Dalben Disc Bead Australian Opal Rose Gold Necklace
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design one of a kind hand crafted necklace composed of disc bead Australian opals and a 18 k rose gold closure.
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Australian Lightning Ridge Opal Rose Gold Necklace
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design hand crafted necklace composed of 41 carat Australian Opals from Lightning Ridge and 18 k rose gold satin finishing closure.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Australian Lightning Ridge Opal Rose Gold Necklace
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design hand crafted necklace composed of 114 carat Australian Opals from Lightning Ridge and 18 k rose gold satin finishing closure.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Opal necklace silver Blue Boulder Natural Australian Gemstone
Located in Berlin, DE
Matte finish silver pendant with natural Boulder "Koroit" Opal gemstone origin - Australia gemstone size - 0.32 x 0.67 х 1.18 in / 8 х 17 х 30 mm gemstone weight - 36.5 carat penda...
Opal, Silver
Dalben Design Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Necklace
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a Kind 18k yellow gold matte finishing necklace with a bezel-set deep blue Australian Boulder Opal weight 4,29 carat.
Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Australian Opal Rose Cut Diamond Gold Necklace
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design Opal pendant necklace with 5 blue-green Australian Opals and 2 rose cut Diamonds weight 0,02 carats mounted in 18 kt white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
14K Gold Cross Pendant Necklace, Australian Opal Doublet
Located in Suwanee, GA
14K Gold Cross Pendant Necklace, Australian Opal Doublet. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.15 Carat Australian Opal in 1.00 Carat Round Diamond Halo in Platinum Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
This pendant features a 5.15ct Lightning Ridge Australian opal set in a platinum necklace and accented with 1.00ctw in round cut diamonds forming the halo.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Opal Gold Pendant Boulder Australian Nature Inspired Necklace
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold pendant with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.24 х 0.71 х 1.38 in / 6 х 18 х 35 mm stone weight - 13.65 carats pendant length - 1.73...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
15.04 Carat Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Platinum Pendant Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This extraordinary one-of-a-kind pendant showcases a mesmerizing natural Australian Boulder Opal weighing approximately 15.04 carats, alive with vivid flashes of electric red, fiery ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Australian Boulder Opal Necklace Sterling Silver Pendant 15.7ct gift
Located in Berlin, DE
Elegant 925 solid sterling silver pendant featuring a stunning natural Boulder Opal weighing 15.7 ct. This Australian opal displays unique patterns and colors, making it a one-of-a-k...
Opal, Sterling Silver
Aria Jewelry 25in Australian Yellow Opal Necklace with Turquoise
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
Discover the beauty of this unique necklace featuring highly polished Australian Yellow Opal pebbles, perfectly complemented by Southwestern-inspired accents.
Coral, Opal, Turquoise Matrix, Silver
Dalben Design Australian Boulder Opal and Rose Gold Necklace
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a Kind 18k rose gold matte finishing necklace with a bezel-set pink-green Australian Boulder Opals total weight 21,4 carat.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
9K Yellow Gold Australian Opal Sapphire Diamond Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Its natural iridescence, with shifting shades of pink, blue, and green, gives off a mesmerizing and almost magical effect, characteristic of opals from the renowned Australian mines....
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Australian Opal Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Refined and elegant, this necklace is a true masterpiece of fine jewelry, crafted in 18K yellow gold and adorned with two exceptional Australian opals.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Opal Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Pendant necklace total weight 15.70 grams Diamond weight 1 karat Opals weight 40 karat Chain Lenght 42 cm
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Opal Single Strand Necklace 14K Yellow Gold 17 Inches
Located in New York, NY
Adorn this gorgeous single strand necklace for an amazing statement look. This necklace features round Australian Opal beads, well matched with 14k yellow gold clasp.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Opal Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
At the heart of this necklace are the opals, sourced from the renowned mines of Australia, known for producing some of the world's most vibrant and fiery opals.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Boulder Opal black silver necklace Grey Blue Natural Australian Gemstone
Located in Berlin, DE
Black patina silver necklace with natural Boulder Opal gemstone origin - Australia opal weight - 45.6 carat pendant weight - 14.55 grams pendant length - 2.36 in / 60 mm opal measur...
