Dalben Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18k rose gold matte finishing dangle earrings with 8 light blue bezel set Australian Boulder Opals weighing 12 carats.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18k yellow gold matte finishing dangle earrings with 2 bezel set Australian Boulder Opals weighing 23 carats.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Dangle Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18k rose gold matte finishing dangle earrings with six violet - green bezel set Australian Boulder Opals weighing 17,6 carats.
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18k yellow gold semi lucid finishing dangle earrings with six blue - green bezel set Australian Boulder Opals weighing 9,6 carats.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing earrings with two bezel-set deep blue - green Australian boulder opal weight 7,85 carats .
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Dalben Fish Shape Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing stud earrings with two fish shape Australian Boulder opals weight 2,15 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Blue Pink Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold satin finishing earrings with four bezel-set light blue pink Australian solid boulder opals weight 14,5 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Blue Green Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold satin finishing earrings with four bezel-set blue green Australian solid boulder opals weight 8,33 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Round and Square Shape Australian Opal Yellow Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing lever back earrings with two round cabochon cut and two square cut blue Australian solid opals weight 1,04 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Round and navette Shape Australian Opal Yellow Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing lever back earrings with two round cabochon cut and two navette cut blue Australian solid opals weight 1,24 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Australian Opal Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design Opal drop earrings with oval and heart shape green-azure Australian Opals and 12 brown round brillant cut Diamonds weighing 0,12 carats mounted in 18 kt warm white gold.
Brown Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Dalben Australian Opal Diamond Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design Opal earrings with 2 Australian Opals weighing 1,4 carats and 12 white round brillant cut Diamonds weighing 0,40 carats mounted in 18 kt warm white gold.
Opal, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Dalben Australian Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18k rose gold matte finishing dangle earrings with two light blue-pink-green bezel set drop shape Australian Opals weighing 2,73 carats.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Australian Opal Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold semi lucid finishing earrings with 14 bezel set Australian Opals .
Opal, 18k Gold
Dalben Australian Opal Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold semi lucid finishing earrings with 10 bezel set Australian Opals .
Opal, 18k Gold
Dalben Australian Opal Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold semi lucid finishing earrings with 10 bezel set Australian Opals .
Opal, 18k Gold
Dalben Australian Opal Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold semi lucid finishing earrings with 10 bezel set Australian Opals .
Opal, 18k Gold
Dalben Australian Opal Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold semi lucid finishing earrings with 10 bezel set Australian Opals .
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Australian Opal Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold semi lucid finishing earrings with 10 bezel set Australian Opals .
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Australian Opal Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold semi lucid finishing earrings with 10 bezel set Australian Opals .
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Australian Opal Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold semi lucid finishing earrings with 14 bezel set Australian Opals weight 6,3 carat .
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18k yellow gold semi lucid finishing earrings with two blue bezel set Australian Boulder Opals weighing 18,7 carats.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18k rose gold matte finishing dangle earrings with 4 light blue bezel set Australian Boulder Opals weighing 25,72 carats.
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Dalben Australian Opal Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design Opal drop earrings with 8 blue-green Australian Opals and 6 rose cut Diamonds weight 0,06 carats mounted in 18 kt white gold.
Opal, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dalben Round Shape Australian Opal Yellow Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold matte finishing stud earrings with two bezel-set round cabochon Australian Opal weight 0,9 carats .
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Dangle Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18k rose gold matte finishing dangle earrings with 4 light blue bezel set Australian Boulder Opals weighing 9,7 carats.
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Round Shape Australian Opal Yellow Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing stud earrings with two bezel-set round cabochon blue Australian solid opals weight 0,9 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Round Shape Australian Opal Yellow Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing stud earrings with two bezel-set round cabochon blue Australian solid opals weight 0,8 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Round Shape Australian Opal Yellow Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold matte finishing stud earrings with two bezel-set round cabochon blue Australian solid opals weight 1,08 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Round Shape Australian Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing stud earrings with two bezel-set round cabochon blue green Australian solid opals weight 0,81 carats .
Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Round Shape Australian Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing stud earrings with two bezel-set round cabochon light-blue , green Australian solid opals weight 0,8 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Round Shape Australian Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing stud earrings with two bezel-set round cabochon pink-blue Australian solid opals weight 0,4 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Round Shape Australian Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing stud earrings with two bezel-set round cabochon blue green Australian solid opals weight 0,81 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Round Shape Australian Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing stud earrings with two bezel-set round cabochon light-blue , green Australian solid opals weight 0,7 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
One of a kind 18k yellow gold semi lucid finishing dangle earrings with two light blue - violet bezel set Australian Boulder Opals weighing 18,4 carats. Opal Dimension without leve...
