Black Opal Engagement Rings
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
2010s Hong Kong Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
20th Century American Edwardian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, White Gold, 18k Gold
1990s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Early 20th Century Unknown Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
20th Century French Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
2010s American Artist Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
2010s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s French Aesthetic Movement Engagement Rings
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Artist Engagement Rings
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1920s French Belle Époque Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
2010s Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Engagement Rings
Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Early 2000s Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2010s Japanese Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2010s Engagement Rings
Diamond, Black Opal, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings
Black Opal, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Tanzanite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s Engagement Rings
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1950s English Engagement Rings
Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2010s American Artist Engagement Rings
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s German Art Deco Solitaire Rings
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s German Art Deco Solitaire Rings
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Arts and Crafts Wedding Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Early 2000s Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2010s Australian Artist Cluster Rings
Diamond, Black Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Crystal, Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Japanese Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2010s Japanese Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
20th Century Engagement Rings
Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s French Retro Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1960s British Retro Engagement Rings
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Engagement Rings
Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, Platinum
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
2010s Engagement Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire
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Black Opal Engagement Rings For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Black Opal Engagement Rings?
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 Rings for You
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023No, opals aren't bad for engagement rings. One drawback of the gemstone is that it isn't as hard as many other popular gems, like diamonds, emeralds and sapphires, so it may be more susceptible to scratches. However, you can still choose an opal engagement ring if you wish. Taking it off before you engage in activities that could damage the ring can help extend its life. Shop an assortment of opal engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- Do opal engagement rings last?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023Yes, an opal engagement ring can last if you care for it properly. Generally, opals are more delicate than other gemstones commonly used in engagement rings, like diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. As a result, they can be easily damaged, making it important that you take your ring off before performing household chores, exercising, playing sports or doing other activities where you'll use your hands a lot. Find a collection of opal engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021No, opal is not good for engagement rings. Although opal is a beautiful stone, it is not the best choice for an engagement ring. Since they are relatively fragile compared to diamonds and sapphires, opals are not durable for daily wear.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021While opals are more fragile than diamonds, adding a higher risk for a daily-wear ring, they can still be good engagement rings. Opals are thought of as precious and powerful and are said to symbolize fidelity so can be great and unique rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, opal engagement rings can be a good idea. This stone represents faithfulness, confidence, and creativity -- making the stone a fitting choice for an engagement ring. Opals, however, are not ideal for everyday wear.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023What black engagement rings mean depends on individual beliefs. Some people associate black rings with power. Others think that they symbolize courage and strength. However, others who choose black engagement rings may do so simply because they find them visually appealing and do not assign a deeper meaning to them. Explore a variety of black engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Black diamonds can make good engagement rings because they symbolize authority, power and passion. They also can be less expensive than clear diamonds.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Black diamond engagement rings are popular for many couples. An antique, new or vintage black diamond engagement ring is an edgy, dramatic choice. Just keep in mind that with diamonds, it's all about sparkle, and the darkness of a black stone obscures its fire and brilliance. If the inky opacity of a black diamond seems a bit extreme and you'd like a little light to shine through, consider a gray diamond, which can be cut for maximum brilliance. Brides with a taste for the cool and unusual might also consider salt-and-pepper diamonds, which have white and black inclusions that produce a silvery gray, speckled look. Find black diamond engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Whether black diamond engagement rings are bad luck depends on a person's individual beliefs. In Italy, rubbing a black stone like a black diamond is considered good luck by some people. However, in India, black diamonds are a traditional symbol of bad luck. Find a variety of diamond engagement rings on 1stDibs.
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