Opal Loose Gemstones
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Gemstone: Opal
Natural 4.14 Ct Australian heart boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 4.14 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut int...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural 17.99 Ct Australian stripy green-blue boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This amazing 17.99 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Mt. Margaret opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2022. Sue processed the rough opal herself and...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural 5.53 Ct Australian Gem Opal Crystal Butterfly Wings mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 5.53 Ct natural Australian gem crystal opal, carved into a pair of butterfly wings, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal, Crystal
Natural 12.35 Ct Australian Crystal Carved Butterfly wings mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 12.35 Ct natural Australian gem crystal opal, carved into a pair of butterfly wings, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. It...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Crystal, Opal
Natural 13.54 Ct carved Boulder Opal butterfly wings mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 13.54 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough boulder opal herself...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural 4.37 Ct Australian ocean-coloured boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This pretty 4.37 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2023. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut int...
Category
2010s Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural 5.10 Ct Australian Opal Crystal Butterfly Wings mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 5.10 Ct natural Australian crystal opal, carved into a pair of butterfly wings, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Crystal, Opal
Natural 20.08 Ct Carved Boulder Opal Butterfly Wings mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 20.08 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough boulder opal herself...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural 5.59 Ct Carved Fossilised Opal carved Flower mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 5.95 Ct Australian crystal opal, carved into a flower, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity, coupled with the ama...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Crystal, Opal
Natural 7.66 Ct Australian green and pink boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 7.66 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Mt. Margaret opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough opal herself an...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural 3.53 Australian pink and green boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 3.53 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2022. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut int...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural 7.61 Ct Australian carved flower opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 7.61 Ct Australian wood replacement opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural 9.47 Ct Australian crystal conch-shell opal carving mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 9.47 Ct Australian gem crystal opal, carved into a conch shell, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity, coupled wit...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Crystal, Opal
Natural 11.52 Ct Australian rainbow boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 11.52 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in Western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural 23.20 Ct large teardrop boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 23.20 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural 20.39 Ct Australian kite-shaped boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This unique 20.39 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2020. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut in...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal, Black Opal
Natural 4.95 Ct Wood Replacement Cloud Boulder Opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This pretty two-tone 4.95 Ct wood replacement opal, carved into a cloud, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity, coupled with its ...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Crystal, Opal
Natural 5.89 Ct Australian boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This amazing 5.89 Ct Australian black boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2023. Sue processed the rough opal herself and ...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal, Black Opal
Natural solid 21.67 Ct Crystal Starfish Australian Opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 21.67 Ct Australian gem crystal opal, carved into a large starfish, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity, coupled...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Crystal, Opal
Natural 11.94 Ct Australian Crystal Nautilus opal carving mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 11.94 Ct Australian gem crystal opal, carved into a nautilus shell, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Crystal, Opal
Natural 9.59 Ct rainbow Australian boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 7.66 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Mt. Margaret opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough opal herself an...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural 4.15 Ct Australian pastel boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 4.15 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2022. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut i...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural 4.40 Ct Gem Grade Black Boulder Opal Heart mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
Introducing our exquisite black boulder heart opal! This rare 4.40 Ct Australian black boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia i...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal, Black Opal
Natural 9.42 Ct Australian light pastel boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 9.42 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2022. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut int...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural 9.36 Ct Australian wood replacement opal heart mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This brilliant 9.36 Ct wood replacement opal, carved into a heart, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity, coupled with its modern...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural 8.30 Ct Australian pastel boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 8.30 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut int...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural 4.28 Ct Australian stripy circle boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This stunning 4.28 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2023. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut i...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural 13.31 Ct Austalian Boulder Oval Opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
Discover the mesmerising beauty of this exquisite 13.31 Ct Australian Boulder oval opal, mined by Sue Cooper from her Mt. Margaret opal mine in Western Queensland, Australia.
