Black Opal Rings
Vintage 1960s Unknown Cluster Rings
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
20th Century More Rings
White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
20th Century More Rings
White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Early 20th Century British Art Nouveau Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1970s Unknown Modernist Cocktail Rings
Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
2010s German Artisan Fashion Rings
Opal, Black Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
20th Century French Art Deco Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
20th Century American Fashion Rings
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Early 20th Century Art Deco Fashion Rings
Opal, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Late 20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings
Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Antique Early 19th Century American Contemporary More Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Fashion Rings
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1910s Cocktail Rings
Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
1990s Japanese Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2010s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Opal, Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Antique 1890s English Victorian Cluster Rings
Opal, Natural Pearl, Pearl, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1910s Art Nouveau Fashion Rings
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
1990s Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, Platinum
Early 2000s Unknown Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2010s French Aesthetic Movement Engagement Rings
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
1990s Retro Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
2010s American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, Diamond, Garnet, Black Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Black Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Late 20th Century American More Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Early 2000s British Fashion Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Black Opal, Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Australian Art Deco Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
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Black Opal Rings For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Black Opal 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 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.
- Can opal rings be worn everyday?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Opal rings are very delicate compared to other stones, and are not recommended for everyday wear. However, with proper care, they can last through the generations. Shop a collection of expertly vetted gems from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Are opal rings Bad luck?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Although opals were considered good luck in Roman culture and a symbol of good luck, there are many legends that link opals with death and bad omens.
- Is opal good for wedding rings?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023Yes, opal can be good for wedding rings. Many people love the unique coloration of opals and opt for wedding rings set with them. One thing to keep in mind is that opals are more delicate than many other gemstones like sapphires, rubies and diamonds, so they are more vulnerable to scratching and breakage. It is a good idea to remove your wedding ring before working with tools, performing chores, playing sports or engaging in other activities that could potentially damage your opal. Explore a variety of opal wedding 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.
- Can you wear an opal ring everyday?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021No, you cannot wear an opal ring everyday. Since they are relatively fragile compared to other stones, opals are not durable for daily-wear.
Dover JewelryFebruary 24, 2021Not recommended! Opals are more delicate then other gemstones and if cared for correctly will last a lifetime and can be handed down throughout generations. - 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 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 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 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.
- What does a black ring mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Black rings symbolize eternal commitment as well as strength and power. The black color is known to represent absoluteness.
- Are black wedding rings popular?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, black wedding rings are popular. Black wedding rings are said to be associated with strength and resilience, two characteristics that have long been a part of the tradition of wedding rings, as the circle has always symbolized an unending pledge of love to one's partner. Black wedding rings have been made with materials such as tungsten or carbon fiber. Find a variety of wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What black diamond rings symbolize is largely a matter of personal interpretation. Charisma, power, passion and self-assuredness are some of the characteristics commonly associated with black diamond jewelry. Shop a range of diamond gemstone rings from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.
- What is a black onyx ring worth?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021The material of the ring setting is a driving factor in what a black onyx ring is worth. An onyx ring with a sterling silver ring setting can be purchased at under $30 as well. Black onyx is a semi-precious gemstone, with prices ranging from $1 to $500 per carat. Find a collection of vintage and designer black onyx rings on 1stDibs today.
- 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022What a black Masonic ring means is largely a matter of personal interpretation. Wearing a Masonic ring generally signifies that a person is a member of a Masonic order. Some people believe that the black onyx used in most black rings represents discipline and strength. You can find a collection of Masonic rings on 1stDibs.
Roman Malakov DiamondsMarch 22, 2021A black onyx ring is a ring set with an onyx gemstone. Onyx is a semi-precious gemstone that typically comes in the color black.- 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 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 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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