Ethiopian Opal Platinum Ring

Surely you’ll find the exact ethiopian opal platinum ring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using platinum, 18k gold and gold. You can easily find a 4 antique edition and 8 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect ethiopian opal platinum ring among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular piece, are consistently popular carat weights. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic ethiopian opal platinum ring over the years, but those made by Oscar Heyman are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Today, if you’re looking for an oval cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes cabochon and round cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a ethiopian opal platinum ring, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

Prices for a ethiopian opal platinum ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $660 and can go as high as $45,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,500.

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).