This...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural 6.27 Ct Wood Replacement Australian Opal Cloud mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This brilliant purple 4.95 Ct wood replacement opal, carved into a cloud, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity, coupled with its...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
18 Carat Natural Fire Opal Pear, Fancy Opal, October Birthstone, Orange Gemstone
Located in New York, NY
DETAILS
Fire Opal Weight: 18.19 CT
Measurements: 23.4 x 18.1 mm
Shape: Pear
Color: Intense Orange
Hardness: 5.5 - 6.5
Birthstone Month: October
Natural
SHIPPING
All items will be sh...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal, Fire Opal
72.30 Carat Oval Shape Natural Opal Loose Gemstone
Located in Trumbull, CT
This 72.30 carat oval shape natural opal loose gemstone has phenomenal display of fire. This huge gemstone can be made into a stunning piece of jewelry according to your choice.
Size...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
9.5 carat Fire Opal Lot
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Lot of Loose Gemstones (7 pieces)
9.50 Carat in total
Oval, marquise and brilliant cut stones
Fire Opal
Different colored opals, ranging from red, orange and yellow.
The biggest st...
Category
2010s Mexican Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal, Fire Opal
5.6 carat Opal lot (12 pieces)
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Lot of Loose Gemstones (12 pieces)
5.60 Carat in total
Cabochon cut stones
Fire Opal
Different colored opals, ranging from red, orange and yellow.
The biggest stone has the dimenti...
Category
2010s Mexican Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal, Fire Opal
13.50 carat Yellow Opal
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Loose Gemstone
13.50 Carat
16.7 x 17 x 11.5 mm
Fire Opal
Yellow Opal unusual smooth cut.
We can customize a ring or piece of jewelry for you, we are a jewelry desgin studio locate...
Category
2010s Mexican Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal, Fire Opal
Opal Carved Fish Gemstone
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Certificate of authenticity comes with purchase, this fish carved gemstone is one of a kind!
ABOUT US
We are a family-owned business. Our studio in located in the heart of Boca Rato...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
4.34 ct Pear Cabochon Opal
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 4.34 cts
Clarity: Translucent
Colour: Multicolour Flash
Measurements: 15.95x10.5x5.39mm
Shape: Cabochon
Treatment: None
Origin: Ethiopia
Notes:
EOP0059
Category
2010s Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
3.60ct Oval Cabochon Crystal Opal
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 3.6 cts
Measurements: 12.10x10.07x6.10 mm
Shape: Oval Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown: Cabochon
Cutting Style Pavilion:
Trans...
Category
2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
'Black Galaxy' 99.60ct Natural Solid Untreated Australian Black Opal
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
This gem opal is an extremely rare South Australian black opal. Rivalling the quality and colour intensity of the best black opals ever mined, this gem is a museum-grade opal. Almost...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal, Black Opal
3.01ct Oval Cabochon Crystal Opal
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 3.01 cts
Measurements: 13.66x10.04x4.77 mm
Shape: Oval Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown: Cabochon
Cutting Style Pavilion:
Tran...
Category
2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
10.32ct Oval Cabochon Cut Loose Australian Opal. Valued at $10000.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Magnificent Loose Australian Jelly Opal
of Cabochon Cut
of oval shape
of 10.32ct (26 x 14 x 4mm)
exhibiting great play of colours (blue, green, yellow)
Valued at $10,000.
Category
1980s Australian Vintage Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
24.11ct Natural Solid Untreated Black Boulder Opal
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
Once-in-a-lifetime gem, this Australian black boulder opal has no equal. With its stunning ribbon pattern of vivid colours, it is a true wonder. Each colour is as bright as the next ...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal, Black Opal
Vintage Jim Kaufman Intarsia - 1980s - Signed and Numbered
Located in Methuen, MA
This is the LAST piece of Intarsia from the Lapidary Artist Jim Kaufman - no longer doing this work; was being done in the 1980s, perhaps early 1990s. We have had several pieces over the 43 years we have been in business. Last one....because his work is no longer available and difficult to find/obtain, we know that we will never have any more in inventory once this is sold! :-(
--> We are offering this on SALE for 20% less. Ideally, we wanted to mark this at 10% off but that is not an option for a sale item on 1stdibs. The reason behind that is at 20% we make no profit after having this in inventory for approx 35 years!
