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
2010s Dutch Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
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
2010s Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Opal, Black Opal
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 American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Turquoise Matrix, Opal, Coral, Silver
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 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 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
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
2010s Australian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Tourmaline, Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Freshwater Pearl, Other, Tsavorite, Quartz, South Sea Pearl, Cultured Pe...
2010s Australian Artist Beaded Necklaces
Tourmaline, Turquoise, Tsavorite, South Sea Pearl, Black Pearl, Pearl, O...
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
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Crystal, Opal, 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, Yellow Gold, 14k 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
2010s American Beaded Bracelets
Opal
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Australian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Multi-gemstone, Opal, Cultured Pearl, Quartz, Pearl, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Morganite, Multi-gemstone, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Artist Beaded Necklaces
Turquoise, Chrysophrase, Jade, Onyx, Opal, Pearl, Black Pearl, South Sea...
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
- 1
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).
- 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.
Read More
This Victorian Necklace Features a Rainbow of Gems
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal
Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.
This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels
After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.