Vintage Opal Drop Earrings in 14k Rose Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage Opal Drop Earrings in 14k Rose Gold Crafted in 14k rose gold, these vintage earrings feature oval opal doublets in softly rounded bezel settings suspended from elegant Frenc...
Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Opal Drop Earrings
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderful pair of opal drop earrings. Each identical vintage piece has been crafted from a warm 18ct yellow gold with a four-clawed setting playing host to a single ov...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Opal Drop Earrings
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderful pair of opal drop earrings. Each identical vintage piece has been crafted from 18ct yellow gold with a four-clawed setting playing host to a single oval shap...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,162Sale Price|25% Off
9K Gold Opal Vintage Style Floral Cluster Drop Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Enchanting and timeless, these vintage-inspired floral cluster drop earrings showcase glowing opal gems cradled in smooth bezel settings.
Opal, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
Opal & Diamond Vintage Style Halo Drop White Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Opal and Diamond Art Deco Style Halo Drop Earrings, and elegant Art Deco-style pair of earrings feature a stunning round opal at the center, its vibrant play of colors adding a touch...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Silver Topped Yellow Gold 1.85tcw Opal Drop & Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These vintage earrings are crafted in silver topped yellow gold and feature 1.85 carat total weight of opal drops accented by 0.42 carat total weight of diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Silver
White Opal Cluster Gold Drop Vintage Earrings Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Tear Drop White Opal Gold Cluster Drop Earrings.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Oval Black Opal Doublet and RBC Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Oval Black Opal Doublet and Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Vintage Drop Earrings.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$600Sale Price|25% Off
9K Gold Natural Opal and Peridot Vintage Style Drop Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Bring a touch of nature-inspired elegance to your look with these Natural Opal and Peridots Vintage-Style Drop Earrings. A glowing opal sits at the center as the pistil, surrounded ...
Opal, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Silver Tourmaline Opal Multi Color Sapphire & Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 925 Sterling Silver Length: 2.75 inches Width: 25.50 mm Weight: 29.35 grams Ladies 925 Sterling Silver Diamond, sapphire, opal and tourmaline vintage ...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Tourmaline, Silver, Sterling Silver
Opal & Emerald Accent Vintage Style Bow Drop 9K Yellow Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A lovely pair of vintage design drop earrings, each set to the top with an opal within a frame of emerald suspending a bow and a pear shaped opal drop in 9k gold collect setting.
Emerald, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Galleried Opal Glass Pearl Drop Earrings 1960s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A beautiful pair of Vintage Opal Glass Earrings. A large scrolled framed opalescent cabochon stone gives way to a lustrous whole drop pearl for that timeless finish.
Opal & London Blue Topaz Vintage Style Drop Dangle Yellow Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A lovely pair of Victorian design drop earrings, each set to the top with an opal within a frame of London blue topazes suspending a pear shaped opal drop setting. A charming pair of...
Opal, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$712Sale Price / item|25% Off
9K Gold Natural Amethyst Peridot and Opal Vintage Style Drop Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Embrace vintage elegance with these stunning drop earrings, crafted in solid yellow gold.
Amethyst, Opal, Peridot, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Solid Opal Diamond Flower Drop Earrings 9ct White Gold Silver Edwardian
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Exquisite vintage earrings, meticulously crafted in a unique combination of 9ct white gold and sterling silver, featuring stunning flower-shaped drops set with solid Australian cryst...
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, White Gold, Silver
Carved Green Jade & Opal Emerald and Diamond Vintage Style Drop Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Earrings Information Style: Vintage Metal: 9K White Gold Width: 12 mm.
Diamond, Emerald, Jade, Opal, 9k Gold, White Gold
$1,012Sale Price|25% Off
9K Gold Opal Vintage Style Floral Blooming Dangle Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Enchanting and timeless, these vintage-inspired floral cluster drop earrings showcase glowing opal gems cradled in smooth bezel settings.
