Vintage Yellow Gold 3 Round Cabochon Opal Braided Shank Dinner Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 6.17 Grams Overall Width: 19.4mm (0.76") (top of the ring - north to south), 3.5mm (bottom of the shank) Overall Height: 8.2mm rise off...
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 7.10 Carat Crystal Opal and Diamond Platinum Solitaire Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Crystal Opal and Diamond Platinum Vintage Solitaire Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage Solitaire Opal and Diamond Rhodium Sterling Silver Statement Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Show Stopper Solitaire Ring, centering an Ethiopian Opal; approx. 0.81tctw, accented by five Diamonds; Tarnish-resistant Sterling Silver Rhodium; Size 8; we...
Diamond, Opal, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold 9.35ct Australian Opal Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in New York, NY
This breathtaking vintage ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and showcases a mesmerizing 9.35ct Australian opal with vibrant flashes of color.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal & Blue Sapphire Diamond Vintage Style Halo White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This exquisite Art Deco-style engagement ring showcases a luminous opal, a timeless symbol of love, hope, and heartfelt wishes. Known for its captivating play of colors, the opal is ...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
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.
Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
7 Carat Black Opal Doublet Diamond Gold Solitaire Navette Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Elegant Finely detailed Black Opal and Diamond Gold Solitaire Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 7 Carat Navette Black Opal Doublet. Surrounded by...
Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage Opal and Pink, Yellow, Blue Sapphire Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Opal and Pink, Yellow, Blue Sapphire Gold Ring.
Opal, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 10k Gold
Vintage 1.48 Carat Opal and 3.03 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1945
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.48 carat opal and 3.03 carat diamond, platinum ring; part of our opal jewelry collection.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage Solid Yellow Gold Round Cabochon Opal Textured Floral Bypass Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Ring Width: 16mm (0.63") (top of the design - north to south), 2.2mm (bottom of the shank) Ring Height: 8.2mm rise off the finger Condition: Vintage.
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold Vintage Black Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14k white gold Diamonds: 1 round brilliant cut = .03ct Color: H Clarity: SI Ring Size: 6.5 (please allow up to 2 additional business days for sizing reque...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Opal Vintage Filigree Elongated Cocktail Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Immerse yourself in heirloom quality craftsmanship with this breathtaking Natural Opal Ring. Expertly crafted in 9k yellow gold, this antique-inspired fine jewelry piece features vib...
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Oval Shape Opal & Diamond Vintage Style 9K Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Ring Information Style: Vintage Total weight: 3.09 g.
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 3.88 Carat Opal Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring, circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning vintage opal and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1.61 Carat Australian Black Opal and Diamond Platinum and Gold Vintage Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
More Beautiful in Real time! The ring epitomizes vintage charm, ideal worn alone or as a lovely Engagement/Wedding Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
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
$1,225Sale Price|30% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Opal , Ruby, Tourmaline & Sapphires Ring 18K & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Opal, Ruby, Tourmaline & Multi Sapphire Cocktail Ring Set in 18K White Gold & Silver — A Jewel of Exotic Color & Artistry Natural Opal - 8 carats Natural ru...
Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, Opal, Green Sapphire, 18k Gol...
Opal Vintage Style Floral Filigree Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A true work of art, this vintage-style ring features a stunning natural opal, its radiant colors glowing like the petals of a rare flower in full bloom.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Blue Sapphire & Opal Antique Vintage Inspired Style Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
The delicate ring will make you feel like a chic woman with a thing for vintage design.
Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Emeralds & Fire Opal Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Emeralds & Fire Opal Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Emerlads 12.00 Carat Natural Fire Opal 3.00 Carats This Ring is from the "Orient" traveling c...
