Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
20th Century Unknown Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
20th Century Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century American Retro Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, Gold
Late 20th Century British Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Italian Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, 14k Gold
Mid-20th Century American Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
1950s American Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
20th Century Unknown Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
20th Century Modern Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
1980s Retro Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
1950s American Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Retro Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Modern Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, 18k Gold
1970s American Modern Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
1970s Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Retro Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
1950s American Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
1940s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
1970s Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
20th Century Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s American Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
1970s Brazilian Retro Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Modern Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
20th Century Victorian Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century American Retro Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
1970s Modernist Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold
20th Century Victorian Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
1960s British Modern Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, Gold
Mid-20th Century Retro Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Late 20th Century Swiss Artist Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
1960s French Retro Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, 18k Gold
1970s Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Contemporary Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, Yellow Gold
1960s German Modernist Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Modern Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Late 20th Century Contemporary Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
1970s Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
20th Century Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
1990s Japanese Art Deco Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
1970s Retro Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Opal, Sterling Silver
20th Century Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
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Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Vintage Cabochon Opal Ring?
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.
Read More
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Nothing Says Summer Heat Like This Ruby-Red Cartier Stunner
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Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
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Colorful Gemstones Are a Brilliant Choice for Engagement Rings
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Our Guide to Fancy-Colored Diamond Engagement Rings
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.