Solid Australian Sky Blue Green Opal Pendant 14k Gold Long Oval Natural 1.60ct
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Item Details: - Stone: 1 x Australian Natural Solid Opal, gem weight 1.6ct approx
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond 18K Gold Pendant Blue Green
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This stunning pendant features a natural solid Australian opal, in cabochon oval shape, weighing estimated 0.3ct.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2ct Australian Solid Crystal Opal 9k Gold Oval Bezel Ring Green Blue Minimal
Located in SYDNEY, AU
An exquisite 9ct gold opal ring showcasing a stunning 2ct (15mm x 8.5mm) natural Australian solid crystal opal.
Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Round and Square Shape Australian Opal Yellow Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing lever back earrings with two round cabochon cut and two square cut blue Australian solid opals weight 1,04 carats . Bezel stone dimens...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Round and navette Shape Australian Opal Yellow Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing lever back earrings with two round cabochon cut and two navette cut blue Australian solid opals weight 1,24 carats . Bezel stone dimen...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sunflower Stud Earrings with Australian Opal 14K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Sunflower Stud Earrings with Australian Solid Opal 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Australian Opal 9ct Gold Three Stone Bridge Ring Size P / 7.5
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Original antique setting with new opals. Item Details: - Stone: 3 x natural Australian solid opal doublets (7.5mm x 6.5mm and 7mm x 4.5mm approx
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
Australian Solid Round Opal Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Eternity Australian Solid Round Opal Ring 14K Yellow Gold Wedding Band Rainbow.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,656Sale Price|20% Off
Solid Opal & Fire Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Australian Solid Opal & Mexican Fire Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Peacock Dream Australian Opal Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Design Name: Peacock Dream Design Idea: This elegant ring features a glowing Australian solid opal set in 18K white gold, surrounded by white diamonds, blue sapphires, and vivid gre...
Tsavorite, Sapphire, Opal, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Royal Crown Design Solid Opal & Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Royal Crown Design Australian Solid Opal & Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$1,504Sale Price|20% Off
Solid Opal Split Shank Engagement Ring with Pave Setting 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Australian Solid Opal Split Shank Engagement Ring with Pave Setting 18K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Sunburst Bloom Fire Opal & Australian Opal Flower Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ---------------------------------...
Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Egg Fire Opal & Australian Opal Diamond Necklace 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ------------------------------------...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Golden Dahlia – Fire Opal & Australian Opal Floral Diamond Engagement Ring 18K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
“Golden Dahlia” showcases a fiery opal at the heart of petal-like Australian solid opals and twinkling diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Australian Opal & Halo Diamond Stud Earrings 14k Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ------------------------------------...
Opal, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Beautiful Australian Opal Blossom Stud Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ---------------------------------...
Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Beautiful Golden Sun Australian Opal Studs 14k Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
We use 100% Natural & ethically sourced opal stones (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. --------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PROD...
Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Beautiful Small Round Australian Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
We use 100% Natural & Ethically opal stones (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. --------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PRODUCT Solid 1...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Flower Design Australian Crystal Opal Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring 14K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ---------------------------------...
Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
The Saturn - Australian Opal & Diamond Tsavorite 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ------------------------------------...
Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Minimalist Pear-Shaped Australian Opal Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Minimalist Pear-Shaped Natural Australian Solid Opal Ring in 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Solid Opal & Tsavorite Garnet Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ----------------------------------...
Opal, Tsavorite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cat Solid Opal Moonstone & Diamond Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ------------------------------------...
Moonstone, Opal, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Beautiful Plum Blossom Sakura Solid Opal Diamond Stud Earrings 14k Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
We use 100% Natural & ethically sourced opal stones (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. --------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PROD...
Opal, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Classic Three Stone Australian Semi Black Opal Diamond Ring
Located in Suwanee, GA
Petite Australian Solid Opal Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal and Ruby Engagement Ring with Diamonds 14K Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ------------------------------------...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald & Opal Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
We use 100% Natural & Ethically opal stones (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...
