Australian Solid Crystal Jelly Opal Diamond 18ct Gold Pendant Green Violet Blue
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Item Details: - Stones : 1 x Natural Australian Crystal Opal 1.70ct (9.8mm x 8mm) 1 x Natural Diamond - Metal : 18ct 18k 750 Solid Yellow Gold (Stamped) - Measurements : 17mm ...
Opal, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Australian Solid Crystal Opal Diamond 18k Gold Ring Bright Green Blue
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A beautiful vintage ring crafted in 18ct yellow gold, featuring a natural Australian solid crystal opal at its centre. The opal displays electric flashes of bright green and blue, cr...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Solid Australian Black Opal & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size K / 5
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Item Details: – Stone: - 1 x natural Australian solid black opal (5mm x 4.2mm approx.), gem weight 0.3ct estimated
Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond 18k Gold Ring Royal Blue Size L / 5.75
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Item Details – Stones: 1 x natural Australian solid black opal, gem weight 0.2ct approx. 2 x natural brilliant cut diamonds, total gem weight 0.02ct approx
Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Solid 1.1ct Australian White Opal 14k Gold Drop Earrings Pink Blue Cabochon Cut
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Item Details: - Stones: 2 x natural Australian solid white opals (8mm x 6mm), total gem weight 1.1ct approx
Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Australian Solid Crystal Opal Diamond Flower Cluster Ring in 10K Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This stunning ornate design vintage opal ring is set with six beautiful and bright pear-shaped Australian solid crystal opals in an asymmetrical flower shape, accented with a row of ...
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Solid Black Opal Domed Signet Ring 9ct Rose Gold Size S / 9.25
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Astonishing 9ct rose gold signet ring featuring an Australian solid black opal displaying vibrant blue, violet, and green hues.
Black Opal, Opal, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Vintage Large 4.35ct Australian Solid White Opal 10K Gold Cocktail Ring O / 7
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Item Details: – Stone: 1 x natural solid Australian white opal (15mm x 13mm approx.), gem weight 4.35ct estimated
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Gold Lightning Ridge Australian Solid Black Opal & Diamond Bow Ring O / 7
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Super cute 18ct gold ring featuring a petite, solid Australian Lightning Ridge black opal displaying vivid blue and green colours, to sparkling diamonds on the sides in bow-shaped se...
Opal, Black Opal, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Pastel Blue Pink Green Solid 13ct Australian Boulder Opal Pendant in 14k Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Set in 14ct gold, this wonderful freeform Australian solid boulder opal displays a dreamy rainbow colours that flow beautifully on the pastel blue background.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage Australian Solid Crystal Opal Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size L / 5.5
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Stunning 14ct gold vintage ring featuring a solid natural Australian crystal opal displaying vivid green and blue colours with slight red hue, accented with four sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid Australian Blue Green Boulder Opal Diamond Oval Halo Ring 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
– Stones: 1 x natural Australian boulder opal, gem weight 3.24ct 30 x natural diamonds, clarity “VS1-SI”, colour “G”, total gem weight 0.48ct – Size: M (AU/UK), 6 1/4 (US/CA) (Re...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.00ct Solid Australian Oval Opal & Sapphire Halo Dress Ring in 18K Yellow Gold.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Of delightful double halo sun-like design, this vintage dress ring features a Solid Australian Opal of oval shape, measuring 10mm x 7.5mm – 1.00ct approx.
Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.50ct Solid Australian Oval Opal & Diamond Cluster Halo Dress Ring in 14K Gold
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Of magnificent double halo design, this vintage ring features a Solid Australian Opal of cabochon cut, of oval shape measuring 9mm x 7mm - approx. 1.50ct of high dome, displayi...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Australian Solid 1ct White Opal Solitaire Stud Earrings in 14ct Gold 8mm x 6mm
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Exquisite 14ct yellow gold stud earrings featuring premium Australian solid white opals, each measuring 8mm x 6mm with a total carat weight of approximately 1ct.
Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Solid Australian Opal Modernist Design 18K Gold Chunky Ring V1118
Located in Osprey, FL
This captivating 18K gold chunky ring features a modernist design in a hand-carved organic style, set with a solid Australian opal and brilliant diamonds in bezel setting.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian´s Lightning Ridge Dark Solid Opal and Diamond Pendant
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Australian´s Lightning Ridge Dark Opal and Diamond Pendant mounted in 18 Karat Gold. First Quarter 20th Century. Quite noticeable approx. near 1-inch long, a many-splendored gemsto...
Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage 2.0ct Large Oval Australian Solid White Opal 9ct Gold Ring Size O / 7
Located in SYDNEY, AU
- Stone: 1 x natural solid Australian white opal (14.5mm x 7.5mm) - gem weight 2ct
Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Australian Solid 1ct Black Opal Signet Ring 14K Gold Blue Green Size M.5 / 6.5
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Item Details: – Stone: 1 x natural solid Australian opal, gem weight 1ct approx. – Size: M 1/2 (AU/UK), 6 1/2 (US/CA) – Metal: 14ct 14kt 585 Solid Yellow Gold (Stamped) – Width: ...
Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
2.54ct Solid Australian Opal with Diamond Halo Ring Platinum 6g+ V1160
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 2.54ct Solid Australian Opal with Diamond Halo Ring Platinum 6g+ V1160 ♥ The item measures 18.4mm in length (North South direction), 13.9mm in width (East West direction), and stan...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Art Nouveau 2.25 Ct Solid Australian Opal Diamond Tiara Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
1895 The New Art was born in Paris Art Nouveau jewellery was a short-lived period of design that focused on women and nature and was worn by only select members of society It only la...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Solid Australian Opal Organic Flower Ring Pendant Conversion 18K Gold ~11g
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Solid Australian Opal Organic Flower Ring Pendant Conversion 18K Gold ~11g ♥ The design measures 27.7mm in length (North South direction), 30.5mm in width (East West direction), an...
Opal, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
14K Gold Solid Australian Opal Tropical Fish Pendant Bright Red Flashes V1063
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 14K Gold Solid Australian Opal Tropical Fish Pendant Bright Red Flashes Heavy 12.5g V1063 ♥Material: 14k yellow gold; 12.5g, ♥Measurements: Pendant measures 2" in length or 49.8m...
Opal, 14k Gold
27.00 Carat Natural Australian Opal 14 Karat Solid Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
27.00Ct Natural Australian Opal 14K Solid Yellow Gold Necklace Amazing looking piece!
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Black Opal and Diamond Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Australian Black Opal and Diamond Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.20ct Natural Australian Opal and Diamond 14k Solid White Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
4.20 Carats Natural Impressive Australian Opal and Diamond 14K Solid White Gold Ring Suggested Replacement Value: $6,300.00 Total Natural Opal Weight is: Approx. 3.00 Carats Opa...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,880Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Antique Australian Opal 14K Pendant Natural Vintage Necklace Solid Gold Fine
Located in Sylvania, GA
Old South Jewels proudly presents GIA CERTIFIED ANTIQUE AUSTRALIAN OPAL VINTAGE 14K SOLID GOLD PENDANT! BEAUTIFUL NATURAL SOLID OPAL.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Olive Leaf Opal & Diamond Necklace
Located in Suwanee, GA
We use 100% Natural & Ethically opal stones (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. --------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PRODUCT Solid ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian 15ct Large Boulder Opal Pendant Gold Over 999 Silver
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Item Details: - Stones: 1 x natural solid Australian Queensland boulder opal, gem weight 15ct approx
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
7.00 Carats Natural Australian Opal and Diamond 14K Solid Rose Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
7.00 Carats Natural Impressive Australian Opal and Diamond 14K Solid Rose Gold Ring Amazing play of colors opal.
Diamond, Opal, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
9.10 Ct Natural Impressive Australian Opal & Diamond 14K Solid Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
9.10 Carats Natural Impressive Australian Opal and Diamond 14K Solid Yellow Gold Ring The opal has beautiful fire, pictures don't show the whole beauty of the opal!
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
7.00 Ct Natural Impressive Australian Opal & Diamond 14K Solid Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
7.00 Carats Natural Impressive Australian Opal and Diamond 14K Solid Yellow Gold Ring The opal has beautiful fire, pictures don't show the whole beauty of the opal!
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Flower Design Pink Spinel & Opal and Diamond Ring 14K Yellow Gold
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
Antique Edwardian 1.6ct Australian Black Opal Lavaliere Pendant in 9ct Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Item Details: - Stones : 1 x Australian Natural Solid Black Opal “Doublet” (approx. 12mm x 9.5mm x 2.5mm, 1.6ct estimated).
Black Opal, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold
Sky Blue Green Australian Boulder Opal Pendant 14k Gold Bezel Set
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Item Details: - Stone: 1 x Australian Natural Solid Boulder Opal, gem weight 2.2ct approx
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
8.60 Ct Natural Impressive Australian Opal and Diamond 14K Solid Rose Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
8.60 Carats Natural Impressive Australian Opal and Diamond 14K Solid Rose Gold Ring The opal has beautiful fire, pictures don't show the whole beauty of the opal!
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Heart-Shape Solid Australian Crystal Opal Bezel Set Necklace 14K Rose Gold R4139
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Heart-shape Solid Australian Crystal Opal Bezel Set Necklace 14K Rose Gold Pendant ♥ Solid 14k rose gold pendant set with a beautiful -shaped ♥ Gorgeous color!
Crystal, Opal, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
$6,202Sale Price|35% Off
Boulder Opal 18K Yellow Gold Necklace Australian natural opal drop pendant
Located in Berlin, DE
This refined pendant features a natural Australian Boulder Opal set in solid 18K gold, highlighting the organic beauty and depth of the gemstone.