Lapidary Artist Jim Kaufman hasn't done this type of work that we know of for about 40 years! This is the LAST piece of Intarsia by him that we have in the All That Glitters Collection and that we will ever possess - there will be NO more. Don't miss out!
Jim Kaufman, a very well-known artist in lapidary in the 1980s, this piece hails from about that timeframe
and has been stored in our vaults since that timeframe. Brand New - Never Worn - Never had an owner.
This is something that comes from a wonderful time in the gemstone/lapidary trade - and his work is very
collectable and we don't believe he has been doing any of this work since that timeframe.
This particular piece consists of the following, going from the outside to the center:
Rhodochrosite
Turquoise
Sugilite
Opal (Natural)
Fire Agate
Signed and Numbered on the back: "JK V45"
Some of his pieces have come up to well known auction houses at times - such as Bonhams.
We are quoting Bonhams below for the biography of Jim Kaufman when one of his pieces came up for
auction at one of their auction houses:
James Kaufman
Born in New York City in 1950, Jim Kaufman lived much of his life in New Jersey before moving to Sedona, Arizona where he presently resides. After serving a stint in the Army, he set up a rock shop and taught himself lapidary work that later became his forte. His inlay work has been influential on the work of many artists, including that of Nicolai Medvedev...
Category
1980s North American Contemporary Vintage Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal, Turquoise, Fire Agate, Rhodocrosite
Magnificent Australian Loose Black Boulder Opal of 5.50ct. 19mm x 12mm x 4mm.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This Australian Loose Boulder Opal is
of impressive 5.50ct (19mm x 12mm x 4mm)
from Winton, Queensland
displaying the superb & truly unique spectrum of colours:
from striking Indigo & Sky Blue
to superb vivid Emerald Green
The beauty of this spectacular opal is truly dazzling,
particularly under different lightings: the gem displays the most magnificent spectrum
The gem can be set in precious metals & turned into a piece of jewelry (pendant for example) -
please message us for details!
Australian Boulder opal is the second most valuable type of opal.
Mined from the large ironstone boulders under the ground,
boulder opals are easily recognisable by the layer of solid brown ironstone...
Category
1980s Australian Vintage Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
1.54ct Oval Cabochon White Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 1.54 cts
Measurements: 11.10 x 8.86 x 2.29 mm
Shape: Oval Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pavilion:
Transparency:...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural Untreated Premium Quality 2.16ct Australian Black Opal
Located in Sydney, AU
Australia is the birthplace of the most beautiful precious opal gemstones in the world. Fine Australian opals mesmerise with colours changing and shifting the gem moves with an unrivalled vibrancy.
This opal was ethically sourced from Lightning Ridge mines in New South Wales. It is perfect for a bespoke ring or pendant. What makes Australian opal jewellery so alluring is that it guarantees that no one else will have the same piece. Each opal gem has a unique range of colours, patterns and colour-play. This particular gem displays a vivid red with a hint of blue and yellow play of colour.
Surprise yourself or your loved ones with this one-of-a-kind opal, a special gift, which can become an amazing piece of jewellery to cherish and admire forever. Opal Minded offers custom opal jewellery design services. On-site and remotely. We can make your opal jewellery dream come true, with a concept developed in partnership and refined by our award-winning Creative Director Renata Bernard.
PARTICULARS:
Size & Stone Measurements:
Opal Length: 10.36mm
Opal Width: 9.07mm
Opal weight: 2.16ct
This unset opal...