Opal, 18k Gold
Dalben Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing earrings with two bezel-set deep blue - green Australian boulder opal weight 7,24 carats .
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Blue Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing earrings with two bezel-set blue Australian solid boulder opals weight 4,9 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Australian Opal Diamond Rose Gold Drop Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design Opal drop earrings with 8 pink-blue Australian Opals and 6 rose cut Diamonds weight 0,06 carats mounted in 18 kt rose gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Australian Opal Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing earrings with 10 bezel set Australian solid Opals weight 4,28 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Oval Australian Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing small earrings with two bezel-set oval cabochon light blue Australian solid opals weight 3,28 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Blue Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18k yellow gold semi lucid finishing dangle earrings with two deep blue bezel set Australian Boulder Opals weighing 17,10 carats.
Opal, 18k Gold
Dalben Australian Opal Rose Cut Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design Opal drop earrings with 10 blue-green Australian Opals and 4 rose cut Diamonds weight 0,04 carats mounted in 18 kt white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dalben Little Oval Australian Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing little earrings with two bezel-set oval cabochon blue Australian solid opals weight 1,08 carats .
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Tiny Oval Australian Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing very little tiny earrings with two bezel-set oval cabochon blue Australian solid opals weight 1,08 carats .
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Little Oval Australian Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing small earrings with two bezel-set oval cabochon green blue Australian solid opals weight 1,77 carats .
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Tiny Oval Australian Opal yellow Gold Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold matte finishing very little tiny earrings with two bezel-set oval cabochon blue Australian solid opals weight 1,63 carats .
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Little Oval Australian Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing small earrings with two bezel-set oval cabochon blue Australian solid opals weight 2,37 carats .
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Dalben Little Oval Australian Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing small earrings with two bezel-set oval cabochon blue Australian solid opals weight 2,10 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Little Oval Australian Opal Yellow Gold Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold matte finishing small earrings with two bezel-set oval cabochon blue Australian solid opals weight 1,6 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Little Oval Australian Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing small earrings with two bezel-set oval cabochon blue Australian solid opals weight 1,77 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Little Oval Australian Opal Yellow Gold Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold matte finishing small earrings with two bezel-set oval cabochon blue Australian solid opals weight 1,6 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Tiny Oval Australian Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing tiny earrings with two bezel-set oval cabochon blue Australian solid opals weight 1,08 carats .
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Dalben Light Blue Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18k yellow gold semi lucid finishing dangle earrings with two deep light blue bezel set Australian Boulder Opals weighing 12 carats.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Australian Boulder Opal Light Blue Rose Gold Dangle Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18k rose gold matte finishing dangle earrings with six light blue- green bezel set Australian Boulder Opals weighing 12,55 carats.
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Australian Boulder Opal Light Blue Rose Gold Dangle Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18k rose gold matte finishing dangle earrings with six light blue- green bezel set Australian Boulder Opals weighing 14,48 carats.
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
One of a kind 18k yellow gold semi lucid finishing dangle earrings with two pink-pale violet bezel set Australian Boulder Opals weighing 19,9 carats. Opal Dimension without leverba...
Opal, 18k Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring A platinum ruby and diamond ring set with an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 2.63 carats Approximate Weights: Old Mine Cut Diamond: 2.63...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Black Tahitian Pearl Diamond “Stud” Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Tahitian pearl earrings feature two 12mm diameter pearls originating from the waters of French Polynesia. The pearl are untreated and are being delivered to the customer with the...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Dangle Earrings, Circa 1970s, 1.44ct
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant pair of 14K yellow gold dangle earrings from the 1970s features a harmonious blend of pearls and diamonds, embodying timeless sophistication. Each earring showcases four...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Long Dangling Diamond and Pearl Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Miami Beach, FL
2.25" Long drop gray cultured pearl, golden button pearls and diamond earrings featuring 2 cream pearls, 2 gray pearls and a .30 carat diamond in each of the earrings. Mounted in 14...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
HERMES Rose Pourpre pink Togo leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Palladium RARE
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes 'Birkin 30' bag in Rose Poupre pink Veau Togo leather with palladium hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front and a zipper po...
Antique Victorian 1880s Rose Cut Diamond Heart Pendant
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique victorian era rose cut diamond peandant in heart designe topped with a swallow bird and a ruby stone with engraved detailed work on the back estimate diamond weight 1.5 carat...
