Black Opal Necklace
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Pendant Necklaces
Crystal, Opal, White Gold
Early 20th Century American Victorian Link Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
2010s American Artist Drop Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Belgian Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Mixed Metal, W...
2010s American Contemporary More Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Drop Necklaces
20th Century Drop Necklaces
Opal, Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1970s Drop Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold
20th Century Modern Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Link Necklaces
Jade, Opal, Natural Pearl, Peridot, Zircon, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Vintage 1930s Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1960s American Pendant Necklaces
Opal, White Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Unknown Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Onyx, Opal
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
1990s Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Cultured Pearl, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Y...
Vintage 1980s Australian Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Onyx, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Tanzanite, Black Opal
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Black Opal, Opal, Platinum
2010s Belgian Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, Black Opal, Para...
21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Belgian Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, White Gold
2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, White Gold
2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Artist Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, Black Opal, 18k Gold
2010s German Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s British Retro Pendant Necklaces
White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Drop Necklaces
Opal, 22k Gold
2010s Belgian Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Opal, Spinel, Tour...
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Agate, Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Gold-filled
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold-filled, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1910s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Diamond, Opal, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modernist Chain Necklaces
Onyx, Ruby, Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Agate, Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Agate, Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold-filled, Gold Plate...
Late 20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Agate, Diamond, Malachite, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Si...
1990s French Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Mandarin Garnet, Black Opal, Onyx, Yellow Gold, 22k Gold
Vintage 1970s Belgian Modernist Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Quartz, Black Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Artisan Link Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Black Opal, Sterling Silver, Mixed Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Bulgarian Modern Pendant Necklaces
Ruby, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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Black Opal Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Black Opal Necklace?
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 Necklaces for You
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023What a black heart necklace symbolizes is a matter of personal interpretation. Traditionally, wearing a black heart pendant is a sign that a person is grieving the loss of a loved one. However, many people today choose to wear the necklaces simply because they like how they look. Find a wide range of necklaces on 1stDibs.
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