Emerald, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Little Moon Australian Opal Necklace 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
We use 100% Natural & Ethically opal stones (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Petite Opal Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Petite Australian Solid Opal Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Beautiful Australian Opal Blossom Stud Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
We use 100% Natural & Ethical opal stones (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cross Pendant Australian Doublet Opal Necklace 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ------------------------------------...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Triangle Australian Doublet Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Dainty Minimalist Triangle Australian Doublet Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,230Sale Price|30% Off
Opal ring silver natural australian opal genuine solid opal engagement ring
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver ring with natural precious Opal Opal origin - Australia gemstone measurements 0.28 х 0.39 in / 7 х 10 mm ring weight - 7.4 grams ring size - 8 US ref No 2447 Worldwide shippi...
Opal, Silver
14k Gold Australian Solid White Opal Cabochon Earrings Dangle Teardrop
Located in SYDNEY, AU
- Stones: 2 x natural Australian solid white opals, total gem weight 0.8ct approx
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Solid 1.0ct White Opal Diamond Pendant 18k Yellow Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
- Stones: 1 x natural Australian solid white opal, estimated gem weight 1.0ct 3 x natural brilliant cut diamonds, total gem weight 0.06ct approx
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian 1.5ct Australian Solid Black Opal Lavaliere Pendant 9ct Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Stunning 9t gold antique opal pendant featuring an Australian solid black opal exhibiting lots of red, orange, yellow, blue, and green through the whole stone.
Black Opal, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold
Vintage Lightning Ridge Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond 18k Gold Ring
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Expertly crafted in solid 18ct yellow gold, this striking ring showcases a breathtaking Australian black opal from Lightning Ridge.
Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Loose Solid Opal of 7.50ct (18mm x 15mm). Lightning Ridge.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
TO U.S.A BUYERS: DON’T SWEAT ABOUT 15% TRUMP’S TARIFF - WE COVER IT BY GIVING YOU 15% DISCOUNT! This Australian Loose Solid Opal is of impressive 7.50ct (18mm x 15mm) of unusual ...
Opal
“Snow White’s Apple” Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond 18ct Gold Pendant
Located in SYDNEY, AU
- Stones : 1 x Natural Australian Solid Black Opal – 1.75ct (8.5mm) 2 x Natural Diamond - Metal : 18ct 18k 750 Solid Yellow Gold (Stamped) - Measurements : 17mm including bai...
Opal, Black Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Lightning Ridge Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond 18ct Gold Scallop Ring
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Beautifully handcrafted in solid 18ct yellow gold, this striking ring features a mesmerising Australian solid black opal from Lightning Ridge.
Opal, Black Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Lightning Ridge Australian Solid Black Opal & Baguette Diamond 18ct Gold Ring
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Expertly crafted in solid 18ct yellow gold, this striking ring features a breathtaking Australian solid black opal sourced from Lightning Ridge.
Opal, Black Opal, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Australian Loose Solid Opal of 7.50ct (27mm x 12mm). Lightning Ridge.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
TO U.S.A BUYERS: DON’T SWEAT ABOUT 15% TRUMP’S TARIFF - WE COVER IT BY GIVING YOU 15% DISCOUNT! This Australian Loose Solid Opal is of impressive 7.50ct (27mm x 12mm) from Lightn...
Opal
Vintage Australian 4ct Solid White Opal Diamond 18k Gold Teardrop Pendant
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Striking Australian solid white opal in cabochon cut teardrop shape, exhibiting dreamy orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet colour plays.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian .8ct Australian Solid Black Opal Lavaliere Pendant in 9ct Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Stunning 9t gold antique opal pendant featuring an Australian solid black opal exhibiting rolling flashes of firey red, orange, yellow, blue, and green.