Emerald, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage 14k Yellow/White Gold Pear Opal & Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Elegant and eye-catching, this 14K gold cocktail ring showcases a stunning cluster design. The centerpiece features pear-cut opals with a mesmerizing rainbow hue, artfully arranged t...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Abstract Opal Sapphire Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Limited Edition
Located in London, GB
A striking and sculptural vintage 1960s abstract ring, beautifully handcrafted in rich 18 carat gold.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Large 50ct Australian Solid Boulder Opal Sterling Silver Ring T / 9.5
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Striking and one of a kind, this vintage sterling silver ring showcases an impressive estimated 50-60ct Australian natural solid boulder opal.
Opal, Sterling Silver
Vintage Large 50ct Australian Solid Boulder Opal Sterling Silver Ring U / 10
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Striking and one of a kind, this vintage sterling silver ring showcases an impressive estimated 50-60ct Australian natural solid boulder opal.
Opal, Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold Natural Opal Diamond Vintage Style Three Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Capturing the delicate romance of the Edwardian era, this vintage-style tapered ring features a luminous emerald-cut natural opal at the center, accented by sparkling diamonds and fi...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 11 Carat Oval Shape Ethiopian Opal Cocktail Ring 14kt Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A Huge Cocktail ring Approximately 11 Carat Oval Ethiopian Opal & Diamond Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold Size 6 This spectacular Ring consisting of a single Oval Shape Ethiopian Opa...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Honey Opal & Orange Citrine Ring — 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Honey Opal & Orange Citrine Ring — 18K Gold & Silver Signed Masterpiece • Exceptional Gem Weight • Museum-Level Craftsmanship Experience elevated Mediterran...
Citrine, Opal, Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
Yellow Gold Australian Opal Vintage Cluster Cocktail Ring - 14k Cabochon 1.83ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $50 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Australian Opals Carat(s): 1.76ctw Cut: Oval Cabo...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Garnet Vintage Style Floral Halo Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A luminous opal glows at the center of this vintage-style floral halo ring, its iridescent hues shifting with every movement.
Garnet, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Natural Ethiopian Opal and Green Tourmaline Gold Bombay Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage 1960s Natural Ethiopian Opal and Green Tourmaline Gold Bombay Cluster Ring.
Opal, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opal is pale in colour and has lots of flashes of red, orange and green. The shoulders are encrusted in diamonds. The diamond total of each side is 22pts. The ring is modelled in...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Solid Australian Black Opal & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size K / 5
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Stunning 18ct yellow gold ring featuring a petite, solid Australian black opal showcasing bright green and blue colours with two diamonds accented on the shoulders.
Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k 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
Vintage Pear-Shaped Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage Pear-Shaped Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k Yellow Gold This vintage cocktail ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a substantial pear-shaped white opal weig...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Rose Gold Baroque Fire Opal Cluster Ring, 8 Carats, USA
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Discover the captivating beauty of our 18 karat rose gold fire opal cluster ring, boasting a stunning 8 carat total weight of opals in mesmerizing hues of blues and greens. Perfect f...
Fire Opal, Opal, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unveil the delicate beauty of a snow flower with this Natural Opal and Diamond Vintage-Style Ring. The triple opals, radiating a soft, iridescent glow, forms the heart of the ring, i...
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Solid Gold Opal w/ Rhodolite Garnet Textured Marquise Shape Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 6.6 Grams Size: 6.5 (Fitted on a finger, please contact us prior to purchase with sizing inquiries) Overall Width: 23.7mm (0.93") (top ...
Garnet, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Solid Gold Amethyst and Opal Vintage Style Cluster Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Dreamily captivating, this Amethyst and Opal Vintage Style Cluster Ring blends rich color with luminous beauty.
Amethyst, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Orange Opal, Peridot, Amethyst & Diamond Ring 18K Gold &
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Natural Orange Opal, Peridot, Amethyst & Diamond Ring 18K Gold & Silver Signed Masterpiece • Exceptional Gem Weight • Museum-Level Craftsmanship We pay for...
Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Peridot, 18k Gold, Silver
14K Yellow Gold Solid Emerald Opal Vintage Style Three Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Enchantingly elegant, this Natural Emerald Opal Vintage Style Three Stone Ring blends vibrant color with luminous beauty.
