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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

A pair of 19th century opal and diamond cluster earrings. Silver over gold.
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
A pair of pastel-colored, round cabochon opals are flanked by shimmering rose-cut diamonds, set in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Late Victorian Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Antique 18ct White Gold Edwardian Opal Diamond Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
captivating piece from the Edwardian era, this antique pendant showcases a luminous oval cabochon opal
Category

Early 20th Century European Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

Sea Crab earrings studs with opals in 14k gold.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Sea Crab earrings studs with opals in 14k gold. Round cabochon opal earrings in 14k gold
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Opal, Sapphire, Emerald, 14k Gold

White Oval Opal Blue Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Style Halo 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
Type: Opal Shape: Oval Cabochon Size: 8×6 mm. Number: 1 Weight: 0.80 Carat (approx.) Accent Gemstones I
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

4.14 Carat Crystal Opal, Peridot, Pink Spinel, and Tsavorite Cocktail Ring
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful, prismatic, 4.14 carat opal is central to this fun 14k yellow gold cocktail ring set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Peridot, Spinel, Tsavorite, Garnet, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 14k Gold...

Natural 1.38ct Australian Black Boulder Opal 9k Yellow Gold Oval Signet Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
black opal with a beautiful blue and purple play of colour and an excellent oval cabochon cut. Set in a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Anklets

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Opal Diamond Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Oval Fine 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, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Black Opal Phoenix bird Carving for necklace Cobalt Blue 68 carats
Located in Berlin, DE
One of a kind piece - Black Opal "Phoenix" bird carved by Daniela L`Abbate, world champion of Opal
Category

2010s Australian Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

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

Bochic “Jungle” Ruby Opal and South Sea Pearl Bangle, Silver and 22K Gold
Located in New York, NY
Bochic Opal and South sea Pearl Bangle, Silver and 22 K Gold Gold is 22K plating that is 3 microns
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Nouveau Bangles

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Fire Opal, Opal, South Sea Pearl, 22k Gold, Gold P...

Vintage Elongated 9ct Opal 2.25ct Diamond Ring 14k White Gold Sz 5.5 Cocktail
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish natural opal & diamond elongated cocktail ring (circa 1960s) crafted in 14k white gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Eostre Type A Jadeite, Red Coral, Solid Opal and Diamond Pendant in 18k Gold
Located in Melbourne, AU
, it has a large type A green jadeite cabochon with a red coral bale. On the other side, you have a
Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Jade, Opal, 18k 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...

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

Opal 3.84 Carats with Tsavorite 0.96 Carat Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Setti
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal 3.84 carats with Tsavorite 0.96 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.9 cm
Category

2010s Thai Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Opal, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold

Bochic “Orient” Opal, Ruby Royal Blue Sapphire Earrings Set 18K Gold&Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Opal, Ruby & Multi Sapphire Earrings Set 18K Gold&Silver Natural Rubies - 4
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Baroque Drop Earrings

Materials

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

VICTORIAN 1880 Antique Ring In Yellow Gold With 8.95 Ctw In Opal And Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
setting, with 1 oval cabochon cut (19 x 12 x 6 mm) of a natural opal, with an estimate weight of 7.89
Category

Antique 1880s English Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 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 Tourmaline Earrings Adularie Cabochon 18 k solid Rose Gold
By Giulia Colussi
Located in Milan, IT
color cabochon pink Tourmaline cts 1,82, 18kt rose gold gr. 7,40. Total length 4cm, total weight of
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Drop Earrings

Materials

Opal, Tourmaline, 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

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

White Precious Opal Silver Statement Ring Irregular oval shape
Located in Berlin, DE
One of a kind silver ring with natural precious Opal in irregular oval cabochon-cut Opal origin
Category

2010s German Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, 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

8.5 Carat Opal Emerald Diamond Ring 14 Karat Gold Cocktail Retro Antique Ring
Located in New York, NY
seen. The extraordinary oval cabochon opal has blue, green, red, yellow and orange fire. The opal is
Category

20th Century Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Australian Boulder Opal, Turquoise, Silver and 18 Karat Gold Dangle Earrings
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
Stunning Australian Boulder Opal and Carico Lake turquoise (from the closed mine in Nevada, USA
Category

2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Opal, Turquoise, Multi-gemstone, Turquoise Matrix, 18k Gold, Sterling Si...