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14KT Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Floral Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Ethereal and exquisitely feminine, these vintage floral earrings are crafted in 14KT yellow gold and bloom with the soft iridescence of genuine opals. Each petal is meticulously carv...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,425Sale Price|25% Off
Opal and Emerald Vintage Style Dangle Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
These stunning vintage-style dangle earrings feature a radiant round opal at the center, set in a delicate prong setting. Surrounding the opal, vibrant emeralds are arranged in a flo...
Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby, Opal & Sapphire Earrings - 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Red Ruby, Blue Opal & Multi Color Rose Cut Fancy Sapphires Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Australian Blue Opals - 3 carat Natural Mult...
Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gre...
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby, Opal & Sapphires Earrings - 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Red Ruby, Blue Opal & Multi Color Fancy Sapphires Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Australian Blue Opals - 3 carat Natural Multi Color Sapphires...
Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gre...
$2,100Sale Price|25% Off
9K Gold Emerald Opal Pearl and Diamond Vintage Style Floral Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
A true celebration of vintage beauty. A delicate floral motif sits atop the earlobe, accented with vibrant emeralds that bring the design to life. Two luminous pear-shaped opals one ...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Blue London Topaz & White Opal Earrings - 18K Gold & Silv
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Blue London Topaz & White Opal Earrings - 18K Gold & Silver From the “Capri” collection Natural White Opal Cabochons - 20 carats Cabochon Oval sha...
Opal, Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver Plate
$1,305Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Blue London Topaz & White Opal Earrings - 18K Gold & Silv
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Blue London Topaz & White Opal Earrings - 18K Gold & Silver From the “Capri” collection Natural White Opal Cabochons - 20 carats Cabochon Oval sha...
Opal, Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver Plate
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby, Opal & Multi Color Sapphires Earrings 18K Gold &S
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Red Ruby, Blue Opal & Multi Color Fancy Sapphires Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Australian Blue Opals - 3 carat Natural Multi Color Sapphire...
Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k...
Vintage gold tone rhinestone glass opal designer dangle earrings
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • gold tone with rhinestones and glass • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear S...
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Multi Pastel Opals Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silv
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Multi Pastel Opals Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Ruby Oval Shape from Africa 8 carats Natural Pastel color Opals 4 Carat Natural Red Ru...
Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Chanel Vintage Gold Plated CC Pearl Opal Dangle Small Piercing Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Pasadena, CA
Chanel Vintage Gold Plated CC Pearl Opal Dangle Small Piercing Earrings *Marked 02 *Made in Italy -It is approximately 0.5" x 0.9". -In a very good vintage condition AB3002-00954
Chanel Vintage Gold Plated CC Opal Crystal 3 Way Thimble Piercing Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Pasadena, CA
Chanel Vintage Gold Plated CC Opal Crystal 3 Way Thimble Piercing Earrings *Marked 03 *Made in France *Comes with original box -Approximately 1.5" x 0.5" -It can be worn in 3 ways,...
$990Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Blue Sapphire, Ruby & Rose Cut Sapphire Earrings Set In
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Blue Aquamarine, Opal & Rose Cut Blue Topaz Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver From the “Capri” collection Natural Blue Aquamarine - 10 carats Na...
Aquamarine, Opal, Topaz, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Natural Gem Necklace & Earrings, White / Blue Opal & Ruby
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Rich Multi Natural Gem Necklace & Earrings Necklace: Natural Ruby, Colors - Red, Pink, 35 Carats Ethiopian White Opal and Australian Blue Opal, 34 Carats Se...
Opal, Ruby, Fire Opal, Silver, 18k Gold
$1,800Sale Price|25% Off
9K White Gold Solid Natural Amethyst Opal Vintage Style Drop Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Create a graceful look with these Natural Amethyst Opal Vintage Style Drop Earrings, designed to embody elegance and charm.
