$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Luminous Opal & Diamond Halo Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Luminous Opal & Diamond Halo Ring in 14k White Gold Crafted in 14k white gold, this Effy halo ring centers on a striking 3.50 carat opal with vivid flashes of green, yellow, and...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emerald & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Emerald & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold. The faceted fire opal is exceptionally rare and stunning!
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
.85 Carat Opal Diamond Halo White Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-century 1950's opal and diamond ring. 14k white gold setting with a .85cts oval center opal and a halo of round cut diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 6 Carat Boulder Opal Gold Solitaire Halo Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Solitaire Boulder Opal Gold Vintage Halo Ring. Featuring a securely nestled Hand set 6 Carat Boulder Opal.
Opal, Gold, White Gold
1.77ct Fine Australian Black Opal & Diamond Platinum Halo Cocktail Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Natural Australian Black Opal & Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring. 1.77ct Total. An exquisite 1.06 carat Australian black opal with top play of colour. Showing bright flashes of r...
Opal, Black Opal, Diamond, Platinum
7.41 Carat Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Platinum Double Halo RIng
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking platinum dome ring featuring a captivating fire opal at its center. The opal weighs 7.41 carats, showcasing a vibrant orange hue with a smooth cabochon cut. Surrounding th...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
Gorgeous Vintage Opal and Diamond Halo Platinum Ring Engagement Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Gorgeous Vintage Opal and Diamond Halo Ring certainly has caught my attention!
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$9,272Sale Price|20% Off
Oval Opal Mexican Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond Round 18 Karat Gold Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
At the heart of this stunning ring lies a splendid Opal, carefully selected for its substantial size and captivating play of colors.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Fire Opal, Yellow Sapphire, Gold...
Halo Diamond Platinum 4.39 Carat Australian Black Opal Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Design Collection Metal- 90% Platinum, 10% Iridium. 8.10 Grams. Stones- 1 Oval Shaped Australian Black Opal 4.39 Carats. 24 Round Diamonds F-G Color SI1 Clarity 0.52 Cara...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Classic Blue Sapphire & Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Classic Blue Sapphire & Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Emerald & Opal Vintage Style Floral Halo Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A vintage style dress ring containing an approx. 0.40 carat oval emerald center stone, accented with a timeless halo of twelve white opal petals.
Emerald, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.78 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Halo Platinum Filigree Ring
Located in Miami, FL
2.78 carat natural black opal and round cut diamond halo ring. Set in a smooth textured platinum 900 ring setting.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Australian Black Opal 1.188 Carat Ring, 14 Karat Gold Halo Ring
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
14k solid yellow gold with Australian black opal. Stone weight: 1.188 carat opal Cabochon-cut 20 - 1.6mm diamonds pavè setting on halo Bezel set 9x7 Black Australian opal center sto...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Platinum Large Opal Cabochon Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring 24.38ctw
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A commanding platinum cocktail ring centered by an exceptional 22.87 carat natural opal, notable for its substantial scale and vivid play-of-color.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Blue Topaz & White Opal Halo Set Vintage Style Floral Halo Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A vintage style dress ring containing an approx. 0.42 carat oval sky blue topaz center stone, accented with a timeless halo of twelve white opal petals.