Opal, Silver
Minimalist Geometric Pentagon Doublet Opal Pendant Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Minimalist Geometric Pentagon Australian Doublet Opal Pendant Necklace 14k Yellow Gold.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Beautiful Minimalist Australian Black Opal Necklace 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Minimalist Australian Black Opal Necklace 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
3.51 Carat Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A captivating pendant showcasing a vibrant black opal, weighing 3.51 carats, surrounded by 1.01 carats of round-cut white diamonds. The opal's play of color is mesmerizing, set in lu...
Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, Platinum
Opal Diamond Gold Pendant Natural Australian Crystal opal necklace gift wife art
Located in Berlin, DE
18K white gold pendant with natural opal and diamond opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.039 x 0.2 x 0.43 in / 1 x 5 x 11 mm stone weight - 1.10 carats diamond weight - 0....
Diamond, Opal, Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Australian Black Opal & Diamond 18k Gold Collar Necklace & Earring Set
Located in Great Neck, NY
Necklace The necklace features an extraordinary 53.70 carats of natural Australian black opals, each selected for its vivid play-of-color with flashes of electric blue, green, and f...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Pearl, Natural Pearl, South Sea P...
$4,694Sale Price|20% Off
Extremely Rare Two Side Black Opal Seagull Wing Necklace & Diamond 18K Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Extremely Rare Two Side Australian Black Opal Seagull Wing Necklace & Diamond 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Opal 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Australian Opal 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$650Sale Price|52% Off
Australian Opal, Diamonds and Sterling Silver Y-Pendant Necklace
By Martha Seely
Located in Carlisle, MA
At the heart of this pendant lies a radiant 7mm solid Australian opal, known for its mesmerizing play-of-color that captures the essence of the night sky.
Diamond, Blue Diamond, Opal, Sterling Silver
Genuine Estate Australian Coober Pedy Opal 14K Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A sparkling Australian lightning ridge opal necklace, methiciously hand knotted, finished with an 14K gold diamond clasp and beads.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Fine Natural 5.45ct Australian Black Opal And Diamond Platinum Pendant Necklace
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Natural Australian Black Opal & Diamond Platinum Pendant Necklace. 5.45 Carat total.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Boulder Opal Silver Pendant gift 5ct australian opal
Located in Berlin, DE
This elegant silver pendant centers on a natural Australian Boulder Opal of refined beauty. Measuring 8 x 20 mm and weighing 5.20 carats, the opal displays a vivid natural play of co...
Opal, Silver
Dalben Design Oval Australian Boulder Opal and Rose Gold Necklace
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a Kind 18k rose gold matte finishing necklace with one bezel-set blue oval Australian Boulder Opal weight 22,8 ct and a round australian opal on the rose gold cl...
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Boulder Opal Silver Necklace Galaxy Natural Australian Gemstone gift christmas
Located in Berlin, DE
Scratched silver pendant with natural Boulder Opal gemstone origin - Australia gem size - 0.35 х 0.79 х 0.94 in / 9 х 20 х 24 mm gem weight - 33.5 carats pendant length - 1.42 in / ...
Opal, Silver
212.50 carat Australian Opal Yellow Gold Necklace, Barbara Heinrich 2026
By Barbara Heinrich
Located in Dallas, TX
A breathtaking celebration of nature’s most mesmerizing gemstone, this extraordinary one-of-a-kind opal necklace by renowned designer Barbara Heinrich showcases an astonishing 212.50...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Erica Courtney 18K Gold, Australian Opal, Paraiba Tourmaline, Diamond Necklace
By Erica Courtney
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
This stunning necklace created by the illustrious designer, Erica Courtney, showcases the ethereal beauty of 18 Australian Opals, totaling 16.29 carats.
Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$17,600Sale Price|20% Off
25 Carat Black Australian Opal "Lightening Ridge'' 4.71 Carat Designer Necklace
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
In this designer necklace, 25 carat Australian Black Opal is set with 4.71 carats of natural diamonds and 0.56 carats of no heat sapphire.
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Australian Opal & Diamond Pendant Certified
Located in Northampton, MA
A shimmering, ethereal natural Australian precious opal is prong-set within twin rings of 14K yellow gold and topped with a brilliant little diamond in this midcentury pendant. Creat...
Diamond, Opal
Australian Opal Diamond Platinum Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A lovely platinum pendant featuring a natural Australian opal! It weighs approximately 4 carats and has great play-of-color as flashes of greens and blues can be seen across the ston...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Boulder Opal Silver Pendant gift Multicolor Natural Australian Stone necklace
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver pendant with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.2 х 0.51 х 1.06 in / 5 х 13 х 27 mm opal weight - 19.45 carats pendant weight - 6.54 grams pen...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Platinum Emerald Cut Diamond 7.14 Carat Oval Australian Black Opal Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A breathtaking Art Deco Inspired Australian Black Opal Emerald Cut and Round Diamond Necklace Handmade in Platinum.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
7.77ct Rare Australian Belemnite Pipe Opal Fossil Pendant Necklace 18K WhiteGold
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 7.77ct Rare Australian Belemnite Pipe Opal Fossil with Diamond Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold Collector's Gem Fossilized V1152 ♥ Belemnites are extinct squid-like creatures that ...
Opal
Peter Suchy Oval Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Opal pendant necklace. Natural oval free form Australian boulder opal on rock matrix (not a doublet or triplet) in a simple 14k yellow gold pendant with a 19 inch double link rope ch...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal Gold Pendant Light Blue Australian Opal
Located in Berlin, DE
Australian Opal yellow gold pendant opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.59 х 1.1 in / 15 х 28 mm opal weight - 13.18 carats pendant length - 1.42 in / 36 mm pendant weigh...
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Opal Gold Necklace Neon Purple Cabochon Natural Gemstone Unisex
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold necklace with natural Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.16 х 0.39 х 1.18 in / 4 х 10 х 30 mm pendant weight - 4.62 grams stone weight - 9 carats pe...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
15 Carat Australian Boulder Opal Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A captivating link necklace showcasing a stunning Australian opal as its centerpiece.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 2.76ct Australian Opal Pear Cabochon 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural Australian Cooper Pedy White Opal 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Pendant Necklace. 2.76 Carat opal with beautiful play of colour and an excellent pear cabochon cut.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal Necklace Australian Gemstone Ivy Art Nouveau style gift
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Ivy pendant with natural Boulder Opal in patinated silver on 100% silk black cord (handmade in Japan) opal origin - Australia opal weight - 122 carats pendant weight - 58 grams pend...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Handcraft Australian Opal 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Pendant necklace total weight 16.60 grams Diamonds weight 1.07 karat Opals weight 29.85 karat Chain Lenght 42.50 cm
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
14k Yellow Gold Freeform Australian White Opal Bezel Set Necklace
By Baikalla
Located in Portland, OR
Chain Width: 1 mm Material: 14k Yellow Gold Primary Stone Shape: Original Surface Finish: Polished Chain Length: 18 In Necklace Pendant Dimensions(LWH): 41.66 mm * 20.30 mm * 5.54 mm...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Opal Necklace silver Blue Genuine Australian Gemstome LOTR Style Pendant
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver pendant with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.16 x 3,94 x 1,57 in / 4 x 15 x 40 mm stone weight - 22.70 carat pendant lenght - 51 mm pendant...
Opal, Silver
Australian Boulder Opal and Diamonds Pendant Necklace N3848
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Item # N3848 Materials and Weight Australian Boulder opal and pave diamonds 71cts, 32x37mm Rhodium sterling silver 14k white gold link necklace Dimensions Length 17 inches.
