Antique 15ct Yellow Gold Stamped, Edwardian Opal Bow Shaped Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
The opals, known for their mesmerising play of colour, complement the rich yellow gold wonderfully, making it a fabulous addition to any vintage jewellery collection.
Opal, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary 5.60ct Pear Cabochon Opal & Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Halo Pendant
Located in Towson, MD
A pear shaped cabochon opal of approximately 5.60 carats flashes green, blue, and violet with hints of pink at the center of this opal and diamond halo pendant in 14 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Opal Yellow Gold Earrings with Sapphires and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Opal 4 carats approx. Sapphires 0.50 carat approx.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Sapphire, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 5 #23556
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 5 This striking statement ring features a luminous marquise-shaped opal (17.8 mm x 9 mm) and six round brilliant cut diamonds* set in beau...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid Century 5.60ct Pear Opal 14k Yellow Gold Necklace, 21 Inches
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Understated and luminous, it's a lovely everyday necklace for anyone drawn to the quiet beauty of opal.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
BLACK OPALS Modernist Oval Earrings-Studs In Solid Textured 18Kt Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
They were masterfully crafted in oval shapes with geometric patterns in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with textured finish. They are mounted with very fine matching pair of natural ...
Black Opal, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Flowers Design Boulder Opal Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Flowers Design Boulder Opal Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 2.45ct Australian Black Boulder Opal 9k Yellow Gold Oval Signet Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural Australian Black Boulder Opal 9k Yellow Gold Signet Ring. A stunning 2.45 carat natural black boulder opal with a beautiful blue, purple and green play of colour and an exce...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal Pendant With Diamonds 0.5 Carats 10K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Opal: 0.48 Carats Diamond: 0.02 Carats Metal: 10K Yellow Gold Dimensions: 17 x 6 mm
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ray Tracey Navajo 14k Yellow Gold Amethyst Sugilite & Opal Arrowhead Pendant
By Navajo
Located in Montclair, NJ
Numerous Purple Stones Most Likely Sugilite & Opal - Multi Cuts - Inlaid Set - Purple & White Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 10.08 Grams Overall Width: 18.2mm (0.71") Over...
Amethyst, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Jadeite Opal Pendant Necklace, Mid-20th Century
Located in Sewickley, PA
This enchanting pendant features a luminous jadeite- style circular frame encasing an intricate 18k yellow gold openwork design. Inside, delicately textured gold branches and leaves ...
Emerald, Jade, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Australian Opal Solitaire Slide Charm - 14k Oval Cabochon .41ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Australian Opal Carat(s): .41CT Cut: Oval Cabochon Color: White w/green,pink Total Carats: .41ct Style: Solitaire Slide Charm Me...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Opal Solitaire Ring - 14k Pear Cabochon .22ct Leaves
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Opal Carat(s): .22ct Cut: Pear Cabochon Total Carats: ....
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Natural Black Opal & Diamond Brooch with Play of Color
Located in Chatsworth, CA
Details & Specifications Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 7.92 grams Center Stone: Gemstone: Natural Black Opal Approx.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Australian Opal Cluster Cocktail Ring - 14k Cabochon 1.68ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $60 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Australian Opals Carat(s): 1.68ctw Cut: Oval Cabochon &a...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold / Black Leather Peruvian Opal Bracelet, Adjustable Length Clasp
By Jorge Adeler
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The gemstone’s milky blue and green tones appear to glow from within, evoking misty skies and serene landscapes, offering a sense of calm intimacy against the skin. The opal is set ...
Opal, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Emerald and 2.84ct tw Boulder Opal Drop Earrings
Located in Big Bend, WI
A pair of 14K yellow gold emerald and opal drop earrings with diamond accents.