Opal, Blue Topaz, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Petite Opal Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Petite Australian Solid Opal Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Investment GIA 4.75ct Black Opal Diamond Halo Ring - .900 Platinum - Rare
Located in Media, PA
A masterwork of fine jewelry, this exquisite ring features a GIA Certified 4.75ct Natural Black Opal.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1970's Opal and Diamond Halo Ring 14k Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1970's. Beautiful opal surrounded by sparkling white diamonds. The opal shows a lively mix of orange, blue, green and even some purple. The setting is mainly white gold but the...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage Platinum High Quality 4.35ctw Opal & Diamond Halo Classic Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Multi-Prong Set - White Color w/ Amazing Play of Green, Blue & Yellow Color - 12.1x10mm / 2.33ct (approx.) (15) Natur...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Opal Diamond Ring, 8.13 Carats Oval Opal & Diamond Halo in 14k White Gold
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
The beauty and fire of this opal makes it a rare specimen! The diamonds are a total of 1.00 carat which makes the ring that much more impressive.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
6.31 cts. Natural Black Opal and Diamond Halo Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
6.31 cts. Natural Black Opal and Diamond Halo Ring in Platinum Natural Black Opal and Diamond Ring features an Oval Natural Black Opal, weighing 6.31 carats, with Royal Blue and Bri...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1.00 Carat Rectangular Opal and Diamond Gold Halo Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Rectangular Opal and Diamond Gold Halo Ring. Centering a securely nestled 1 Carat Rectangular Opal.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum 4.88ctw Oval Opal & Diamond Halo Large Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White Color w/ Very Nice Play of Colors - 14.6x11.3mm / 4.41ct (exact) Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds - Ro...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Fine 8.55ct Australian Opal with 1.88 Carat Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Ring size is 6.5 The ring outside halo diameter is 24 x 19, which is a beautiful, stunning appearance Ring size is 6.5 The ring outside halo diameter is 24 x 19, which is a beautif...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Black Opal Diamond Vintage Cocktail Ring 950 Oval Cabochon 10.60ctw Halo
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $100 or Down 2 sizes for $50 Era: Vintage Metal Content: Platinum 950 Stone Information Natural Black Opal Carat(s): 8.50ct Cut: Oval Caboc...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal
3.50 Carat Oval Opal Diamond Halo Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Well-polished blue green Opal and diamond cocktail ring. 14k Yellow gold setting with a white gold crown.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Victorian Diamond Opal 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped opal cabochon measuring 9.0 x 6.0 mm Translucent white in body color with spectral play-of-color Bead set with halo surround of old European cut diamonds Wei...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Halo Diamond Platinum Marquise Turquoise Australian Opal Diamond Wedding Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Size- 4-12 Beautiful Handmade Art Deco Inspired Turquoise Diamond Halo Opal Engagement Ring Made in Platinum. This ring features a beautiful 12 x 10 oval shaped Australian Opal that...
Opal, Platinum
Platinum Australian Black Opal with Diamond Halo Statement Ring Blue Green V1213
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Platinum Australian Black Opal with Diamond Halo Statement Ring Blue Green Bright Flash Big Solid Opal V1213 ♥ The item measures 26.4mm in length (North South direction), 20.3mm i...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Art Deco 1.40ct Opal and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous cabochon cut opal sits central in this exceptional ring from the Art Deco era.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold Mexican Fire Opal Cocktail Ring Orange Sapphire Halo
Located in Plantation, FL
An exceptional statement ring featuring a stunning cabochon-cut Mexican fire opal as its centerpiece, surrounded by a densely set halo of warm orange sapphires and accent diamonds.
Fire Opal, 18k Gold
7.86 Carat Natural White Opal and Diamond Halo Platinum Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
White Opal and Diamond Platinum Ring. This cocktail ring is crafted in a platinum setting, featuring a natural 7.86-carat white opal with an oval cabochon cut, secured in a prong s...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
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
$1,136Sale Price / item|20% Off
Oval Opal Halo Diamond Ring in 18k Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Oval Opal Halo Diamond Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural opal of 1.24 carats and 0.28 carats of diamond.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Platinum Halo Diamond Oval Black Opal Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handmade Platinum and Diamond Engagement Ring Featuring a Halo Australian Oval Shaped 1.29 Carat Black Opal.
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Halo Ring - 10k Pear Cabochon .60ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $30 or Down 2 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Opal Carat(s): .38ct Cut: Pear Cabochon Natural Diamon...