Amethyst, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Opal & Lapis Lazuli Ornate Dangle Drop Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (4) Natural Genuine Opals - Round Cabochon - Prong Set - White Base Color w/ Orange & Green Color Play - 5mm and 3.5mm (approx.) (2) Natural Genuine Lapis Lazuli - Round C...
Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Victorian Revival Yellow Gold Pear Opal w/ Diamond Drop Dangle Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (2) Natural Genuine Opals - Pear Cabochon Cut - Multi Prong Set - White Base w/ Very Nice Play of Color - 11.8x6.8mm each (approx.) (2) Natural Genuine Opals - Round Caboc...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
White Yellow Opal Grape & Diamond Green Emerald Vintage Style Drop Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dress up her ears in nature inspired elegance with these sophisticated opal grape dangle earrings. Crafted in 18k white gold, each earring showcases an inspiring grape drop design sh...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Opal Grape Diamond Blue Sapphire Black Enamel Vintage Style Drop Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dress up her ears in nature inspired elegance with these sophisticated opal grape dangle earrings. Crafted in 18k white gold, each earring showcases an inspiring grape drop design sh...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Vintage Opal, Lapis, Emerald And Diamond Drop Earrings, Mid-Late 20th Century
By Philip Webb
Located in Bristol, GB
VINTAGE DROP EARRINGS Each one takes the form of a flower with carved lapis lazuli petals surrounding a central cabochon opal.
Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Silver
Unavailable|$1,450
Vintage 14K Gold Drop Earrings with Natural Opals Ornate Scroll Design
Located in Jacksonville, FL
A charming pair of vintage 14K yellow gold drop earrings featuring luminous natural opals set within ornate scrollwork frames.
Unavailable|$6,255
Reinvented Vintage Opal Pearl Diamond & Sapphire Earrings 18 Carat Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
Additionally, the pearls and diamond drop can be threaded onto sleepers and worn as simple yet elegant drop earrings.
Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Opal Drop Earrings 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 14k yellow gold Opal: two oval shape cabochon gemstones Fastenings: friction back fastenings Dimensions: each earring measures 1 3/4-inches long and...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Boulder Opal Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These captivating vintage drop earrings are crafted in 14k yellow gold and feature a pair of striking freeform boulder opals, celebrated for their mesmerizing play of color.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Diamond Vintage Drop Earrings 14 Karat Yellow Gold Earclips
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Opal diamond drop earrings crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. The earrings feature 4 colorful opal gemstones and 12 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing .25 carat total weight. The di...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Opal Diamond Drop Earrings Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 1.25" Length Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish opal & diamond earrings crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa 1980s to 1990s). Opals measure 6mm x 4mm (upper) and 9.5mm x 6mm (lower). Diamonds total an estimated 0.70 carats (...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Diamond Drop Earrings Small Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish opal & diamond drop earrings crafted in 14k yellow & white gold. Cabochon pear cut opals measure 9mm x 6mm. Diamonds total an estimated 0.10 carats (estimated at H-I color a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal and Emerald Accent Vintage Style Bow Drop Earrings in 9k Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A lovely pair of vintage design drop earrings, each set to the top with an opal within a frame of emerald suspending a bow and a pear shaped opal drop in 9k gold collect setting.
Emerald, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century Jelly Opal Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Vintage Halo Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of floral motif cluster surmounts and articulating oval shaped drops Featuring oval shaped jelly opal cabochons measuring 9.7 x 12.0 mm Semi-transparent white in body color...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, White Gold
Natural Blue Sapphire Opal Vintage Style Floral Cluster Drop Earrings in 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Crafted from luminous yellow gold, these vintage-style earrings boast a Floral Cluster Drop design.