14k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Opal Silver Pendant Mens jewelry Natural Australian opal gift
Located in Berlin, DE
925 solid sterling silver pendant with natural Boulder Koroit Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.2 х 0.79 х 0.98 in / 5 х 20 х 25 mm opal weight - 25 carats pendant ...
Opal, Silver
$28,600Sale Price|20% Off
Bespoke Australian Black Opal Diamond Gemstone 18k White Gold Collar Necklace
Located in Great Neck, NY
Australian black opal of this caliber is increasingly rare, particularly in a fully articulated necklace of this scale.
Fire Opal, Black Opal, Natural Pearl, White Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Pi...
Yellow Gold Australian Opal Pendant Necklace 16" - 14k Oval Cabochon .80ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Australian Opal Carat(s): .80ct Cut: Oval Cabochon Total Carats: .80ct Style: Solitaire Chain Style: Flat Cable Necklace ...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Paraiba Tourmaline Australian Opal White Diamond Necklace, Joke Quick 2026
By Joke Quick
Located in Dallas, TX
Handcrafted in Belgium, this yellow gold pendant shines with a unique mix of Paraiba Tourmalines, Australian Opals, and sparkling diamonds. Each stone is hand-selected by Joke Quick ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Gold,...
Natural 5.47ct Australian Opal Oval Cabochon 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural Australian Cooper Pedy White Opal 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Pendant Necklace. 5.47 Carat opal with beautiful play of colour and an excellent oval cabochon cut.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,240Sale Price|20% Off
Australian Boulder Opal 22 Karat Gold Hinged Pendant on Wire Necklace
By Vicki Orr
Located in Naples, FL
Australian Boulder Opal and hammered 22k yellow gold hinged pendant on 22k wire collar necklace.
Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,490Sale Price|20% Off
20 Carat Australian Coober Pedy Opal & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Natural Australian Coober Pedy Opal & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yel...
Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond 18K Gold Pendant Blue Green
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This stunning pendant features a natural solid Australian opal, in cabochon oval shape, weighing estimated 0.3ct. The colour is bright and vivid, mixed with a charming blue and green...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Magnificent 18 Karat White Gold Necklace with Australian Opal and Diamonds
Located in Berlin, DE
Magnificent 18k white gold necklace with Australian opal and diamonds. This extraordinary necklace captivates with a large, oval and natural, Australian opal.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White 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).
Whether you’re layering multiple jewelry pieces or opting for a single strand, vintage pendant necklaces are versatile accessories that can elevate your casual wear as easily as they can add a creative flourish to your formal attire.
The earliest jewelry was less about accessorizing than it was about wearers arming themselves with amulets. In Ancient Egypt, some amulets featured a loop so that they could be strung around one’s neck. While rubies have long been one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money, members of some ancient civilizations valued the stones from the get-go, donning ruby pendants as well as other stones with the belief that these adornments would bring protection, healing powers or strength. Today, we still wear our charm bracelets and charm pendants around our necks for good luck.
Later, pendant necklaces, like most fine jewelry, were worn strictly by royalty or the upper class and conferred wealth and prestige. This changed over time, thankfully, as wearing jewelry became more widespread, a democratized means of personal expression.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, pendant necklaces evolved from their status as spiritual amulets, but the jewels still carried deep personal significance. Victorian pendants, in particular, were part of the “mourning jewelry” tradition. Wearers would embed their pendants with locks of hair from a deceased loved one as a way of grieving in the wake of a loss. In the case of cameo jewelry, some pendants were even decorated with miniature hand-carved portraits in a detailed raised relief. Today, portraiture is still a characteristic of many of the hand-carved pendant necklaces offered by Italian jewelry house Scala Gioielli.
Luxury fine jewelry brands such as Cartier, BVLGARI and David Yurman offer their own unique interpretations of the cherished accessory, embellishing platinum or gold pendant necklaces with diamonds, sapphires and other stones.
On 1stDibs, find an extraordinary range of vintage pendant necklaces and other necklaces today.
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
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.
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.
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.