Andamooka Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1980s European Figurines and Sculptures
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Recent Sales
20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1980s Australian Modernist Brooches
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
White Diamond, Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Pink Diamond, Opal, Platinum
1990s Australian Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings
Opal, 18k Gold
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
Early 2000s Link Necklaces
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Silver
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Tourmaline, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
2010s British Edwardian Dome Rings
Diamond, Star Sapphire, 18k Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
Late 20th Century French Day Dresses
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
1990s American Evening Gowns
21st Century and Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Ruby
20th Century North American Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Emerald
Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings
Opal, 14k Gold
Andamooka Opal For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Andamooka Opal?
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).