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
Classic Ethiopian Opal Oval Cab and White Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Earring
Located in New York, NY
The 14k Yellow Gold jewelry boasts 9x11 Oval Cab Prong Setting Genuine Ethiopian Opal (2 pcs) 4.86 Carat, along with Natural Round cut white Diamond (24 Pcs) 0.17 Carat, accent stone...
White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sunita Nahata Opal 2.51ct. Drop Earring in 18KYG with White Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Perfect for elevating any ensemble. Opal Drop Earring in 18KYG with White Diamond.
White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
15.3 Carat Opal 18 Karat White Gold Tiered Drop Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, these exquisite earrings are set with 15.3 carats Opal doublet and 1.83 carats of glimmering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the l...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural White Opal Round Cabochon 9k Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural White Opal Yellow Gold Stud Earrings. Beautiful 5mm matching pair of opals with excellent colour, clarity and round cabochon cut.
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.69 Carat Opal Pink Sapphire Diamond White Gold Earrings
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
5.69 Carat Opal Pink Sapphire Diamond White Gold Earrings These earrings have 2 Natural Oval Cut Opals that weigh 2.95 Carats.
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Meira T Boulder Opal & Diamond Drop Earrings 925 Sterling Silver 14K white Gold
By Meira T
Located in New York, NY
These earrings come with diamond accented hook post made in 14k white gold.
Diamond, Opal, White Gold, Sterling Silver
Baroque Grey Pearls Pink Opal Amethyst Diamonds White Gold Dangle Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
The tops are 2 round 10 mm diameter pink opal buttons,middle parts have 2 small full cut diamonds and 2 round cut amethysts, the bottom parts there are 2 baroque grey pearls about 13...
Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Topaz Taper Baguette Calibre Cut Opal Diamond White Gold Stud Earrings
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Elevate your style with these exquisite 14K White Gold Opal, Blue Topaz and Diamond Earrings.
Diamond, Opal, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White 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
Solid 14k White Gold Natural Blue Sapphire Opal Gemstone Studs Earring Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, IN
These are oval natural white opal and blue sapphire halo stud earrings crafted in precious metal.
Opal, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
$2,598Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau White Diamond Pearl Tanzanite Opal Yellow Gold "Birdcage" Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
These Earrings have Tanzanite and Opal. These Earrings have also Enamel and Pearls.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, T...
Oval Shape Opal with Diamond & Sapphire Accent Antique Style White Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Average Color: H Average Clarity: SI Number: 24 Weight: 0.43 Carat (approx. total weight) 14K White Gold. These earrings will be made to your order in 3-5 weeks, contact us to find o...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Opal & Blue Sapphire Diamond Halo Set Vintage Style Stud White Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A final halo of radiant diamonds adds an extra layer of sparkle, reminiscent of snowflakes catching the light. 14K White Gold. Earrings Information Style: Art Deco Width: 11 mm.
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Multi Gemstone Opal Earrings Accented With Diamonds In 14k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
14KT:5.494g,D:0.40ct, Emer:2.71ct,Opal:11.54ct,Tanz:3.12ct, 44X11 MM
Emerald, Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
$14,200 / item
Opal Diamond 18 Karat Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, these exquisite drop earrings are set with 8.65 carats Opal and 2.785 carats of glimmering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the la...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Fire Opal with Diamond Earrings set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Fire Opal 3.30 carats with Diamond 1.17 carats Earrings set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 3.0 cm Total Weight: 8.14 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
$9,500 / item
Opal Diamond 14 Karat Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 14-karat gold, these exquisite drop earrings are set with 7.38 carats Opal doublets and .90 carats of glimmering diamonds. This Opal earring has been sold, but we ...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, White Gold, Gold, 14k 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
Classic Oval-Cab Ethiopian Opal 14k White Gold Diamond Accents Hoop Earring
Located in New York, NY
Each of these pretty earrings from Gin & Grace features a Rubellite gemstone on a lever-back clasp adorned with white diamonds. These earrings are made of rich 14-karat White gold wi...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,227Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau White Diamond Pearl Opal Tanzanite Yellow Gold Birdcage Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
We can ship every piece of our 1stdibs catalog worldwide. These Stud Earrings are made of 9K Yellow Gold. These Earrings have 0.20 Carats of White Diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, T...
