Australian Opal Beads
2010s Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Amber, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary North American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Dutch Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Australian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Early 2000s Australian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Opal, Black Opal
2010s American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Coral, Opal, Turquoise Matrix, Silver
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Rock Crystal, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Cultured Pearl, 9k Gold
2010s Australian Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
2010s American Chain Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Yellow Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold
Recent Sales
2010s American Beaded Bracelets
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Peridot, Quartz, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Chrysophrase, Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Turquoise, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Tourmaline, Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Chrysoberyl, Chrysophrase, Coral, Crystal, Jade, Opal, Pearl, Cul...
2010s Australian Artist Beaded Necklaces
Chrysophrase, Jade, Onyx, Opal, Pearl, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Tou...
20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Silver
2010s Thai Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tanzanite, Tourmaline, Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Citrine, Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
Agate, Coral, Opal, Turquoise, Turquoise Matrix, Silver, Sterling Silver
20th Century Unknown Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Onyx, Opal
2010s Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, South Sea Pearl, Gold
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
20th Century American Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1980s American Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Artist Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Chain Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, Crystal, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Tennis Bracelets
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage 1930s Australian Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Earrings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Earrings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Crystal, Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s American Beaded Bracelets
Opal
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Gold
2010s Australian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Cultured Pearl, Quartz, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Morganite, Multi-gemstone, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Artist Beaded Necklaces
Chrysophrase, Jade, Onyx, Opal, Pearl, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Tou...
20th Century Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Vermeil
2010s Australian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Gold-filled, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold-filled, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Gold-filled, Gold Plate, Vermeil, Sterling Silver, C...
2010s Australian Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Sterling Silver, Gold-filled, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Gold-filled, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Chalcedony, Chrysoberyl, Chrysophrase, Citrine, Crystal, Multi...
People Also Browsed
2010s Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Vermeil, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Chalcedony, Lapis Lazuli
21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Drop Earrings
Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Beaded Necklaces
Emerald, Onyx, Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Belle Époque Drop Necklaces
Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, 22k Gold, Silver
2010s Tennis Bracelets
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
20th Century French Modern Chain Necklaces
Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century French Engagement Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century Multi-Strand Necklaces
Amber, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Beaded Necklaces
Emerald, Onyx, Opal
Antique 1840s British Early Victorian Link Necklaces
Turquoise, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary German Artist Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Crystal, Black Opal, Gold,...
Australian Opal Beads For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Australian Opal Beads?
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 Necklaces for You
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.
- What is an Australian opal?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021Today, Australia and Ethiopia are the two largest producers of opals. Historically, most of the world’s opals were mined in South Australia. The stone is so closely associated with Australia that in 1993 it became the national gemstone. 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. Shop a collection of vintage and modern Australian opal jewelry from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021An Australian boulder opal is an opal mined from a large ironstone boulder under the ground. This type of opal is the second most valuable opal behind the black opal. Spot an Australian boulder opal by checking for a solid layer of brown ironstone left on the back of the stone. Shop Australian boulder opals on 1stDibs.
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