Emerald, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Rose Gold Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Three Stones Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Set on a warm rose gold band with intricate vintage-inspired detailing, this ring seamlessly blends the opal's natural charm with the luxurious sparkle of diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Opal & Emerald Ring Set In 18K & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Opal & Emerlad Ring Set In 18K & Silver Natural Oval Shape Center Opal 8 Carat Natural Emeralds from Zambia 7 Carat Natural Round Diamonds 1 Cara...
Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
Yellow Gold Simulated Opal Rhinestone Vintage Halo Ring - 10k Marquise Cabochon
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 or Down 1 size for $35 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Simulated Opal Cut: Marquise Cabochon Rhinestones Cut...
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.80ct White Opal Cabochon Ring in 9k Yellow Gold, Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine, and impressive vintage 1.80 carat opal and 9 karat yellow gold ring; part of our diverse 1950s gemstone ring collection.
Opal, Yellow Gold
Australian Opal & Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A true statement piece, this stunning cocktail ring will look perfect paired with your favorite Dior evening dress and vintage Hermés clutch!
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage Platinum Large Boulder Nice Play of Color Opal w/ Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Halo Measurements: 22mm (0.86") (north to south) -22.5mm (0.88") (east to west), 3mm (bottom of the shank) Ring Height: 11.5mm rise off the finger Stamp: PT900 - 9.0 - 1.10 Condition...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage Platinum Large 13.64ctw GIA Red Orange Play Opal Diamond Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Opal is in excellent condition. Excellent condition ring and ready to wear!
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Orange Opal & Tanzanite Cocktail Ring — 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Orange Opal & Tanzanite Cocktail Ring — 18K Gold & Silver Signed Masterpiece • Exceptional Gem Weight • Museum-Level Craftsmanship Experience elevated Medit...
Opal, Tanzanite, Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
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
14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Garnet and Opal Vintage Style Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A smooth cabochon garnet sits at the heart of this vintage-style floral ring, radiating a deep, rich warmth.
Garnet, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k White Gold Opal Sapphire & Diamond Waterfall Pyramid Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Round Cabochon - Prong Set - White Base w/ Nice Play of Color - 4.61mm (approx.) (6) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant - Prong Set - G-I...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Opal, Diamond & Tanzanite Cocktail Ring 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Opal, Diamond & Tanzanite Cocktail Ring 18K Gold & Silver Center Natural opal — 6 Carats • Origin: Zambia • pear • Saturated luminous, glowing depth Sides N...
Diamond, Opal, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage 5.73 Carat White Opal and 18k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1990
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 5.73 carat white opal and 18 karat yellow gold ring; part of our diverse collection of vintage gents jewelry collection.
Opal, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Opal Vintage Style Five Stones Band Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style five-stone band ring showcases five shimmering natural opals, each glowing with a unique play of colors.
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Blue Opal & Tanzanite Cocktail Ring — 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Blue Opal & Tanzanite Cocktail Ring — 18K Gold & Silver Signed Masterpiece • Exceptional Gem Weight • Museum-Level Craftsmanship Experience elevated...
Opal, Tanzanite, Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,080Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Blue Opal & Tanzanite Cocktail Ring — 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Blue Opal & Tanzanite Cocktail Ring — 18K Gold & Silver Signed Masterpiece • Exceptional Gem Weight • Museum-Level Craftsmanship Experience elevated...
Opal, Tanzanite, Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage Estate 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Diamond and Trillion Cut Opal Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Estate 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Diamond and Trillion Cut Opal Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
5.82 Carat Opal Diamond Platinum Vintage Cocktail Ring Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Ballerina Vintage Platinum Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set Australian White Opal, weighing 5.82 Carats, surrounded by Diamonds, approx. 2.81tcw.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Edwardian Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful opal and diamond cluster ring dating back to the Edwardian period.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,496Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond & Fire Opal Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Diamond & Fire Opal Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Fire Opal - 9.50 Carat Natural Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds 2.00 Carat This Ring...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
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).
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
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.