Doublet Opal Minimal Stud Earrings With Diamonds Made In 18K White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:4.677g,D:0.49ct, Opal:5.77ct,
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Opal and Diamond Art Deco Style Halo Drop Earrings in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
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
White Opal Diamonds Halo 14K Rose Gold Statement Drop Dangle Earrings
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
These sophisticated earrings are crafted with precision and artistry. Each earring features a central oval white opal, set within a detailed, ornate frame.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
38.62 cts of Pink Opal Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite Pink Opal Drop Earrings, a stunning blend of elegance and vibrant color.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$585Sale Price / set|30% Off
Natural White Opal Stud Earrings in 925 Silver – Handmade with Play of Color
Located in Peshawar, PK
Handmade White Opal Stud Earrings in 925 Sterling Silver – Premium Pear Shape Gemstone Jewelry with Play of Color & Fire 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Opal ⚖️ RING WEIGHT: 6.60 Grams 🪚 S...
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
White Opal & Diamond Art Deco Style Drop 18K Yellow Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This is an exquisite pair of opal drop earrings with Art Deco ear design. The earrings feature a geometric design which is set in prong with opals for their centers. Each earrings ar...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,341Sale Price|20% Off
White Diamond Pearl Tanzanite Opal Enamel Yellow Gold Drop "Birdcage" Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
These Earrings have Opal and Tanzanite. These Earrings have also Enamel and Pearls.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, T...
Pink Rose Opal Flower Floral Motif Diamond Pave Halo 14K White Gold Earrings
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
These exquisite earrings feature a captivating floral design. Each earring showcases a vibrant pink rose flower with delicate petals made of opal, surrounded by a halo of shimmering ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
$3,155Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style White Diamond Emerald Ruby Opal Turquoise Yellow Gold Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
These Earrings have 0.21 Carats of White Brilliant Cut Diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Yellow ...
Set in 18K white Gold, Coral, Ethiopian Opals & Diamonds Rose Cut Stud Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Coral & Opals Stud Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Coral, Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Opal & Blue Sapphire Dangle Earrings With Diamonds In 18k White Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:1.79g,D:5.21ct,SI:19.23g, Sapp:7.00ct,Opal:6.70ct
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, Silver
Opal Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A final halo of radiant diamonds adds an extra layer of sparkle, reminiscent of snowflakes catching the light. Earrings Information Style: Art Deco Metal: 14K White Gold Width: 11 mm.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
$8,353Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style White Diamond Opal Aquamarine Yellow Gold Clip-On Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
These Earrings have 9.80 Carats of Aquamarine. These Earrings have 5.22 Carats of Opal.
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Doublet Opal Dangle Earring With Pave Diamonds Made in 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:6.862g, Diamond:1.13ct, Opal:8.24ct, Size: 47X15 MM"
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Opal Sapphire Diamond Pendant and Stud Earrings Jewelry Set in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This stunning jewelry set features a captivating pendant and matching stud earrings, all set in luxurious 14K white gold. At the center of the pendant and earrings, vibrant opals are...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Style of Opal and Diamond Earrings
Located in Banbury, GB
Length: 6.5cm Width: 1.3cm Weight: 11g _________________________________________ Condition Excellent Comes with Dandelion Antiques Presentation Box _________________________________...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Opal Tunnel Earrings with Diamonds Made in 14k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"14kt gold:1.98g, Diamond:3.24ct, Silver:2.4g, White Opal 10:16mm"
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Silver
Doublet Opal Dangle Earrings With Pave Sapphire & Diamonds In 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:11.425g, Diamond:0.98ct, Opal:13.51ct, Sapphire:1.60ct, Size: 50X14 MM"
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Pink Opal Earrings With White Topaz 1.32 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Pink Opal: 1.18 Carats White Topaz: 0.14 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Dimensions: 8 x ...
Opal, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Pear Cut Opal Crown Motif Drop Earrings with Diamonds in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Each earring features a graceful pear-shaped center opal that dangles elegantly, its milky white surface alive with shifting flashes of iridescent color that dance and change with ev...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Gianni Lazzaro Peridot Rose Cabochon Opal Diamonds White 18K Gold Drop Earrings
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Genève, GE
Earrings White Gold 18 K Gianni Lazzaro Diamonds 8-0,28 ct GSI Peridot 2 Cabochon -7,15 ct Rosa Opale 2 Cabochon-17,40 ct Weight 14,30 gram With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss ...
Diamond, Opal, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14.05 Carat Opal and Diamond Drop Earrings in 18K White Gold with Halo Baguette
Located in New York, NY
Designed in polished 18K white gold, these opal and diamond halo earrings are ideal for collectors of statement gemstone jewelry and lovers of bold vintage-inspired designs.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Pink Opal Earrings With White Topaz 1.32 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Pink Opal: 1.18 Carats White Topaz: 0.14 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Dimensions: 8 x ...
Opal, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Solid 1.1ct Australian White Opal 14k Gold Drop Earrings Pink Blue Cabochon Cut
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A pair of beautiful 14ct yellow gold drop earrings, each set with a premium quality solid Australian white opal.
Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$3,120Sale Price / set|20% Off
VR Jewels 14K White Gold 6.39 CTW Fire Opal Diamond Halo Drop Earrings For her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
These elegant statement earrings feature 2 uneven vibrant natural fire totaling 6.39 carats, beautifully crafted in 14K white gold.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
White Opal Brown Diamonds Peach Morganites 18K Rose Gold Statement Earrings
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
The opals exhibit a captivating play of color, making them a perfect choice for any sophisticated event or evening affair. With Brown diamonds and morganites, in 18K Rose Gold. Intr...
Brown Diamond, Morganite, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cushion Pink Peach Morganite White Opals Halo Diamonds 14K Rose Gold Earrings
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
These sophisticated earrings are crafted with precision with each earring features an opal cabochon at the top, encircled by a halo of white diamonds, creating a striking contrast.
Diamond, Morganite, Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Natural Pink Opal Earrings With White Topaz 1.32 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Pink Opal: 1.18 Carats White Topaz: 0.14 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Dimensions: 8 x ...
Opal, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Opal Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, these exquisite drop earrings are set with 3.41 carats Opal, .68 carats emerald and 1.78 carats of glimmering diamonds. Made to Order. FOLLOW MEGHNA...
Diamond, Opal, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
82.61 Carat Pink Opal and Diamond Dangle Earrings
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
.* A beautiful pair of dangle earrings, with 18.64 carat oval cabochon Pink Opals and 63.97 carat drop shaped Pink Opals.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,950 / item
Opal Diamond 14 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 14-karat gold, these beautiful stud earrings are hand set with 3.54 carats Opal. .36 carats Sapphire and .24 carats of glimmering diamonds. Complimentary conversion to clip...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Fire Opal with Orange Sapphire and Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Fire Opal 2.21 carats with Orange Sapphire 0.58 carat and Diamond 1.12 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 3.2 cm "Since we first opened door...
Diamond, Sapphire, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
23.59ct Carved Jade Dangle Earrings With Opal & Sapphire made In 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:17.981g,D:0.65ct, Jade:23.59ct,Opal:2.53ct,Sapp:4.30ct,
Jade, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Opal White Diamonds Champagne Halo Pave-Set 14K Gold Statement Earrings
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
These elegant clip-on earrings feature opalescent cabochons white opals surrounded by a halo of small, sparkling pave-set diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Big Size White Baroque Pearls Oval Solid Opal Cabochons Yellow Gold Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Simple chic stud earrings with a pair of Oval Solid Opal Cabs measuring 9 x 11 mm set in solid 14 Kt. yellow gold on the top and in the lower parts 2 unusual big size and excellent l...
Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ethiopian Opal Diamond Meghna Jewels Marquise Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 18k gold and sterling silver. These beautiful marquise earrings are handset in 4.80 carat opal and .60 carat of sparkling diamonds. Exquisitely framed in signature "Meghna Je...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Sterling 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).
In the United States, ear piercing didn’t really become popular until the 1950s and ‘60s, but our desire for a dazzling pair of vintage earrings has deeper roots than that. In fact, wearing earrings actually goes back thousands of years, and you can find many tangible connections between now and then in how we continue to talk about these treasured accessories.
Women wore ornamental earrings — studs and hoops at the very least — in Ancient Egypt, which is home to mines that are among the earliest sources of emeralds in the world. Emerald earrings are highly prized today, and their quality lies in their rich, saturated color. The highest-quality emeralds are green or bluish-green. Earrings worn by the affluent in early Roman civilizations were set with precious stones such as diamonds and pearls, and a clean-looking pop of pearl on the front of the lobe is as timeless as ever. Hoop earrings are imbued with symbolism and cultural significance for many, and on view in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Near Eastern Art Gallery is a pair of simple gold hoops from Mesopotamia dating to between 2600 and 2500 B.C.
Today, ear piercing is very popular all over the world, and, as a result, it is difficult to overstate how much everyone pines for a good pair of earrings — modernist drop earrings, glamorous Victorian hoops, geometrically complex chandelier earrings, you name it. Sure, jewelry trends and the fashion darlings of social media come and go, but earrings have a staying power that seems impenetrable: The still-strong love affair between British royals and Cartier earrings is more than a century old, glossy 1970s hoops from legacy houses such as Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels remain the statement makers they’ve always been and although people have been stacking earrings for many moons, the allure of an expertly mismatched stack of charms and studs still feels fresh and new.
While there is no shortage of modern earring designs to choose from, the classics, like coral earrings, Art Deco–style earrings and diamond drop earrings are still heavy hitters. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of antique, new and vintage earrings today.
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.