Category
2010s Australian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal, Black Opal
0.84ct Freeform Cabochon Grey Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 0.84 cts
Measurements: 8.74 x 5.18 x 3.17 mm
Shape: Freeform Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pavilion:
Transparen...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Opal - Pear Shape - approx 6.80ct - Incredible Play of Color!
Located in Methuen, MA
A very beautiful Opal with lots of Life and Play of Color as can be seen in the photos and the video. Weighs approx 6.80ct - the actual weight will vary a bit depending on whether i...
Category
2010s Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
8.29 ct Pear Cabochon Opal
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Weight: 8.29 cts
Measurements: 18.83x13.30x7.17 mm
Cut: Pear Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown: N/A
Cutting Style Pavillion: N/A
Transparency: Translucent
Clarity: N/A
Color...
Category
2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
4.90ct Oval Cabochon Crystal Opal Pair
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 2
Weight: 4.9 cts
Measurements: 10.60x8.78x5.36 mm & 10.52x8.77x5.35 mm
Shape: Oval Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown: Cabochon
Cutting S...
Category
2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
5.22 ct Cabochon Opal
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 5.22 cts
Clarity: Translucent
Colour: Multicolour Flash
Measurements: 14.44x12.75x8.04mm
Shape: Pear Cabochon
Treatment: None
Origin: Ethiopia
Notes:
EO...
Category
2010s Brazilian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
5.39ct Oval Cabochon White Opal Pair
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 2
Weight: 5.39 cts
Measurements: 10.88x8.86x5.90 mm & 10.96x8.95x5.28 mm
Shape: Oval Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown: Cabochon
Cutting St...
Category
2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
1.64ct Freeform Cabochon Grey Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 1.64 cts
Measurements: 13.36 x 8.66 x 2.37 mm
Shape: Freeform Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pavilion:
Transpare...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
8.67 ct Pear Cabochon Opal
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 8.67 cts
Clarity: Translucent
Colour: Multicolour Flash
Measurements: 18.48x13.84x6.31mm
Shape: Pear Cabochon
Treatment: None
Origin: Ethiopia
Notes:
E...
Category
2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
4.89 ct Oval Cabochon Opal
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Weight: 4.89 cts
Measurements: 14.86x13.12x5.25 mm
Cut: Oval Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown: N/A
Cutting Style Pavillion: N/A
Transparency: Transparent
Clarity: N/A
Color...
Category
2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
5.55 ct Oval Cabochon Opal
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Weight: 5.55 cts
Measurements: 16.14x13.41x6.24 mm
Cut: Oval Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown: N/A
Cutting Style Pavilion: N/A
Transparency: Transparent
Clarity: N/A
Color:...
Category
2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
12.72 ct Pear Cabochon Opal
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 12.72 cts
Clarity: Translucent
Colour: Multicolour Flash
Measurements: 20.61x15.24x9.54mm
Shape: Pear Cabochon
Treatment: None
Origin: Ethiopia
Notes:
...
Category
2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Loose Opal - Pear Cabochon 1.36ct Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Carat(s): 1.36ct
Cut: Pear Cabochon
Origin: Australia
Size: (mm) 13.02 x 8.38 x 2.32
Condition: New
We have been dealing in fine new, vintage, antique, and estate jewelry for over...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural White Opal Laughing Buddha "Budai" Carving. 35mm x 25mm.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Natural White Opal Laughing Buddha "Budai" Carving
35mm x 25mm
Total item's weight: 6.9gr.
Category
1960s Retro Vintage Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Opals and Other Loose Gemstones for Sale on 1stDibs
On 1stDibs, find a collection of opals and other loose gemstones to help you create your own custom jewelry.
Unless you're a connoisseur looking to acquire a unique investment, you're probably looking for loose gemstones because you’re hoping to create a very special piece of custom jewelry, such as an engagement ring or a milestone-birthday present, and want to personally select the most beautiful, unusual, or ultra-rare stone you can find and afford. Doing so adds to the romance and substance of the gift and can be a part of the story told as the jewel is passed from generation to generation.
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.
Find a range of opals and other loose gemstones on 1stDibs.
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