Black Opal Brooch
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Brooches
Opal, Sapphire, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Brooches
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique 1890s European Brooches
Opal, Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary American Etruscan Revival Brooches
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1920s Australian Edwardian Brooches
Opal, Black Opal, 15k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Brooches
Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Brooches
Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Black Opal, Emerald, Onyx, Sapphire, Gold,...
21st Century and Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Black Opal, Multi-gemst...
Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage 1910s Brooches
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1980s Australian Romantic Brooches
Diamond, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1880s English Art Nouveau Brooches
Opal, Black Opal, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, S...
1990s British Retro Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s American Retro Brooches
Opal, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s English Edwardian Brooches
Diamond, Opal, 15k Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brooches
Aquamarine, Diamond, Emerald, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s American Retro Brooches
Gilt Metal
2010s American Arts and Crafts Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s American Retro Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century Unknown Artisan Brooches
Opal, Black Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Late 20th Century Australian Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage 1910s Art Nouveau Brooches
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Brooches
Alexandrite, Aquamarine, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Garnet, Multi-gem...
20th Century Modern Brooches
Pearl, Black Opal, Gold, 15k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Art Nouveau Brooches
Crystal, Mixed Metal
2010s German Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Black Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
2010s German Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Black Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Brooches
Black Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Moonstone, Natural Pearl, Opal, Pearl, ...
Vintage 1930s Australian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Palladium
2010s American Romantic Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 1910s American Edwardian Brooches
Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s Art Nouveau Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1980s Australian Modern Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
20th Century Brooches
Opal, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Sapphire, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Brooches
Multi-gemstone, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s American Brooches
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Platinum
1990s American Brooches
Opal, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Antique Early 1900s Victorian Brooches
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Brooches
Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1910s Edwardian Brooches
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Brooches
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Brooches
Onyx, Gold
Antique 1870s Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century American Retro Brooches
Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1960s Italian Modernist Brooches
Agate, Opal, Fire Agate, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Contemporary Brooches
Iolite, Pearl, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Sapphire, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1980s Unknown Art Nouveau Brooches
Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Czech Victorian Brooches
Opal, Gilt Metal
Antique Early 1900s Victorian Brooches
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Brooches
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
20th Century Drop Necklaces
Opal, Diamond, 22k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Late 20th Century American Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Opal, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s German Brooches
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Blue Diamond, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Art Deco Brooches
Platinum
Emerald, Diamond
20th Century Unknown Edwardian Brooches
Opal, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Chalcedony, Diamond, Black Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire...
20th Century Brooches
Onyx, Opal, Pearl, Ruby, Black Opal
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Vintage 1970s Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique 19th Century Unknown Belle Époque Brooches
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Platinum, Gold
20th Century American Contemporary Brooches
Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
Vintage 1980s French Artist Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1880s Link Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
2010s Indian Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal, Black Opal
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Drop Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
20th Century Art Deco Vanity Items
Malachite, Onyx
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Georgian Choker Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Black Opal Brooch For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Black Opal Brooch?
The Legacy of Opal in Jewelry Design
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).
Finding the Right Brooches for You
Vintage brooches, which refer to decorative jewelry traditionally pinned to garments and used to fasten pieces of clothing together where needed, have seen increasing popularity in recent years.
While jewelry trends come and go, brooches are indeed back on the radar thanks to fashion houses like Gucci, Versace, Dior and Saint Laurent, all of which feature fun pinnable designs in their current collections. Whether a dazzlingly naturalistic Art Nouveau dragonfly, a whimsical David Webb animal, a gem-studded bloom or a streamlined abstract design, these jewels add color and sparkle to your look and a spring to your step.
Given their long history, brooches have expectedly taken on a variety of different shapes and forms over time, with jewelers turning to assorted methods of ornamentation for these accessories, including enameling and the integration of pearls and gemstones. Cameo brooches that originated during the Victorian age are characterized by a shell carved in raised relief that feature portraits of a woman’s profile, while 19th-century micromosaic brooches, comprising innumerable individually placed glass fragments, sometimes feature miniature depictions of a pastoral scene in daily Roman life.
At one time, brooches were symbols of wealth, made primarily from the finest metals and showcasing exquisite precious gemstones. Today, these jewels are inclusive and universal, and you don’t have to travel very far to find an admirer of brooches. They can be richly geometric in form, such as the ornate diamond pins dating from the Art Deco era, or designer-specific, such as the celebrated naturalistic works created by Tiffany Co., the milk glass and gold confections crafted by Trifari or handmade vintage Chanel brooches of silk or laminated sheer fabric. Chanel, of course, has never abandoned this style, producing gorgeously baroque CC examples since the 1980s.
Brooches are versatile and adaptable. These decorative accessories can be worn in your hair, on hats, scarves and on the lower point of V-neck clothing. Pin a dazzling brooch to the lapel of your blazer-and-tee combo or add a cluster of smaller pins to your overcoat. And while brooches have their place in “mourning jewelry,” in that a mourning brooch is representative of your connection to a lost loved one, they’re widely seen as romantic and symbolic of love, so much so that a hardcore brooch enthusiast might advocate for brooches to be worn over the heart.
Today, find a wide variety of antique and vintage brooches for sale on 1stDibs, including gold brooches, sapphire brooches and more.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To see if your black opal is real, check the potch on the back. Double-sided opals are rare, so if there is a lack of potch and color all the way through, this could indicate a fake. Shop a collection of expertly vetted opals from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Black fire opal can vary in worth, from $10 per carat to $10,000 per carat. Black opals are generally considered extremely valuable because of their vibrant spectrum of colors and are one of the most enchanting stones in the world. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage black fire opal jewelry.
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This David Webb Coral Flower Brooch Is Better Than a Bouquet
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This Gem-Encrusted Boucheron Brooch Is a Symbol of Mid-Century Glamour and Clever Design
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