Emerald, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 2.10 Carat Opal and Diamond 15k Yellow Gold Pendant Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.10 carat opal and 0.13 carat diamond, 15 karat yellow gold double drop pendant with a 15k yellow gold and platinum chain - boxed; part of ou...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Opal Dangle Earrings 14k Pear & Oval Cabochon 3.20ctw Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Opal Carat(s): 3.20ctw Cut: Pear Cabochon & Oval Cabochon Origin: Australian Stone Note: minor crazing Total Carats: 3.20c...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Opal Ring Size 6.75 #15505
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Opal Ring Size 6.75- This stunning ring features 13 round opals set in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold White Opal Cabochon Ring, Circa 1980, Open Setting
Located in Heemstede, NL
The opal's soft, luminous appearance is beautifully complemented by the warmth of the yellow gold.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Bezel Set Opal Endless Hoop Earrings
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K yellow gold Weight: 0.42 grams
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Freeform Earring and Pendant Set
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and artistic set showcasing the natural beauty of opal, crafted in warm 14k yellow gold with a fluid, freeform design.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Ring Opal and Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
Located in Berlin, BE
Elegant 18k Yellow Gold Ring with Australian Opal and Diamonds This stunning 18k yellow gold ring features a magnificent opal of approximately 5ct, showcasing a vibrant play of colo...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Vintage Inspired Antique Style Dinner Cocktail Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
The Opal Art Deco Style Cocktail Ring is a striking expression of love and power.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Opal Earrings with Tsavorites and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Opal 4 carats approx. Tsavorites 0.70 carat approx.
Diamond, Tsavorite, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1925 Opal Calibrated Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. Sublime antique ring, it is decorated with an Australian opal cabochon set with claws, surrounded by calibrated synthesis rubies.
Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Victorian Revival Solid Yellow Gold Opal Cluster Flower Stud Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 5.27 Grams Backing: Post w/ Butterfly Closure (Pierced ears are required.)
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Pendant #17450
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Black Opal and Diamond Pendant- This lovely pendant features a stunning black opal stone accented with one round brilliant cut diamond and set in 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Solid Yellow Gold Earrings Natural Emerald Chandeliers with Tourmaline, Opal
By Renate Exclusive
Located in Naples, NY
Luxurious 18K Solid Yellow Gold and natural emerald chandelier earrings with colorful tourmaline and natural opal.
Emerald, Jade, Opal, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.21 Carat African Opal 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful Gin and Grace Opal ring is crafted in 14k Yellow gold. This ring features a center of massive 6.21 carat Oval shaped African Opal and 36 pcs. of GH- SI quality 0.11 ca...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Bypass Ring - 10k Oval Cabochon .13ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Opal Carat(s): .12ct Cut: Oval Cabochon Color: Green,Bl...
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold White Opal Cluster Vintage Style Dome Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A cluster of luminous oval white opals shines brilliantly at the heart of this vintage-style ring, each held delicately in prong settings.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Australian Opal Solitaire Ring - 10k Oval Cabochon .80ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Australian Opal Carat(s): .80ct Cut: Oval Cabochon Total Ca...
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Art Deco Pear-Shaped Opal & Diamond Ring, 1980s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This elegant ring is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and showcases a captivating pear-shaped opal as its centerpiece.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
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.)
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Rainbow Sapphire and Opal Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
The perfect pastel rainbow gemstone bracelet, methiciously handknotted and finished with a gold clasp. A stunning bright colored mix of precious gemstones around your wrist! This bea...
Citrine, Opal, Quartz, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Turquoise, Larimar, 14k Gold...
12.84 Carat Fire Opal Diamond Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
12.84 Carat Fire Opal Diamond Yellow Gold Drop Earrings Item Specs: 2 Faceted Briolette Fire Opal stones weighing approximately 12.50 Carats (Measurements of Fire Opal Faceted Brio...
Diamond, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Bypass Ring - 10k Pear Cabochon .16ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Opal Carat(s): .14ct Cut: Pear Cabochon Color: White/Blue/G...
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Double-Sided 18K Yellow Gold Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace, 17.75ct
Located in Berlin, DE
Double-sided necklace with natural Australian Boulder Opal in 18K yellow gold gemstone origin - Australia gem size is 15 x 25 mm weight of the Opal - 17.75 carat pendant length - 38 ...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal Pendant With Diamonds 0.5 Carats 10K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Opal: 0.48 Carats Diamond: 0.02 Carats Metal: 10K Yellow Gold Dimensions: 17 x 6 mm
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Effy Pink Opal Heart Pendant Necklace 14kt Yellow Gold 0.89ct 18in New
By Effy
Located in West Hempstead, NY
This beautiful designer Effy heart necklace is crafted in 14kt yellow gold and features a delicate 0.89 carat heart cut pink opal cabochon set in a polished bezel setting.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Bypass Ring - 10k Marquise Cabochon .38ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $30 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Opal Carat(s): .34ct Cut: Marquise Cabochon Color: White/Blu...
