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Pink Opal Dangle Earrings Amazonite Tanzanite 18K Rose Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 2 Pink Opals
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Amazonite, Opal, Tanzanite, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Rose Gold...

Lightning Ridge Black Opal Earrings with Diamonds and Emeralds
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Black Opal and Diamond Drop Earrings Featuring cabochon-cut black opals and 0.26ct of old mine-cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Black Opal

Renaissance Revival Jelly Opal 18K Gold Cross with Blue Enamel - Circa 1880 s
Located in Chatham, CA
jelly opals (each cabochon cut stone approximately 3 to 4 mm. in diameter x 2 to 2.5 mm. deep - totaling
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Renaissance Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Enamel

Bochic “Capri” Opal, Natural Ruby South Sea Pearl Necklace Set 18K Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Opal, Natural Ruby & South Sea Pearl Necklace Set 18K & Silver Elegant and Classic
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Baroque Drop Necklaces

Materials

Opal, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver

Ethiopian Opal Cocktail Ring With Diamond Halo 3.25 Carats 14K Rose Gold
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Natural Opal Bypass Ring With Diamonds 1.91 Carats 24K Yellow Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Opals = 1.68 Carats 46 Diamonds = 0.23 Carats Metal: 24K Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver

10 Carat Opal and 2 Carat Diamond Halo Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Style: Opal and Diamond Ring Total Weight: 13.3
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Opal, Tsavorite Garnet, Pink Spinel, Blue Sapphire Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Australian opals, African garnets, pink spinel and blue sapphires! The opals have beautiful play-of-color
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Dangle Earrings

Materials

Garnet, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Spinel...

14k Opal Diamond Ring Large Statement Signed 585 Solid Yellow Gold Us Size 9.25
Located in Greer, SC
Absolutely mesmerizing large opal statement ring accented by diamonds, set in solid 14k yellow gold
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ethiopian Opal Statement Ring With Diamond Halo 8.27 Carats Total 14K Gold
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Ethiopian Opal = 8.00 Carat Cut: Cabochon 35 Rond Cut Diamonds = 0.27 Carats Metal: 14K Yellow and White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Opal Tsavorite Garnet Three Stone Ring
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
Cabochon genuine opal with two Tsavorite garnet accents. Customizable ring This pearly white opal
Category

2010s American Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Garnet, Opal, Tsavorite, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Precious Picture Opal 22K Gold Handmade One of a Kind Ring, Talkative, 2022
Located in Dallas, TX
Atelier) showcasing an exceptional, rare 3.78 carat precious picture opal from the Queensland mine in
Category

2010s Japanese Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Angara GIA Certified Natural Opal with Diamond Halo Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
GIA Certified Oval Opal Split Shank Ring with Diamond Halo. Customization:We offer exquisite
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold

Opal Tsavorite Garnet Three Stone Ring
Located in Wallingford, CT
Cabochon genuine opal with two Tsavorite garnet accents. Customizable ring This pearly white opal
Category

2010s American Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Garnet, Opal, Tsavorite, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Pink Opal Dangle Earrings Amazonite Tanzanite 18K Rose Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 2 Pink Opals
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Amazonite, Opal, Tanzanite, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Rose Gold...

Ancient Coin, Turquoise, Opal Tourmaline 18 Karat Gold Dangle Earrings
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
, Citrine, and Australian Boulder Opal 18k yellow gold asymmetrical dangle earrings. Ancient Roman coin is
Category

2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Citrine, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Tourmaline, Turquoise, Turquoise Matrix, ...

Ethiopian Opal Statement Ring With Diamond Halo 8.27 Carats Total 14K Gold
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Ethiopian Opal = 8.00 Carat Cut: Cabochon 35 Rond Cut Diamonds = 0.27 Carats Metal: 14K Yellow and White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Keiko Mita s Opal Azure Necklace in a Gold Frame with Blue Sapphire Accents
By Keiko Mita
Located in Washington, DC
Keiko Mita's unique Azure Necklace features an Australian Crystal Opal (2.51 Carats) set in a 14
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

TIFFANY CO. By Paloma Picasso Sugar Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Great Opal
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany Co.
Located in Miami, FL
, with 1 cushion cabochon cut carved from translucent Mexican opal, with a weight of about 2.75 carats
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modernist Band Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Natural Opal Bypass Ring With Diamonds 1.91 Carats 24K Yellow Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Opals = 1.68 Carats 46 Diamonds = 0.23 Carats Metal: 24K Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Silver, Gold Plate

Pink Opal Dangle Earrings Amazonite Tanzanite 18K Rose Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 2 Pink Opals
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Amazonite, Opal, Tanzanite, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Rose Gold...

