Opal Strand
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Pearl, Sterling Silver
20th Century European Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Gold Plate, Vermeil
Mid-20th Century Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Agate, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Op...
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Chalcedony, Diamond, Opal, Agate, Multi-gemstone, 22k Gold, Bronze, Yell...
2010s Italian Artist Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Crystal, Gold-filled
21st Century and Contemporary American Romantic Multi-Strand Necklaces
Garnet, Opal, Mixed Metal
2010s North American Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces
Chalcedony, Morganite, Opal, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Amethyst, Opal, Spinel, Mixed Metal, Other
Vintage 1980s Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Opal, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Spinel, Silver Plate, Mixed Metal
21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Agate, Multi-gemstone, Pearl, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Modern Bracelets
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s American Link Bracelets
Crystal, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Silver
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Silver
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Silver
Vintage 1940s Retro Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1950s American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1950s Italian Retro Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Moonstone, Sterling Silver, Silver
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, White Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Solitaire Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
2010s Ethiopian Arts and Crafts Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Chain Necklaces
Opal, Rock Crystal, 14k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, 9k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Crystal, Diamond, Labradorite, Opal, Pearl, Peridot, Quartz, Turquoise, ...
2010s Australian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
20th Century American Multi-Strand Necklaces
Onyx, Opal, 18k Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Beaded Necklaces
Opal
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Opal Strand For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Opal Strand?
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.
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This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making
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Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels
After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.