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 13k Yellow Gold Lucky Clover and Horseshoe Opal & Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 3.1 Grams Stone: Opal & Pearl Measurements: 20 x 21 x 3.8mm Length: 18" Metal: 13k Yellow Gold Notes: Lucky clover and horseshoe motif pendant Item #: BR-1822-030926-01
Opal, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Natural 1.56ct Australian Black Boulder Opal 18k Yellow Gold Oval Signet Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Set in an 18k yellow gold rubover bezel signet ring. This boulder matrix opal has a black body colour typical of fine opals from Lightening Ridge.
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,680Sale Price|20% Off
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal "Doublet" and Diamond Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: Vintage (Great condition) Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Weight: 14.8Gr Main Stone: Opal "Doublet": Side Stones: 7 Round Diamonds .61pts.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Exquisite Opal Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Plique-à-Jour Dragonfly Pin
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Opal and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Plique-à-Jour Dragonfly Pin showcases the delicate artistry of plique-à-jour enamel, with vivid translucent green wings beautifully fr...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Opal and Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.85 carat opal and 1.68 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold trilogy ring; part of our diverse antique opal engagement rings collection.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Opal Emerald Diamond Art Deco Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Opal Pendant features a luminous oval cabochon opal accented with emeralds and diamonds in 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquis-Cut Opal and Coral Grapevine Stud 14K Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Super cute 14k solid gold grapevine design stud earrings. Natural Opal and Coral are prong set and oval cut. Earrings set with 14k gold push back closure. Real, solid 14k gold studs...
Coral, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Victorian Revival Yellow Gold Cabochon Fiery Opal Dangle Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (3) Natural Genuine Opals - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White Base w/ Fiery Green, Orange, & Blue Play of Color - Range from 7.7x5.3mm to 8.9x7.3mm (approx.) (12) N...
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Gin & Grace 14K Yellow Gold Pear-Cut Pink Opal Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Pendant is crafted from 14K Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Pendant is made up of Pear-Cut Pink Opal (1 pcs) 2.40 carat and Round-cut Whi...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gin & Grace 14K Yellow Gold Oval-Cut Pink Opal Ring
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 14K Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Ring is made up of Oval-Cut Pink Opal (1 pcs) 3.75 carat and Round-cut White Dia...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Opal & Diamond Halo Ring - 18k Oval Cabochon 10.13ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: Please contact us for sizing information. Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold & 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Opal Carat(s): 8.12ct Cut: Oval Cabochon Origin: Australi...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
10K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Pin/Pendant #15010
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 10K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Pin/Pendant This gorgeous pin has a beautiful opal set in 10K yellow gold and surrounded by 6 sparkling, single and round brilliant cut diam...
White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Two Carat Cluster Pear Shaped Opal Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Australian Opal Approx. Opal Carat Weight: 2.00cttw Band Material: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Cut: Pear **Due to the uniqueness of the opal stone, there ...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal Cluster Vintage Style Hexagon Shape Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A dreamy opal blooms at the center of this vintage-style cluster ring, glowing with soft rainbow hues.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Twig Ring Size 7.5 #19801
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Twig Ring Size 7.5 This beautiful ring features a stunning white opal stone set in a 14K yellow gold twig themed band!
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 3.45ct Australian Black Boulder Opal 18k Yellow Gold Oval Signet Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Set in an 18k yellow gold rubover bezel signet ring. This boulder matrix opal has a black body colour typical of fine opals from Winton, Queensland.
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage High Karat Yellow Gold Australian Opal East Asian Earrings
Located in New York, NY
The opals provide shifting play-of-color, while the rich 20k yellow gold creates a warm frame around the stones.
Opal, 10k 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).