Natural Opal Bypass Ring With Diamonds 1.91 Carats 24K Yellow Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Opals = 1.68 Carats 46 Diamonds = 0.23 Carats Metal: 24K Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver

5.80 Ct Opal, 1.20 Ct Diamond, 1.40 Ct Sapphire and Pearl Bracelet in14K White G
Located in Warszawa, PL
an oval cabochon-cut opal triplet weighing approximately 5.80 carats. The gemstone displays a
Category

Late 20th Century French Art Nouveau Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Pink Opal Dangle Earrings Amazonite Tanzanite 18K Rose Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 2 Pink Opals
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Tanzanite, Topaz, Opal, Amazonite, Sterling Silver, Silver, Rose Gold, G...

Natural Opal Bypass Ring With Diamonds 1.91 Carats 24K Yellow Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Opals = 1.68 Carats 46 Diamonds = 0.23 Carats Metal: 24K Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver

Oval Shape White Opal Ruby Halo and Diamond Art Deco Style Halo Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
This exquisite ring features a central iridescent oval cabochon opal embellished with pretty ruby
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

French 1980s 6.40 Carat Opal Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
its top of a cabochon opal with green-blue color games, surrounded by round emeralds and at the 4
Category

Vintage 1980s French Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pink Opal Dangle Earrings Amazonite Tanzanite 18K Rose Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 2 Pink Opals
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Amazonite, Opal, Tanzanite, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Rose Gold...

Antique 3.50ct Opal and Diamond Pendant, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1900s this stunning pendant features an ethereal 3.50 carat opal at its centre. Claw
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Opal Bypass Ring With Diamonds 1.91 Carats 24K Yellow Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Opals = 1.68 Carats 46 Diamonds = 0.23 Carats Metal: 24K Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Silver, Gold Plate

Bochic “Orient” Ruby Blue Opal Vintage 2 Gem Ring Set 18K Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
cabochon shape - 4 carats Blue Natural Opal - 2 carats This Ring is from the "Orient" traveling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver

8.03 Carat Opal Halo Diamond Stacking Cuff Bracelet in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This 8.03 Carat Opal Halo Diamond Stacking Cuff Bracelet in 18K gold showcases endlessly sparkling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pink Opal Dangle Earrings Amazonite Tanzanite 18K Rose Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 2 Pink Opals
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Amazonite, Opal, Tanzanite, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Rose Gold...

Ethiopian Opal Statement Ring With Diamond Halo 8.27 Carats Total 14K Gold
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Ethiopian Opal = 8.00 Carat Cut: Cabochon 35 Rond Cut Diamonds = 0.27 Carats Metal: 14K Yellow and White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Carved Opal Fish Ring Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Distinct & unique carved opal fish ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (circa 1960s to 1970s
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Opal Bypass Ring With Diamonds 1.91 Carats 24K Yellow Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Opals = 1.68 Carats 46 Diamonds = 0.23 Carats Metal: 24K Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver

Pink Opal Dangle Earrings Amazonite Tanzanite 18K Rose Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 2 Pink Opals
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Amazonite, Opal, Tanzanite, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Rose Gold...

Natural Opal Bypass Ring With Diamonds 1.91 Carats 24K Yellow Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Opals = 1.68 Carats 46 Diamonds = 0.23 Carats Metal: 24K Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver

Bochic “Orient” Retro Multi Sapphires Opal Brooch Set In 18K Gold Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Retro Multi Sapphires & Opal Brooch Set In 18K Gold & Silver Can be worn as a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Retro Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold Plate

AGL 10.99 Carat Black Opal Ring with 4.36 Cts Tsavorite and Diamond in Platinum
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
: 10.99 Carat Oval Cabochon Australian Black Opal *AGL Report # 1105701 2.77 Carats Tsavorite Garnets
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, Platinum

Bochic “Capri” Natural Opals Red Ruby Ring Set in 18K Gold Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Natural Opals & Red Ruby Ring Set in 18K Gold & Silver Natural Ruby Cabochon - 8
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver

Vintage Chinese Sterling Filigree Multi-Stone Cuff Bracelet with Floral Motifs
Located in New York, NY
regal and vibrant pop of color. Opal (cabochon with turquoise and green fire): A mesmerizing stone with
Category

Vintage 1940s Chinese Cuff Bracelets

JAS-17-1524 -24K/SS HANDMADE 12X8MM ETHIOPIAN OPAL PENDANT with 18" SS CHAIN
Located in New York, NY
24K/SS HANDMADE 12X8MM ETHIOPIAN OPAL PENDANT WITH 18" SS CHAIN Metal: 24K gold/SS Stone Info
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, 24k Gold, Sterling Silver

Natural Opal Diamond Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Oval Crown Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage opal & diamond cocktail ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. The natural opal
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bracelet Brooch Earrings Set Gold 585 Opals Freshwater Pearls Rubies, circa 1880
Located in Vienna, AT
: -- opals -- freshwater pearls -- rubies HALLMARKED: -- GOLD 585 -- AUSTRIAN OFFICIAL HALLMARK The
Category

Antique 1880s Austrian High Victorian Brooches

Materials

Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold

Antique Victorian Opal Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold Gemstone Engagement Sz 7
Located in Torrance, CA
1900s). Cabochon cut opal measures 10mm x 8mm (estimated at 2 carats). Old mine cut diamonds total an
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Opal Bypass Ring With Diamonds 1.91 Carats 24K Yellow Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Opals = 1.68 Carats 46 Diamonds = 0.23 Carats Metal: 24K Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver

Natural Opal Bypass Ring With Diamonds 1.91 Carats 24K Yellow Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Opals = 1.68 Carats 46 Diamonds = 0.23 Carats Metal: 24K Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver

Pink Opal Dangle Earrings Amazonite Tanzanite 18K Rose Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 2 Pink Opals
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Amazonite, Opal, Tanzanite, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Rose Gold...

GIA Certified 8 Carat White Opal With Orange Garnet Aquamarine Halo Ring
By Gad Co.
Located in Miami, FL
array of colored stones. The center features a bezel set 8 carat cabochon-cut white translucent opal
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Garnet, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Opal Bypass Ring With Diamonds 1.91 Carats 24K Yellow Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Opals = 1.68 Carats 46 Diamonds = 0.23 Carats Metal: 24K Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver

Natural Opal Bypass Ring With Diamonds 1.91 Carats 24K Yellow Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Opals = 1.68 Carats 46 Diamonds = 0.23 Carats Metal: 24K Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver

Classic Italian Bochic “Capri Ruby Blue Opal Ring Set In 18K Gold Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Classic Italian Bochic “Capri Ruby & Blue Opal Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Ruby - 1.00
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Baroque Dome Rings

Materials

Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver

Natural Opal Bypass Ring With Diamonds 1.91 Carats 24K Yellow Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Opals = 1.68 Carats 46 Diamonds = 0.23 Carats Metal: 24K Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver

Natural Opal Bypass Ring With Diamonds 1.91 Carats 24K Yellow Gold Plated Silver
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Opals = 1.68 Carats 46 Diamonds = 0.23 Carats Metal: 24K Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Opal Diamond Ring Enamel 18k Yellow Gold 5.5 Cocktail Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
gold. Cabochon cut opal measure from 2mm to 7mm angel skin coral measures 12mm x 5.5mm. Old mine and
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Ethiopian Opal Cocktail Ring with Diamond Halo and Ruby Dragonfly Motif 14K Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 7 This vibrant cocktail ring features a striking oval cabochon Ethiopian opal at its
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, Opal, Diamond, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

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Opal Cabochon For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact opal cabochon you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of gold, 14k gold and yellow gold, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 3530 antique edition and 3117 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for an opal cabochon from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Creating an opal cabochon has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Renata Bernard, Bochic and Daizy Jewellery are consistently popular. Today, if you’re looking for a cabochon version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and round cut alternatives. Most of our opal cabochon for sale are for women, but there are 2167 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Opal Cabochon?

On average, an opal cabochon at 1stDibs sells for $2,723, while they’re typically $1 on the low end and $645,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

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).

Questions About Opal Cabochon
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    A cabochon opal is an opal that’s cut in a dome shape. There are two types of opal: common and precious. The former is, as its name implies, not very rare. Precious opal, on the other hand, is more rare than diamonds and considered very high quality.