Opal, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Grape with Diamond Emerald Vintage Style Drop Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Dress up her ears in nature inspired elegance with these sophisticated opal grape dangle earrings. Crafted in 18k white gold, each earring showcases an inspiring grape drop design sh...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Opal Grape with Diamond Sapphire Enamel Vintage Style Drop Earrings in 18K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Dress up her ears in nature inspired elegance with these sophisticated opal grape dangle earrings. Crafted in 18k white gold, each earring showcases an inspiring grape drop design sh...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Carved Jade Opal Emerald Diamond Vintage Style Drop Earrings in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Earrings Information Style: Vintage Metal: 9K White Gold Width: 12 mm.
Diamond, Emerald, Jade, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century Opal Diamond 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Vintage Halo Drop Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering oval shaped opal cabochons measuring 10.0 x 12.0 mm White in body color and displaying a spectral play-of-color Set with white gold prongs with a recessed halo surround Sin...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Pink Opal White Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Vintage Alhambra Pink Opal Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 2 pink opal stones: 15mm each. These earrings are for pierced ears. Details: Measurements: 15mm x 1...
Opal, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Pink Opal White Gold Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Vintage Alhambra Pink Opal Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 2 pink opal stones: 15mm each. These earrings are for pierced ears. Details: Measurements: 15mm x 1...
Opal, White Gold
1990's Opal Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Vintage Turtle Earrings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as stylized turtles with engraved scales and shell Featuring oval-shaped opal cabochons as head and shell Measuring from 4.5 x 3.5 mm to 9 x 7 mm Accented by flush set sing...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. 1980's Opal Onyx Inlay 18K Gold Vintage Checkerboard Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as round domed yellow gold forms with woven checkerboard motif Inlaid with opal and onyx segments ranging form 1.5 x 2.0 to 3.5 x 5.0 mm Opal is black in body color with str...
Onyx, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Victorian Revival Yellow Gold Round Opal Star Top Drop Dangle Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (4) Natural Genuine Opals - Round Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White Base w/ Green Play of Color - 1.8mm to 4.8mm (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 4.6 Gram...
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Drop Shape Earrings in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This is an exquisite pair of opal drop earrings with vintage ear design. The earrings feature an open-work design which is set with oval opals for their centers, surrounded by lovely...
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow 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).
Earrings are a timeless accessory. Women have been wearing studs and hoops in civilizations as far back as Ancient Egypt. Diamond drop earrings, pearl versions and other antique drop earrings have a long history as well.
While hoops will always be beautiful, drop earrings hold their own as dazzling accessories, and jewelry designers have explored different variations on this style of earring over time.
Although the term is often misapplied, true drop earrings are characterized by a long lean line ending in a pear-shaped stone that drops just below the earlobe. These accessories were popular in the Art Deco era, which encompassed the 1920s and ’30s and ushered in a very distinct look in jewelry design.
There were many influences on Art Deco jewelry; among them, the excavation of the tomb of King Tut in 1922. “Egyptomania” left an indelible mark on all of the major jewelry houses, from Cartier to Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Georges Fouquet. Today, the popularity of long Art Deco drop earrings can be attributed to the influence of Coco Chanel. These earrings are frequently characterized by simple shapes, clean lines and an integration of colorful stones such as blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies to accent the pieces’ diamonds. Indeed, during the 20th century, as technology for diamond cutting improved, diamond drop earrings and other diamond jewelry came into wide popularity. Formal examples of diamond drop earrings pair perfectly with a cocktail dress or fancy pantsuit, while gem-set and gold drop earrings make great daytime accessories.
While there are at least several types of earrings you could be wearing right now, drop earrings work well for anyone who favors a minimalist look. Whatever the occasion, find a wide range of antique, diamond and pearl drop earrings on 1stDibs.
Someone wanted to “modernize” the Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. masterworks, but Mahnaz Collection came to their rescue. Here, the dealer explains precisely why they’re such an extraordinary find.
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
The mismatched, multiple-earring look may have started with fashion jewelry, but A-list fans have taken it to the next level.
From buttons to chandeliers, here are the top styles to get or give in 2020.
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
The classic circle has appeared in countless variations over the centuries.