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stunning Semi Black Opal Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Stunning Semi Black Opal Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Black Opal, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Australian Lightning Ridge Marquise Shaped Opal & Double Halo Diamond Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This exquisite ring showcases a captivating 0.47ct marquise cut blue/green opal, elegantly surrounded by a double halo of 0.46ctw sparkling white diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.36 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Platinum Double Halo Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Black Opal and Diamond Platinum Double Halo Vintage Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
2.75tcw 18K Marquise Opal & Diamond Halo East to West Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
A one of kind, couture-inspired opal, and diamond East to West ring. Make it your engagement ring or right-hand ring, it is the perfect statement piece.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Shape White Opal & Ruby Halo and Diamond Art Deco Style Halo Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This exquisite ring features a central iridescent oval cabochon opal embellished with pretty ruby stone and glittering diamonds. As if to form a beautiful flower, the ring is set in ...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 8.45 Carat Black Opal & Diamond Halo Platinum Vintage Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA Certified Vintage 8.45 Carat Natural Black Opal & 0.70 Carat Diamond Halo in Platinum 900 Halo Set Cocktail Ring, Size 6.75.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Antique Edwardian 9K Yellow Gold Opal and Garnet Halo Ring
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Step into the allure of history with this antique Edwardian 9 karat yellow gold halo ring, hailing from England. Adorned with the mesmerizing hues of opal and the deep richness of ga...
Garnet, Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Antique Opal and Diamond Halo Ring of 14k Gold, Size 7
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This elegant ring centers on a luminous white opal framed by a halo of glittering rose cut diamonds, all set in warm 14k gold.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Yellow Gold Opal Ruby Halo Ring - 14k Oval Cabochon 2.28ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 4 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 1 1/2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Opal Carat(s): 1.16ct Cut: Oval Cabochon Natural Ru...
Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold 2.07ct Opal Double Halo Cocktail Ring with Diamonds
Located in Chicago, IL
The central gemstone is elegantly framed by a stunning double halo and a diamond-encrusted split-shank band. 1 opal gemstone weighing approximately 2.07 carats 100 round diamonds w...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Opal & Blue Sapphire Diamond Vintage Style Halo White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This exquisite Art Deco-style engagement ring showcases a luminous opal, a timeless symbol of love, hope, and heartfelt wishes. Known for its captivating play of colors, the opal is ...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.54ct Solid Australian Opal with Diamond Halo Ring Platinum 6g+ V1160
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 2.54ct Solid Australian Opal with Diamond Halo Ring Platinum 6g+ V1160 ♥ The item measures 18.4mm in length (North South direction), 13.9mm in width (East West direction), and stan...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Australian Black Opal 3.15 Carats Diamond Halo Ring in 18k White Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 3.15 carat opal exhibits striking blue, green, orange and yellow play-of-color and was custom-cut as a marquise shape cabochon for this beautifully designed "double halo" cocktai...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Wonderful Platinum 7.52ctw Fiery Jelly Opal w/ Diamond Halo Statement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Jelly Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Jelly Like Clear Color w/ Very Nice medium Colorful Play of Colors- 12.9x10.1mm (approx.) - 6.41ct (exa...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Platinum 11.05ctw Large Orange Fiery Jelly Opal w/ Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Jelly Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Fiery Orange Color w/ Great Play of Colors - 17.2x12.7mm / 9.81ct (exact) Numerous Natural Genuine Diam...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Platinum 2.83ctw Oval Cabochon Opal w/ Baguette & Round Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White Base w/ Nice Play of Colors -12.1x10.1mm (approx.) - 2.28ct (exact) Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds -...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Platinum 3.68ct High Quality Fire Orange Opal Diamond Dual Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Fire Opal - Oval Cabochon - Prong Set - Deep Orange Color - Very High Quality - 11.6x8.7mm - 2.60ct (exact) Natural Genuine Diamonds - 14 Baguette w/ 2...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Ethiopian Opal and Diamond Halo Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K White Gold Style: Opal and Diamond Ring Total Weight: 7.3 Grams Ring Size: and 8.25 (resizing available for a fee) Gemstone Specifications: C...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Garnet Vintage Style Floral Halo Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A luminous opal glows at the center of this vintage-style floral halo ring, its iridescent hues shifting with every movement.
Garnet, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum GIA 6.72ctw Black Opal w/ Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Black Color w/ Wonderful Play of Blue & Green Colors - 15.08 x 10.89 x 5.06 mm / 5.31ct (exact - stamped) **S...
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
GIA Certified Natural Fire Opal & Diamond Halo Dome Cocktail Statement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified Natural Opal & Diamond Halo Dome Cocktail Statement Ring Metal: 14k white gold Weight: 13.16 grams Diamonds: Approx. 1.00 CTW F-G VS round natural diamonds Opal: GIA c...
Diamond, Opal, 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).
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.