Black Opal, Opal, 9k Gold, Gold
Vintage 18k Gold Electric Blue Green Solid Australian Boulder Opal Pendant
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A striking 18ct gold vintage pendant featuring a natural Australian solid boulder opal showcasing electric flashes of violent, blue, and green with touches of bright red, arranged in...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Australian Lightning Ridge Solid Black Opal Diamond 14k Gold Pendant Blue Green
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A brilliant-cut diamond set into the bail adds a subtle touch of sparkle, completing this sophisticated design that honours the enduring allure of fine Australian opal. Item Details...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Blue Green Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond 18k Gold Oval Pendant Charm
Located in SYDNEY, AU
- Stones: 1 x natural Australian solid black opal, estimated gem weight 0.6ct 1 x natural brilliant cut diamond, gem weight 0.03ct approx
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Violet Blue Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond 18k Gold Pendant Charm Triangle
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A beautiful triangle freeform shaped Australian solid black opal pendant with violet, light blue, and green play of colours, set in 18ct gold accented with a natural diamond.
Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
“Paradise Waves” Australian 1.7ct Solid Semi-Black Opal Pendant 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Item Details: - Stones : 1 x Natural Australian Semi Black (Dark) Opal – 1.70ct (10mm x 8mm) - Metal : 18ct 18k 750 Solid Yellow Gold (Stamped) - Measurements : 17mm including b...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Large 50ct Australian Solid Boulder Opal Sterling Silver Ring T / 9.5
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Striking and one of a kind, this vintage sterling silver ring showcases an impressive estimated 50-60ct Australian natural solid boulder opal. Displaying vivid flashes of pink, blue ...
Opal, Sterling Silver
Vintage Large 50ct Australian Solid Boulder Opal Sterling Silver Ring U / 10
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Striking and one of a kind, this vintage sterling silver ring showcases an impressive estimated 50-60ct Australian natural solid boulder opal. Displaying vivid flashes of pink, blue ...
Opal, Sterling Silver
"Butterfly Wing" 4.10ct Australian Solid Black Opal 9ct Gold Ring Blue Green
Located in SYDNEY, AU
- Stones : 1 x natural Australian solid black opal (17.5mm x 9.3mm, 4.10ct) - Metal : 9ct 9k 375 Solid Yellow Gold (Stamped) - Ring Size : P (AU/UK size), 7.75 (US/CA size) - Wi...
Opal, Black Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Australian Loose Solid Oval Opal of 5.00ct (17mm x 11mm). Lightning Ridge.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
TO U.S.A BUYERS: DON’T SWEAT ABOUT 15% TRUMP’S TARIFF - WE COVER IT BY GIVING YOU 15% DISCOUNT! This Australian Loose Solid Opal is of impressive 5.00ct (17mm x 11mm) from Lightn...
Opal
Teal Blue Green Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond 18k Gold Bypass Ring
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Item Details: - Stone: 1 x natural solid Australian opal, gem weight 0.43ct approx. 4 x natural diamonds, total gem weight 0.1ct approx
Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
"Little Planet" Solid Australian Blue Green Boulder Opal Pendant in 14k Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Item Details: - Stones: 1 x natural solid Australian boulder opal, gem weight 4ct approx
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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...
Crystal, Opal
Bright Red Blue Green Solid 7ct Australian Boulder Opal Pendant 14k Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
An incredibly beautiful Australian solid boulder opal pendant with red, orange, yellow, blue and green play of colours
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
18K White Gold Blue Green Solid Australian Black Crystal Opal Diamond Pendant
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This stunning pendant features a cabochon cut, natural solid Australian opal. Weighing 0.62ct, the opal displays amazing colours of blue and green with slight dash of red.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Triangle Australian Solid White Opal & Diamond Ring in 9ct Rose Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This one-of-a-kind vintage opal ring was crafted in 9ct rose gold and set with a large 3.15ct, triangle cut top quality Australian solid white opal that exhibits red, orange, yellow,...
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
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).