluster ring is a graceful 1990’s design, centered by a white Australian opal weighing approximately 1.90 carats. The opal displays a luminous...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Boulder Opal Ring silver Green Blue Australian Gemstone unisex vintage
Located in Berlin, DE
Large matte finish silver ring with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal weight - 10.6 carats ring weight - 8.05 grams ring size - 8 1/4 US opal measurements - 0.2 х 0....
Opal, Silver
Large Boulder Opal Ring silver Green Blue Australian Gemstone unisex vintage
Located in Berlin, DE
Large matte finish silver ring with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal weight - 10.6 carats ring weight - 8.05 grams ring size - 8 1/4 US opal measurements - 0.2 х 0....
Opal, Silver
$958Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Yellow Gold 3 Round Cabochon Opal Braided Shank Dinner Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (3) Natural Genuine Opal - Round Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White Base w/ Nice Play of Colors - 3.4mm to 3.9mm (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: ...
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 5.38 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Ballerina Vintage Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA Certified vintage 5.83 carat black opal and diamond halo ballerina ring in platinum 900.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Natural Opal Vintage Style Filigree Three Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Steeped in historical charm, this mesmerizing Natural Opal Vintage Style Filigree Three Stone Ring beautifully evokes the grandeur of an Edwardian era inspired masterpiece. Three glo...
Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
1.61 Carat Australian Black Opal and Diamond Platinum and Gold Vintage Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed 1.61 Carat Australian Black Opal and Diamond Platinum and Gold Ring. Centering a securely nestled 1.61 Carat Australian Black Opal, surrounded by Di...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Mid Century Modern 2 Carat White Opal and Diamond Vintage Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed 2 Carat White Opal and Diamond Gold Vintage Mid Century Modern Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Diamond & Green Opal Chrome Diopside Cabochon Ring, 8
Located in New York, NY
A vintage 14K white gold cocktail ring featuring a green opal cabochon at its center, encircled by a vivid halo of chrome diopside and an outer halo of sparkling white diamonds total...
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
Vintage 11.22 Carat Boulder Opal and Diamond Platinum Ring Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Boulder Opal and Diamond Platinum Ring featuring a 11.22 Carat Natural Boulder Opal Center Stone. Accented either side by .12tcw Diamonds. Set-in Beautifull...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
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).
A flashy symbol of wealth during the early 20th century, antique and vintage cocktail rings have gained broader appeal in the decades since for the hefty dose of glamour they bring to any ensemble.
Cocktail rings earned their name for their frequent appearances during glitzy cocktail parties at the height of the Prohibition era. Back then, these accessories were seen not only as statement pieces but as statements in and of themselves. They openly represented a sense of freedom and independence as well as a demonstration of opulence. After all, the 1920s heralded the Harlem Renaissance and Art Deco design, and a slew of social and cultural shifts meant that women in particular were breaking from pre–World War I conventions and embracing newfound freedoms to express themselves as individuals.
Women expressly wore cocktail rings on the fingers of their right hand versus the left, which was “reserved” for an engagement ring or wedding band, accessories definitely paid for by a suitor. And for cocktail rings, the bigger the colored gem at the center — which is usually mounted in a high setting — and the more elaborate the design, the stronger the likelihood of being noticed.
Cocktail rings remained a popular piece of jewelry for women until the 1930s, when the Great Depression and the onset of war marked a change in behaviors nationwide. While the 1960s and ’70s saw a return in visibility for the accessory, it wasn’t until the 1980s that cocktail rings once again assumed their position as a beacon of luxury and glitz.
During the 20th century, the range of dazzling cocktail rings seems to have been limitless, from glimmering gold rings set with carved jade diamonds designed by David Webb to Pomellato’s pink quartz confections to striking Gucci butterfly rings with accent diamonds set in a pavé fashion.
So, how do you wear a cocktail ring? Cocktail rings “can be worn for almost anything — dinners, date nights, parties, special events, on the red carpet,” explains David Joseph of New York-based jewelry brand Bochic.
Can you wear cocktail rings with other rings? “In my opinion, cocktail rings should stand on their own since they showcase a large gem in the center,” says Joseph.
These glamorous jewels can be worn inside or outside crowded taverns, in either daytime or nighttime with casual or dressy attire. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique and vintage cocktail rings, including those offered by Chanel, whose elegant cocktail rings often feature pearls and, of course, diamonds, and sometimes were styled after showy flowers like the camellia, and Van Cleef & Arpels, whose detailed and intricate designs are viewed as miniature pieces of wearable art.
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.