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, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate

MODERNIST Clips-On Earrings In 14Kt Yellow Gold With Diamonds And Rare Opals
Located in Miami, FL
cabochons cuts (20 x 15 x 3 mm) carved from natural Australian boulder opals, with an estimate weight of
Category

1990s American Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Materials

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

Victorian Opal Emerald Ruby Ring Antique Wedding Engagement Ring 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
gorgeous natural round Opals of incredible color and stunning beauty. The effect is of a jeweled flower
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Emerald, Ruby, 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, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate

Platinum 2.80 carat Australian Opal Ring with pink-red fire!
Located in Big Bend, WI
white body color with lots of red-pink play of color. The oval cabochon opal measures about 12.5mm x
Category

Vintage 1930s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Platinum

“Capri” Opal Blue Sapphire Cocktail Ring Set in 18k Gold Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Lanka - 3.5 Carat Cabochon shape Blue Opal from Australia - 2 Carat Cabochon shape The Ring from the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Belle Époque Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, White Gold, Silver

Set in 18K Gold 18.22 carat carved Russian Emerald, Opal Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
. Approx. ✦ Gemstone: Natural Ethiopian Opal ✦ Gemstone Cut: Cabochon ✦ Gemstone Weight: 2.81 ct. Approx
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold

Large 19ct Opal Diamond Pendant 70s Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
). Cabochon cut opal measures 29mm x 21mm (estimated at 19 carats), accented with an estimated 0.75 carats of
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

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, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate

3.20 Carat Opal Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1960's Oval opal and diamond ring. 3.20 carat oval cabochon center opal with 4 round and 10 tapered
Category

Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

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, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate

Rare 3.02ct Australian Matrix Boulder Opal 18k Yellow Gold Cushion Signet Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
natural matrix boulder opal with a small streak of green, blue, yellow and purple play of colour. Cabochon
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Signet Rings

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Opal Tsavorite Ring 14k Gold 5.66 TCW Certified
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Species & Variety: Natural Opal/Opal Stone Cut: Oval Cabochon Stone Color: White, Orange, Green & Blue
Category

2010s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, Tsavorite, 14k 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, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate

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, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate

Antique Black Opal and Old Mine Cut Diamond Silver on Gold Brooch, circa 1880
Located in London, GB
wonderful black opal cabouchon measuring 20 x 17mm, rub-over set in the centre in an 18 carat yellow gold
Category

Antique 1880s English Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, S...

Natural 1.56ct Australian Black Boulder Opal 18k Yellow Gold Oval Signet Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
cabochon cut. Set in an 18k yellow gold rubover bezel signet ring. This boulder matrix opal has a black
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Signet Rings

Materials

Opal, Black 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, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate

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, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate

1.60 Carat Ethiopian Opal and Diamond 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful opal Pendant is crafted in 14-karat Rose and white gold and features a 1.60 carat
Category

20th Century Chinese Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White 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, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate

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, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate

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, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate

14k Yellow Gold Opal Diamonds Bracelet, 7 inches - 38.1g
Located in Providence, RI
twelve luminous oval cabochon opals, each approximately 7x4mm in size. The opals display a captivating
Category

Vintage 1960s Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

6 Carat Ethiopian Opal in "Crunchy" 18K Gold East-West Solitaire Bezel Ring
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
A gorgeous Ethiopian opal with yellow and blue body color shows fiery sparks of red and green and
Category

2010s American Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.