4.61 Carat Cushion Lagoon Blue Tourmaline Diamond Platinum Earrings Merkaba
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A 4.61 carat cushion cut Lagoon Blue Tourmaline and diamond platinum earrings by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills, handcrafted in platinum as a refined pair of rare color gemstone earri...
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Tourmaline, Indicolite, Platinum
Hermes Birkin 25 Shiny Crocodile Porosus white gold with diamonds bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Hermes Birkin 25 Shiny Porosus Crocodile with diamonds and 18K white gold. Bag is in mint pristine condition. Comes with dust bag, box(little broken), Clochette, keys,CITES...
$1,675
Size: Extra Small
Beautiful 1960s Extra Small XS Couture Black Silk Chiffon Vintage 60s Gown Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1960s demi couture black silk chiffon sequin evening gown! Features thousands of hand-sewn black sequins throughout the sleeves and skirt. Thin spaghetti strap underlay wit...
Nina Zhou 5.85 ctw Moonstone Sapphire Diamond Chandelier Drop Earrings
By Nina Zhou
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Illuminate your elegance with these 5.85 ctw Moonstone Sapphire Diamond Chandelier Drop Earrings, a masterpiece that captures the ethereal glow of moonlight. Featuring luminous moons...
Sapphire, Diamond, Moonstone, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Link Bracelet
Located in New Orleans, LA
Bold yet refined, this classic bracelet displays a traditional flattened curb link design crafted in 18K yellow gold. The high-polish finish enhances the fluid geometry of each inter...
Yellow Gold
$3,099Sale Price / item|20% Off
L 1.25 in
South Sea Golden Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 0.57 Carat 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow gold drop earrings featuring two Golden South Sea Pearls measuring 12-13 mm with 56 round brilliants 0.57 carats. Color G-H Clarity SI Pearls can be changed to Tahitian, ...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
$2,498Sale Price / item|20% Off
Golden South Sea Pearl Diamond Bar Drop Earrings 0.43 Carat 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow gold drop earrings featuring two Golden South Sea Pearls measuring 11-12 mm with 44 round brilliants weighing 0.43 carats. Color G-H Clarity SI Pearl can be changed to a ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Yellow Gold
Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 Bag Framboise Veau Madame Palladium Hardware Limited Ed
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin Sellier 25 bag featured in vibrant Framboise. Hermes Framboise is a rich, saturated raspberry pink which is gorgeous for year round wear. This limi...
$264,228
H 9.06 in W 11.82 in D 6.3 in
Hermès Birkin 30 Himalaya Crocodile Niloticus Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Birkin 30 Himalaya in crocodile niloticus leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the receipt and Cites. Stamp Y (2020)
Hermes Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Rose Scheherazade Alligator Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited Edition Hermes Kelly 20 Sellier bag featured in stunning Rose Scheherazade alligator. Accentuated with crisp with palladium hardware. Timeless and highly ...
Contemporary jewelry is inextricably linked with the moment in which it is created, frequently reflecting current social, cultural and political issues such as environmental consciousness, identity and sustainability. It’s informed by fashion trends, from the chokers of the 1990s to the large chain necklaces of the early 2000s.
Jewelry is one of the oldest forms of adornment. Lockets made of silver or gold have been treasured gifts for hundreds of years, for example, and charm bracelets, which have existed since prehistoric times, didn’t become especially popular until the 19th-century reign of Queen Victoria. For many centuries, fine jewelry was used primarily to express wealth or status through lavish materials. Then, in the 1960s, a concept known as the “critique of preciousness” emerged, with jewelers creating pieces that did not get their value from gemstones or precious metals. Instead, it was the jeweler’s artistic vision that was prized and elevated.
This shift still informs Contemporary jewelry being made by artists today. Whether they are using cheap, found materials and working with provocative geometric shapes or seeking out the rarest stones, they are imbuing their work with meaning through their skills, techniques and ideas. Innovative designers such as Elsa Peretti, who popularized sculptural sterling-silver jewelry for Tiffany & Co., and David Yurman, who twisted metal into the simple yet striking Cable bracelet, have also influenced the direction of Contemporary jewelry’s forms and aesthetics.
Meanwhile, technological advancements like metal alloys and laser engraving have led to new possibilities in jewelry design. Now, edgy makers and brands as well as minimalist designers are pushing Contemporary jewelry forward into the 21st century.
Find a collection of Contemporary rings, earrings, necklaces and other 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.