Opal Doublet Ring
20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold
2010s French Art Deco Fashion Rings
Black Opal, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage 1970s Modern Solitaire Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century American Artisan Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s North American Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Tourmaline, Opal, Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s American Artist Engagement Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Artist Engagement Rings
Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
2010s American Artist Engagement Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Artist Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century American Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Artisan Fashion Rings
Emerald, Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Artist Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Turkish Contemporary Fashion Rings
Brown Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings
Opal, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s Finnish Modernist Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Indian Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold
2010s Indian Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
2010s American Artist Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Artist Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
2010s American Artist Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
2010s Hong Kong Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century American Retro Cocktail Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Indian Modern Three-Stone Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Opal, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
2010s Indian Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Aquamarine, Gold
2010s Indian Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Gold
Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1950s Unknown Artisan Dome Rings
Opal, 14k Gold
2010s Australian Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century Dome Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Renaissance Revival Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Quartz, Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings
Garnet, Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Solitaire Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Belgian Modern Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Fashion Rings
Opal, 14k Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Art Deco Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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Opal Doublet Ring For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Opal Doublet Ring?
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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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, 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.