Opal, Yellow Gold
6.80 Ct Natural Impressive Australian Opal and Diamond 14K Solid Rose Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
6.80 Carats Natural Impressive Australian Opal and Diamond 14K Solid Rose Gold Ring Amazing play of colors opal.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
7.30 Ct Natural Impressive Australian Opal and Diamond 14 Karat Solid Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
7.30 Carats Natural Impressive Australian Opal and Diamond 14K Solid Rose Gold Ring Amazing play of colors opal.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
5.85 Ct Natural Impressive Australian Opal and Diamond 14 Karat Solid Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
5.85 Carats Natural Impressive Australian Opal and Diamond 14K Solid Rose Gold Ring Amazing play of colors opal.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Vintage Large 17ct Australian Boulder Opal Pendant in Gold Over Sterling Silver
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This striking pendant showcases a premium, large 17-carat solid Australian boulder opal, alive with astonishing colour play of vivid pink, blue, green, and yellow.
Opal, Sterling Silver
14k Gold Vintage Art Deco Style Australian Black Opal Triplet Pendant
Located in SYDNEY, AU
- Stones: 1 x natural Australian opal triplet - Metal: Solid 14ct 14kt 585 Yellow Gold (Stamped) - Measurements: 25mm long including bail x 16mm wide - Weight: 1.38 gram - SKU:...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Crystal Opal Diamond 9ct Gold Heart Pendant Flush Gypsy Set
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This charming 9ct gold heart pendant is adorned with ten natural Australian Coober Pedy solid crystal opals that display a breathtaking rainbow play of colour — vivid flashes of red,...
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
2.82ct Solid Australian Opal on Vintage Lace Band Bridal Ring Set 14k Gold R6495
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
This bright and colorful Australian Opal gemstone is paired with a vintage-inspired lace band, creating a beautiful contrast and adding an elegant touch to the piece. ♥ The overall...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Edwardian 2.2ct Australian Semi-Black Opal Lavaliere Pendant in 9ct Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Stunning 9t gold antique opal pendant featuring an Australian solid semi-black opal exhibiting red, orange, yellow, green, and blue rainbow colours through the whole stone.
Opal, 9k Gold, Gold
'Lightning Storm' Violet Blue Australian Black Opal Diamond Pendant in 9ct White
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Item Details: – Stones: 1 x natural solid Australian black opal, gem weight 2.22ct 6 x natural diamonds, clarity “VS”, colour “G”, total gem weight 0.05ct – Metal: Solid 9ct White...
Diamond, Black Opal, 9k Gold, White Gold
“Art Deco Temple” Australian Semi-Black Crystal Opal Diamond Pendant 18ct Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
At its centre, a 0.75ct solid Australian semi-black crystal opal displays a captivating play of green, blue, and purple, accented by luminous flashes of yellow and a subtle red under...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage Australian Boulder Opal Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Bypass Ring Size N / 6.5
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A stunning 14ct yellow gold bypass ring featuring a beautiful natural Australian solid boulder opal with vivid blue and green play of colours.
Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
14K Gold Cross Pendant Necklace, Australian Opal Doublet
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, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
12.30 Ct Australian Opal Diamond Large Solitaire ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Impressive Opal and Diamond ring, 1960 ca Exquisitely hand crafted of solid 18 KT white gold in a classy solitaire design with Diamond complement on shoulders The large Natural solid...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Certified 10.74 Carats Black Australian Opal ''Lightening Ridge'' Exclusive Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Expertly set in an exclusive, high-jewelry mounting designed to maximize its imposing presence, this investment-grade ring balances raw natural wonder with sophisticated luxury. Soli...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Genuine Australian Lightning Ridge Opal 18K Diamond Beaded Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
This beauty includes: • The finest dark base Australian Lightning Ridge opals • 18k solid gold diamond clasp • 14k solid gold sparkling beads • Methiciously hand knotted Please ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Australian Black Opal Ring 14k Gold Round Bezel Set Split Shank 6 / L.5
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This elegant ring features a striking round Australian solid black opal of approximately 1.0ct, its cabochon cut revealing a mesmerizing play of vivid blue and green hues that shimme...
Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Yellow Gold Ring and Australian Coober Pedy Opal
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18 kt yellow gold ring with a magnificent oval cabochon solid Australian Crystal Opal weight 9,94 carats from Coober Pedy mines area .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Blue Pink Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold satin finishing earrings with four bezel-set light blue pink Australian solid boulder opals weight 14,5 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Dalben Blue Green Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold satin finishing earrings with four bezel-set blue green Australian solid boulder opals weight 8,33 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Australian Boulder Opal 22 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
Australian Boulder Opal and solid 22k hand forged yellow gold solitaire cocktail ring with a split shank design.
Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Black Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring PT900 Heavy 14g+ V1149
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ This is a gorgeous cluster ring set with five unique Australian opals and sparkly diamond accents. ♥ The item measures 33.9mm in length (North South direction), 20.4mm in width (Ea...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Genuine Estate Australian Coober Pedy Opal 14K Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
This beauty includes: • The finest colorful Australian Lightning Ridge opals • 14k solid gold diamond clasp • Methiciously hand knotted Will be shipped in a luxurious gift box ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k 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).